Meath East TD Regina Doherty today (21st June) congratulates Moynalty, County Meath for winning Irelands Best Kept Town award. The announcement was made at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park Dublin by Minister of State at the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Fergus O’Dowd.
Deputy Doherty states “An award like this is testament to the pride that the people of Moynalty have in their town. It is a great achievement that will make the town more attractive for all in the community and indeed visitors to enjoy. ”
As well as winning the overall award for being Ireland’s best kept town, Moynalty was also awarded the Best Kept Village category. These awards are highly sought after and are a step up from the Tidy Towns competitions that have been running for the past number of years. To qualify for the Best Kept Town competition the town must have done very well in their Tidy Towns competition, which are judged on cleanliness, the outward appearance of buildings, the presentation of roads and public facilitles and the natural environment
“The Tidy Towns competition have, for years served as a platform for households, shops, schools and other groups in the community to come together and take part in an event that will benefit all residents. Receiving this award can only encourage the residents of Moynalty to keep the town looking as good as it does now. I want to congratulate all those who took part and put in such a great effort to win this award, it is a wonderful achievement.”
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Doherty welcomes €367,000 in funding for Meath improvement works
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed funding of €367,000 for road improvement works across Co Meath which has been approved by the Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar.
“This funding of €367,000 will be used for a range of projects that should make a positive difference to local people in towns and villages across Co Meath, such as pedestrian crossings, cycle routes and improvements to footpaths.
“Most of the works will focus on improving pedestrian routes, which should help to encourage local people to get out and about and walk to work, school and the shops. Cyclists will also benefit from an improvement to routes. For example in Enfield €39,000 is being provided to upgrade footpaths and cycle routes, while in Slane €30,000 will be spent on improving the school pedestrian crossing.
“This funding is being made available as part of the Government’s recent Jobs Initiative, which includes allocations totalling €75 million for shovel-ready transport projects with the aim of supporting 1,000 jobs.”
“This funding of €367,000 will be used for a range of projects that should make a positive difference to local people in towns and villages across Co Meath, such as pedestrian crossings, cycle routes and improvements to footpaths.
“Most of the works will focus on improving pedestrian routes, which should help to encourage local people to get out and about and walk to work, school and the shops. Cyclists will also benefit from an improvement to routes. For example in Enfield €39,000 is being provided to upgrade footpaths and cycle routes, while in Slane €30,000 will be spent on improving the school pedestrian crossing.
“This funding is being made available as part of the Government’s recent Jobs Initiative, which includes allocations totalling €75 million for shovel-ready transport projects with the aim of supporting 1,000 jobs.”
Thursday, June 02, 2011
‘Bulk Drink Promotions a Disgrace’ - Doherty
Regina Doherty TD has today criticised alcohol promotions especially in the lead up to this June Bank Holiday weekend. This statement follows revelations that a large supermarket chain are selling trays of 24 cans of beer for €24.
Doherty is hugely critical of this type of promotion on alcohol as she believes that the price at which you can buy this alcohol will lead to over consumption, health and mental problems, an increase in anti-social behaviour and directly increase drink related criminal activity. This blatant below cost selling and under-cutting of pricing is adversely affecting independent off-licences and the pub industry resulting in more people joining the dole queues.
Speaking today Regina says “It is not my intention to be a kill-joy in any way as I enjoy a social drink as much as the next gal but I wholeheartedly believe that as a country we have gone from being able to have a sociable drink at the weekends to this type of anti-social drinking. These types of promotions are encouraging and enabling people to buy in bulk for increased consumption at home.”
“I completely understand that in the harsh economic times we are facing people do not have the disposable income to go to the pub every weekend but I do believe that large chains of supermarkets are exploiting this for their own economic benefit and I myself find that abhorrent. I think any retailer selling alcohol (independent off-licence or large supermarket) has a duty to their customers to act in a responsible manner when it comes to the sale and promotion of alcohol and I believe that the cut-price promotions like the ones available this week are completely irresponsible. ”
I believe that the government owes it to the people of Ireland to introduce stricter policy to deal with the cut-price sale of alcohol.
“If the same bulk promotion applied to the sale of cigarettes in large supermarkets I guarantee the general public would be disgusted and up in arms. Why can’t we have the same ban on the promotion of alcohol? The health problems related to over consumption of alcohol are just as serious as those related to smoking and we are ignoring it.”
Another issue highlighted by Deputy Doherty are the licencing fees paid by those independent off-licences versus the larger multiples. Licencing fees for Joe Blogs in a small town are the same price as the licencing fees for those larger supermarkets. Doherty believes that this needs to be tackled by Government.
“The fact that larger supermarkets are paying the same price as the independent retailer is disgraceful. I propose that licencing fees should be based on the volume of sales and the revenue generated by this increase in fees should be ring-fenced and spent on those issues resulting from the over-consumption of alcohol. Mental health issues, domestic violence (towards both men and women) alcohol awareness & addiction programmes are all area in dire need of funding and I believe increased fees could assist in their efforts.
There is a litany of alcohol related diseases and we are spending hundreds of thousands of euro in medical care every year to deal with the effects of alcohol, and yet we still allow promotions like this. What sense does it make? It is like continuously pouring water into a bucket with a hole at the bottom-a futile exercise if we do not try and tackle the source of the issue!”
“I am serious about tackling this issue. Today I have made a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority under section 7.1, 7.7 and 7.8 of their guideline charter. As a government, we need to work to say goodbye to these type drink promotions for the good of our health, for the pub and independent off-licence industry. ”
Doherty is hugely critical of this type of promotion on alcohol as she believes that the price at which you can buy this alcohol will lead to over consumption, health and mental problems, an increase in anti-social behaviour and directly increase drink related criminal activity. This blatant below cost selling and under-cutting of pricing is adversely affecting independent off-licences and the pub industry resulting in more people joining the dole queues.
Speaking today Regina says “It is not my intention to be a kill-joy in any way as I enjoy a social drink as much as the next gal but I wholeheartedly believe that as a country we have gone from being able to have a sociable drink at the weekends to this type of anti-social drinking. These types of promotions are encouraging and enabling people to buy in bulk for increased consumption at home.”
“I completely understand that in the harsh economic times we are facing people do not have the disposable income to go to the pub every weekend but I do believe that large chains of supermarkets are exploiting this for their own economic benefit and I myself find that abhorrent. I think any retailer selling alcohol (independent off-licence or large supermarket) has a duty to their customers to act in a responsible manner when it comes to the sale and promotion of alcohol and I believe that the cut-price promotions like the ones available this week are completely irresponsible. ”
I believe that the government owes it to the people of Ireland to introduce stricter policy to deal with the cut-price sale of alcohol.
“If the same bulk promotion applied to the sale of cigarettes in large supermarkets I guarantee the general public would be disgusted and up in arms. Why can’t we have the same ban on the promotion of alcohol? The health problems related to over consumption of alcohol are just as serious as those related to smoking and we are ignoring it.”
Another issue highlighted by Deputy Doherty are the licencing fees paid by those independent off-licences versus the larger multiples. Licencing fees for Joe Blogs in a small town are the same price as the licencing fees for those larger supermarkets. Doherty believes that this needs to be tackled by Government.
“The fact that larger supermarkets are paying the same price as the independent retailer is disgraceful. I propose that licencing fees should be based on the volume of sales and the revenue generated by this increase in fees should be ring-fenced and spent on those issues resulting from the over-consumption of alcohol. Mental health issues, domestic violence (towards both men and women) alcohol awareness & addiction programmes are all area in dire need of funding and I believe increased fees could assist in their efforts.
There is a litany of alcohol related diseases and we are spending hundreds of thousands of euro in medical care every year to deal with the effects of alcohol, and yet we still allow promotions like this. What sense does it make? It is like continuously pouring water into a bucket with a hole at the bottom-a futile exercise if we do not try and tackle the source of the issue!”
“I am serious about tackling this issue. Today I have made a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority under section 7.1, 7.7 and 7.8 of their guideline charter. As a government, we need to work to say goodbye to these type drink promotions for the good of our health, for the pub and independent off-licence industry. ”
Inter Trade Ireland Business Ambassadors event
Picture of Meath TD's Regina Doherty, Dominic Hannigan, Damien English and Ray Butler at the Inter Trade Ireland Business Ambassadors event at Mansion House in Dublin.
The event was to to highlight the achievements of Small and Medium Enterprises throughout Ireland. In attendance were representatives from a number of Meath companies, including Carton Brothers from Clonee, Chieftain Fabrics from Trim, Shanette Sheds from Kilbeggan and Skyway SAE from Kells.
The event was to to highlight the achievements of Small and Medium Enterprises throughout Ireland. In attendance were representatives from a number of Meath companies, including Carton Brothers from Clonee, Chieftain Fabrics from Trim, Shanette Sheds from Kilbeggan and Skyway SAE from Kells.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Nokia Comes to Navan-Positive move says Doherty
The Nokia Care Point (Kennedy Place) in Navan officially opened its doors for business on Tuesday (17th) of this week and Deputy Regina Doherty (Meath East) was the ribbon cutter on the evening. Deputy Doherty was honoured to be invited by Michael Gibson and his wife Aisling to open their new business venture.
The store opening is a result of the hard work and dedication of Michael Gibson and the very positive business reputation that precedes him. The contract for this type of store in the Meath/Louth Area was put out to tender and after much consideration was awarded to Michael based on this previous business experience. Nokia Care Navan is the only fully accredited and approved Nokia Care & Repair Store in North Dublin/Meath/Louth Area.
Deputy Doherty admires the business confidence and entrepreneurial skills of Michael and the hard work he has put into the store so far. Doherty believes he has great support behind him and wishes him every success and best wish for his new venture.
“The attendance of the Head of Nokia in Ireland and the Nokia UK to the opening of The Nokia Care Point is testament to the belief and confidence that Nokia have in Michael Gibson and his new venture.”
As well as a positive business move for Michael and his family there is good news for employment in the area. The Nokia Care Point has been approved for the FÁS Work Placement Programme with the business initially being approved to take on a trainee. This programme is likely to lead to full-time employment when the store is fully up and running.
“With the governments focus on job creation the opening of Nokia Care Point Navan is a very positive step in the right direction for this Meath Town. I, as a member of the Fine Gael party during General Election promised to support small businesses and individuals like Michael Gibson who show the entrepreneurial drive and I as a member of Fine Gael in Government am committed to delivering on this promise. “
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Changes to the grant system will mean less stress for students
New measures will result in less financial pressure on students and their families.
Third level students can at last look forward to a more efficient and student friendly grant system which will relieve financial pressure on them and their families, Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty has stated today (Thursday). This announcement follows confirmation from the Department of Education that a single grant awarding authority will be established in 2012.
“As soon as the Leaving Cert results are out there are numerous enquiries from families of students and the students themselves attending third level regarding the grant system and how they might access it? When a student establishes if they are entitled to grants they can, in some instances, be waiting a full term to receive their grant payments due to delays in the process. This delay completely nullifies the purpose behind the grant system in my opinion.”
“Under the current system, the assessment and payment of third level education grants is a matter for local VECs, of which there are 66 around the country. This means that the timing of payments varies widely between all 66 VECs, and depends on issues such as volume of applications and staffing resources.
The Minister for Education, Rurai Quinn, has announced that he will move ahead with plans to introduce a single grant awarding authority from 2012 onwards. The City of Dublin VEC will be designated as the single grant awarding authority. This change will operate on a transitional basis accepting all new applications from 2012/2013 academic year. The 66 awarding bodies currently in operation will continue to process grants for 2011/2012 academic year.
It is envisaged by the Department of Education, that in the next few years that there will be one grant awarding body, all students will be able to apply online for maintenance grants and the current system of collecting grant cheques will be abolished with the monies being transferred directly into student bank accounts.
“The proposed changes to the grant system are very welcome. It is of the utmost importance that we make third level education as accessible to as many young adults as possible and making the grant system more streamlined and easier to navigate is one element of this.”
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
New laws will speed up investigations into white collar crime
New laws being brought forward by the Government will help speed up investigations into white collar crime and bring those guilty of banking offences to justice, according to Fine Gael Meath East TD Regina Doherty.
“The public has been left bewildered and frustrated over the last few years over the length of time it’s taking to bring white collar criminals before the courts. We have seen our economy crippled by reckless actions, and yet it seems no one is being held responsible. People have understandably felt that those people behind the crimes are untouchable. We are determined to put an end to that situation.
“Fine Gael has long been calling for reforms in this area, and now in Government we are delivering on our pre-election promises. The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter last week published a Bill that will give the Gardaí greater powers and help to quicken the pace of current and future investigations. The proposals target a range of complex and serious offences, including crimes in the areas of banking and finance, corruption, money laundering and cybercrime.
“The powers of investigation of the Gardaí will be strengthened on a number of fronts. New procedures will make it easier for officers to gain access to the documents and information they need to bring forward successful prosecutions. A new offence relating to the withholding of information means people will be compelled to co-operate with the Gardaí. A changed approach to detention periods will make it possible for a suspect’s detention to be suspended, so further investigations can be carried out.
“These measures are badly needed, and the speed with which they are being brought forward is proof of the high priority this Government is giving to tackling the issue of white collar crime. I am confident that this Bill will greatly aid the Gardaí in the course of their investigations, and will ultimately lead to white collar criminals facing the full rigours of the law.”
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Doherty Welcomes Summer Works Additions
Deputy Regina Doherty today welcomes the announcement of additions to the School Summer Works Programme 2011.
Earlier this year it was announced that the Summer Works programme funding would be confined to the categories of Gas, Electrical and Mechanical works; However with yesterday’s Jobs Initiative announcement came more positive news regarding the Programme. It was announced that a further €30 million is being made available to schools in Ireland to improve facilities for our children.
There are four additional categories that are to be included in the Works Programme 2011, these include projects to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils, toilet facilities, roof works and window projects.
Doherty believes ‘This is great news for the schools in Ireland and moreover for the 15 schools in Meath that are to benefit from this funding.’
Another positive element to this announcement is that the responsibility for procurement of building & contractor services falls in the hands of the school authorities. This hopefully will mean that local business and contractors will benefit from the funding. Deputy Regina Doherty believes that this will have a positive domino effect.
‘There is no question that the pupils that attend the schools will benefit from this funding, whether they know it or not; but the fact that the school authorities have the discretion to put the project out to tender for local businesses to bid and benefit from is a really positive move. It means that the whole community can benefit.’
‘I would urge local contractors to keep their eyes and ears open for the possibility of bidding for a School Summer Works Programme contract’
Earlier this year it was announced that the Summer Works programme funding would be confined to the categories of Gas, Electrical and Mechanical works; However with yesterday’s Jobs Initiative announcement came more positive news regarding the Programme. It was announced that a further €30 million is being made available to schools in Ireland to improve facilities for our children.
There are four additional categories that are to be included in the Works Programme 2011, these include projects to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils, toilet facilities, roof works and window projects.
Doherty believes ‘This is great news for the schools in Ireland and moreover for the 15 schools in Meath that are to benefit from this funding.’
Another positive element to this announcement is that the responsibility for procurement of building & contractor services falls in the hands of the school authorities. This hopefully will mean that local business and contractors will benefit from the funding. Deputy Regina Doherty believes that this will have a positive domino effect.
‘There is no question that the pupils that attend the schools will benefit from this funding, whether they know it or not; but the fact that the school authorities have the discretion to put the project out to tender for local businesses to bid and benefit from is a really positive move. It means that the whole community can benefit.’
‘I would urge local contractors to keep their eyes and ears open for the possibility of bidding for a School Summer Works Programme contract’
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Fine Gael Serious about Road Improvements - Regina Doherty TD
It has been announced today, as part of the Job’s Initiative that County Councils are being provided with an additional €60 million for a Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme.
Deputy Regina Doherty welcomes this investment as it will mean improved roads and job creation. Under this Programme, County Councils have submitted a 3 year programme (period 2011-2013) identifying roads most in need of improvement in their area. This Programme aims to improve approximately 650km of regional and local roads throughout the country.
With today’s announcement comes great news for Meath as the Meath County Council has been granted over €2.3million in additional funding for road improvements. This increases the road improvement fund to over €6million. With roads like the R194 in Moynalty & R125-0 in Clonee among the roads cited under the programme for improvement, this is really great news.
‘For a time now, residents in towns and rural areas in Meath have been complaining about road conditions in their area and with good reason. The bad weather over the winter months really exasperated the situation leaving many roads nearly impassable. The County Council have been doing their utmost within their constraints to keep the roads in good condition but unfortunately in some places these efforts are not reflected. This announcement today will mean that road improvements scheduled for 2012 can now be brought forward and commenced in 2011.’
A list of roads to be improved under this programme is available from the Dept. of Transport, however this is a provisional list and there will scope for Meath County Council to prioritise the roads most in need of immediate improvement. One thing for certain is that for residents of rural areas that have been putting up with sub-standard road conditions this will be welcome news.
Further good news comes with this announcement as it is estimated by Minister of Transport, Leo Varadkar that somewhere in the region of 1,000 jobs will be created through this €60million investment Programme.
‘Positive news is always welcome and in the current difficult economic climate we are in, job creation and improved safer roads is a double bounce’ says Deputy Doherty.
Deputy Regina Doherty welcomes this investment as it will mean improved roads and job creation. Under this Programme, County Councils have submitted a 3 year programme (period 2011-2013) identifying roads most in need of improvement in their area. This Programme aims to improve approximately 650km of regional and local roads throughout the country.
With today’s announcement comes great news for Meath as the Meath County Council has been granted over €2.3million in additional funding for road improvements. This increases the road improvement fund to over €6million. With roads like the R194 in Moynalty & R125-0 in Clonee among the roads cited under the programme for improvement, this is really great news.
‘For a time now, residents in towns and rural areas in Meath have been complaining about road conditions in their area and with good reason. The bad weather over the winter months really exasperated the situation leaving many roads nearly impassable. The County Council have been doing their utmost within their constraints to keep the roads in good condition but unfortunately in some places these efforts are not reflected. This announcement today will mean that road improvements scheduled for 2012 can now be brought forward and commenced in 2011.’
A list of roads to be improved under this programme is available from the Dept. of Transport, however this is a provisional list and there will scope for Meath County Council to prioritise the roads most in need of immediate improvement. One thing for certain is that for residents of rural areas that have been putting up with sub-standard road conditions this will be welcome news.
Further good news comes with this announcement as it is estimated by Minister of Transport, Leo Varadkar that somewhere in the region of 1,000 jobs will be created through this €60million investment Programme.
‘Positive news is always welcome and in the current difficult economic climate we are in, job creation and improved safer roads is a double bounce’ says Deputy Doherty.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Government delivers on new politics promise with latest reform announcement – Regina Doherty TD
The Government is continuing to prove that it means business when it comes to real political reform, following the announcement of further measures by the Minister for the Environment, according to Fine Gael Meath East TD Regina Doherty.
“Minister Phil Hogan has today (Wednesday) announced a further series of tangible reforms, as promised under the Programme for Government, which will totally overhaul how our political system works.
“These measures are radical and wide-reaching. Firstly, the Government will change the terms of the Constituency Commission, which will ultimately result in a reduction in the number of TDs. A Constituency Commission is due to be established once the recent Census results are published in June. That Commission will report within three months of the publication of final census results in 2012.
“Secondly, the days of the Government playing political football by deliberately delaying bye-elections will become a thing of the past. We witnessed the ridiculous situation last year when the previous Fianna Fail Government put off the holding of the Donegal South West bye-election by almost a year and a half. Every citizen in this country deserves to be fairly represented. Today, the Government is committing to introducing legislation which will guarantee all bye-elections are held within six months of a vacancy arising.
“And thirdly, the Government plans to reduce the spending limits for the presidential election by more than €500,000. It will be cut from €1.3 million to €750,000 and the amount candidates can be reimbursed for expenses is being slashed by €60,000 to €200,000.
“As Minister Hogan stated earlier, these measures are further evidence that this Government is determined to lead from the top, by delivering real change for the benefit of all citizens. The reforms will result in a leaner, more efficient political system.
“Today’s announcement follows on from a number of other reforms already introduced by the Government. As soon as it took office, the Government reduced the pay of the Taoiseach and Ministers, and removed the automatic entitlement to State cars and drivers. Work is already underway on a referendum to propose the abolition of the Seanad. The Government is clearly starting as it means to go on.”
“Minister Phil Hogan has today (Wednesday) announced a further series of tangible reforms, as promised under the Programme for Government, which will totally overhaul how our political system works.
“These measures are radical and wide-reaching. Firstly, the Government will change the terms of the Constituency Commission, which will ultimately result in a reduction in the number of TDs. A Constituency Commission is due to be established once the recent Census results are published in June. That Commission will report within three months of the publication of final census results in 2012.
“Secondly, the days of the Government playing political football by deliberately delaying bye-elections will become a thing of the past. We witnessed the ridiculous situation last year when the previous Fianna Fail Government put off the holding of the Donegal South West bye-election by almost a year and a half. Every citizen in this country deserves to be fairly represented. Today, the Government is committing to introducing legislation which will guarantee all bye-elections are held within six months of a vacancy arising.
“And thirdly, the Government plans to reduce the spending limits for the presidential election by more than €500,000. It will be cut from €1.3 million to €750,000 and the amount candidates can be reimbursed for expenses is being slashed by €60,000 to €200,000.
“As Minister Hogan stated earlier, these measures are further evidence that this Government is determined to lead from the top, by delivering real change for the benefit of all citizens. The reforms will result in a leaner, more efficient political system.
“Today’s announcement follows on from a number of other reforms already introduced by the Government. As soon as it took office, the Government reduced the pay of the Taoiseach and Ministers, and removed the automatic entitlement to State cars and drivers. Work is already underway on a referendum to propose the abolition of the Seanad. The Government is clearly starting as it means to go on.”
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