Meath must benefit from IDA targets – Doherty

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that Meath must benefit from the target set by IDA Ireland to have 50% of foreign direct investments based outside Dublin and Cork. In response to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Deputy Doherty, the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, said that IDA Ireland has been marketing a number of large towns, including Navan, as key locations for such investments.

“Tackling the jobs crisis is top of the Government’s list of priorities. The Action Plan for Jobs launched earlier this week will help companies in Meath to do business and create jobs. The Plan will improve access to finance for small businesses, reduce costs and red tape, and improve supports for exports, management and innovation.

“I was very encouraged to learn that employment continued to grow in the 172 Enterprise Ireland supported companies based in Meath last year. More than 5,100 people work in these companies and I hope this number will continue to grow this year. Since 2007, funding of over €20m has been approved by Enterprise Ireland to companies based in Meath, helping them to retain and create employment. Last year, businesses supported by Meath County Enterprise Board created 358 full-time jobs and 120 part-time or seasonal jobs.

“The reforms introduced in the Action Plan for Jobs will make it easier for companies and entrepreneurs in Meath to get the support they need to start up and expand. A new ‘one-stop-shop’ micro enterprise support structure will be established by dissolving County Enterprise Boards and replacing them with Local Enterprise Offices in each local authority. This will give firms an enhanced service with direct access to Enterprise Ireland’s expertise and the broader business services of the local authority.

“At the moment, 16 IDA Ireland supported companies in Meath employ about 1,300 people. I am determined to see this number grow. According to Minister Bruton, the agency is encouraging these companies to continue to re-invest within the region. I will be pursuing this issue with the agency, to ensure Meath receives its fair share of potential investment.”

Road works to facilitate East West Interconnector

Road works to install the East West Interconnector will be taking place in the Ashbourne area.

The Interconnector cables will come ashore at Rush North Beach, Co. Dublin, and then continue underground to Woodland in Co. Meath.

EirGrid has liaised with Meath County Council to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum.

Week commencing 13th February 7am to 7pm and is expected to take 7 days
Rath Roundabout (Marriott Hotel)
Single Lane traffic management towards the roundabout from the Slane direction and also within the roundabout including single lane traffic management towards the Ashbourne direction.

The L22091
A full road closure commences on Thursday the 2nd of February on the Rainstown lane (L22091) from the R147 (Old N3) to the L2209 just outside Batterstown. 

Ballymadun to Ashbourne road
Traffic management will be in place locally between Ballymadun and the Ashbourne road.

Project Hotline 1890 36 46 56

To receive text updates on works in the Meath area in general, text Meath to 51500.

Get your household charge forms in on time

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, is encouraging local residents in Ratoath and others from across Co. Meath to pick up their household charge forms at her office, if they have not already registered for the charge.

“You have until the end of March to register your details and pay for the household charge. For those who haven’t yet done so, and who find the prospect of going online daunting, I will have hard copies of the necessary form in my office.

“I know this isn’t a popular charge and it isn’t easy for people to stomach. The Government plans to put a fairer system in place next year, and in the meantime we are asking homeowners to pay this charge to fund local services like roads, emergency services and lighting.

“We’ve tried to incorporate some flexibility into the scheme, so if you cannot afford to pay upfront there are instalment options, to allow you to pay in four instalments of €25. If you want to use this method, you need to register your details by the end of this month.

“We are one of the last countries in Europe that does not fund local services through locally-based property charges. The introduction of a charge is also required under the terms of the EU/IMF agreement.

“Many people are exempt from the charge, including those in council and social housing. There are also waivers for people receiving the mortgage interest supplement, and people living in designated unfinished housing estates.

“Late payment fees and interest penalties will apply to those who fail to pay the charge by the due date. I am encouraging Ratoath residents to get their forms filled out now, and get the charge out of the way.”

Latest Meath Local Sports Partnership's Ezine News Bulletin

In this issue:

·Mind over Matter Conference
·Sports Psychologist backdue to popular demand
·Operation TransformationWalk
·Date for your Diary:Royal County 5k
·MLSP Facebook Page
·Get Ireland Active
·An Post Meath HeritageCycle Tour 2012
·Fitwalk Fleetfeet
·Meet ‘n’ Trains/Learnto Run
·Meath Running Group
·SHINE
·Link2B Active
·Mature Movers—ParticipantProfile
·Training Courses
·Games for Life
·Mature Movers
·Schools Programmes
·Be Active ASAP
·FAI Programmes
·Disability Sport
·Calendar of Courses andEvents

The Ezine can be downloaded from their website here

Real time info on way for Co Meath bus passengers

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, that real time passenger information (RTPI) is to be installed at bus stops in Co Meath towns.

“This is great news for commuters in Co Meath. Minister Varadkar has confirmed that RTPI signs will be installed at bus stops in Ratoath, Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin, Kells, Meath, Navan, and Trim. It’s hoped they will be operational by the summer.

“Having real time information at bus stops will be hugely convenient for customers. It means that instead of waiting at the side of the road with no idea of when your bus is going to arrive, you will know exactly when the next service is due.

“The RTPI system has been successfully rolled out across the Dublin Bus network in recent months, with positive feedback from customers. Bus Éireann will make up the majority of the services on the Co. Meath signs and I understand that the company has been working intensively with the National Transport Authority on the technical aspects of the scheme.

“This scheme is all about making public transport more efficient and more attractive. It helps to ensure that customers are getting the best service possible, and it will hopefully encourage more people to leave the car at home and take the bus.

“Work is now underway to identify the stops where signs will be installed; this will be followed by the necessary civil engineering and electrical works. I know commuters in Ratoath and across Co. Meath will welcome the benefits provided by this new service.”

Taoiseach and Minister Creighton Launch new Blue Star Programme for Primary Schools

This afternoon, the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD and Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD launched a new pilot programme for primary schools which focuses on the EU, called the Blue Star Programme.

The idea of the Programme is simple, to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and how it affects our lives amongst Irish primary pupils through classroom projects and activities.  The Blue Star Programme will introduce participants - pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community to the EU, what it means and how it works. Primary Schools all over Ireland will be challenged to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to the History, Geography, Culture and Institutions of the EU.  

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said at the launch:  “I very much welcome this imaginative and timely initiative. Over the past forty years, our membership of the European Union has helped to transform Irish life and at the same time has allowed Ireland to play an active and constructive role on the wider European stage. The EU remains central to our economic and social development and it is vital that our citizens understand how the European Union works and how it can guarantee our freedoms and prosperity in the future.”

Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton also said:  “Eleven months ago, when I was appointed by the Taoiseach as Minister for European Affairs, I made the goal of informing young Irish people about Europe and Ireland's' engagement with Europe, a key priority of mine. There is an information and communication deficit in Ireland when it comes to Europe, yet European affairs impact on every aspect of our lives. We need to cultivate an interest in and understanding of European history, culture and the EU institutions amongst the Irish people. The first step is getting children involved and I believe that the Blue Star programme, which I have pioneered through the Dept of An Taoiseach, provides and excellent formula for this. I believe that pupils will really enjoy connecting with the cultures and histories of other countries and the whole school community can benefit from discovering their role in Europe.”

All participating primary schools will be provided with a resource pack and resource materials such as wall-charts and EU country guides which give tips on what kind of projects the pupils could undertake and help the teacher in how best to facilitate the pupils.  At the end of the school year all successful schools will be awarded an EU flag and a Blue Star.
Primary schools across Ireland are invited to take part in the Pilot Year of this exciting new project, further information available via http://www.europeanmovement.ie/ or bluestar@europeanmovement.ie.

Ministers Rabbitte and Quinn announce rollout of high speed Broadband toall second level schools

All second level schools are to get high speed(100Mbps) broadband, the Minister for Communications, Energy & NaturalResources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. and the Minister for Education and Skills, RuairíQuinn T.D. announced today.

The national roll-out will be completed over threestages with 200 schools being connected by September 2012, a further 200 beingconnected next year and the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014.

The programme follows on from the successful pilotproject that has been running since 2009. The pilot involved 78 second levelschools where the use of broadband has been shown to have improved both teachingand learning.

Speaking at the launch inColáiste Bríde, Clondalkin, one of the schools involved in the successful pilotproject, Minister Rabbitte commented“Our secondary schools need industrialstrength broadband. Students’ experience of using technology in their everydaylives must be reflected in their learning experiences in schools. Use of ICT isno longer a separate subject - We must encourage students and teachers tointegrate the use of ICT with the traditional teaching methods for all subjects.In this way we will prepare the digital workforce of the future.”

The Department of Communications, Energy &Natural Resources is funding all of the capital costs of this project,estimated to be approximately €11m as well as contributing some €10m in currentcosts for the years 2013 to 2015. The Department of Education & Skills(DES) will fund the remaining current costs (estimated to be some €20m up to2015). DES will also fund the on-going costs on an annual basis into thefuture.

Commenting on the launch, Minister Quinn said “we need to ensure that appropriate digitaltechnology and high-speed internet are in place in our schools as a basicbuilding block to deliver a 21st Century learning experience to all learners”.

“This major ICTinvestment in our education system follows on from the commitment in theProgramme for Government to incorporate the integration of ICT in teaching andlearning across the curriculum and investing in broadband development to ensureschools have access to modern high-speed networks”, he added.

Minister Rabbitteheralded the school’s excellent use of high speed broadband - “The opportunity this morning to see how class roomlearning can be revolutionised by the availability and adoption of high speed broadband,strengthens my conviction that we are delivering a strategic and worthwhileproject that will deliver significant long-term results from both an economicand social perspective. Despite our current economic difficulties, thissignificant investment in our current and future generation of school-childrenis money well spent.”

Registration fee for septic tanks reduced to €5 for first 3 months – Hogan

Practical approach to inspections revealed by Hogan-

Speaking at a public meeting on the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary this evening (6.2.2012) the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan T.D. set out the Government’s proposals for the registration and inspection of septic tanks. He announced a reduced inspection fee for the first three months and outlined the practical approach that will be taken to the inspections.  Minister Hogan said: ‘To act as an incentive for owners to register early, I have decided to set the registration fee at €5 instead of the proposed €50 for the first three months. I would encourage people to register before the 30th June 2012 and avail of the lower fee.’ The deadline for registration is March 2013.

“This legislation has been deliberately framed to minimise the impact on householders who can be assured that if their systems are working properly and are being maintained the impact of the new system will be minor. We are adopting a very practical approach to the inspection guidelines. Once my Department’s consultation with the EPA and the European Commission has been completed, I will formally announce the guidelines in two weeks which will be followed by a four week public consultation period.”

“Today I am in a position to announce some of the practical standards that will be included in the guidelines. Septic tanks and waste-water treatment systems must be operational and maintained and the guidelines will outline some very simple and obvious examples of risks of a deficient treatment system. For example, is it leaking waste water or effluent? Or is it causing ponds of waste water to collect on the surface of the ground?”




Practical operational requirements that will be included in the guidelines:

Ensuring that roof water or surface water run-off is not allowed enter the treatment system;
That grey-water from washing machines and sinks is being treated in the system;
Are the pipe-works and vents of a system blocked or obstructed;
Are manhole covers and other components of the system of good working order or sealed where appropriate;
Any mechanical or electrical components of the system, for example pumps or alarms, are fit for purpose;
Recommendations will be included regarding the frequencies with which systems should be emptied or de-sludged.

“The risk-based system of inspections will commence in 2013 and will be objective and evidence-based, i.e. unless there is evidence of endangerment of human health or the environment, the system in place will pass inspection.  There is no question of applying the EPA’s 2009 Code of Practice to older on-site systems.”

“Following over 30 hours of debate in the House of Oireachtas, the President signed into law the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 last week. This Legislation has been introduced for three reasons:

1.    Non-compliance with EU legislation: On 29 October 2009, the European Court of Justice ruled against Ireland in relation to the treatment of waste waters from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. The enactment of this legislation is a critical element in Ireland’s defence against the imposition  of hefty fines by the Court.
2.    Protect ground water in rural Ireland:  The key objective of the new legislation is to enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and better quality water.  Responsibility for protection of public health and the environment applies to everyone, whether living in urban or rural areas.  Environmental and health issues must be dealt with as circumstances dictate and where risks exist. 
3.    Protect jobs: The provision of a continuous supply of clean water is a fundamental requirement for the economy. High quality water and security of supply is vital to attract foreign direct investment, high-end employment, and meet the needs and demands of our existing businesses and communities.”


“No-one should have any difficulty with these common-sense requirements, after all, if a septic tank is leaking or causing waste water to pond on the surface, the most immediate risk is posed to the health of the owner of the system and of his family and neighbours.”

Under the legislation anyone who owns a septic tank or a waste-water treatment system needs to register before March 2013. After the 4 week public consultation period has been completed and the regulations have been published, a registration system will be in place by 31 March 2012. There will be an on-line registration system and a facility for written registration also.

Doherty encourages parents and kids to explore digital world together

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, is encouraging parents to explore the internet and the digital world with their children, ahead of Safer Internet Day, which will be held this year on February 7th.
“The internet offers a world of potential for both children and their parents; it is a rich educational resource and it helps foster interest in a wide range of activities.

“The theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day is ‘Discover the Digital World Together…Safely!’ The global initiative promotes secure internet for all users, especially young people.

“Many parents may feel like they aren’t up to speed with their children’s computer and online know-how, but I would encourage everyone to explore the internet with their kids, to ensure they are getting the most out of web, without falling victim to online pitfalls and the dangers of inappropriate material.
“Parents should take a proactive approach. Encouraging your kids to be computer literate is essential as they make their way in life. And fostering an interest in technology should always be encouraged – children with a higher aptitude for computers and technology are more likely to pursue a career in these areas.

“Don’t be put off by the murkier aspects of the internet; just address them. Agree a framework for internet use at home, and chat to your children about what sites are ok. It’s also important to encourage your kids to be very careful about giving out any personal information.
“If we really want to build a knowledge-based economy with a strong basis in research and development, we should be doing all we can to help our kids explore the digital world from a young age. Surfing the web is also a great way to spend time – and learn – together.

“For more tips and advice, parents can log on to www.webwise.ie.”

Co. Meath village out-doodles the rest - Doherty

Seven Ratoath finalists in Google competition

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, said today (Friday) that her own Co. Meath village of Ratoath has out-doodled the rest, after securing seven places in the list of seventy-five finalists in the Doodle4Google competition. The contest run by the global internet search engine allows students to design a new logo for the Google homepage, with a €10,000 prize for the overall winner.

“This is a fantastic competition that encourages students to let their creative juices flow, with the possibility of having their artwork displayed on the Google homepage, and seen by millions of people, for 24 hours. It’s open to all primary and second students in Ireland, with the competition split into five categories. And I am very proud to say that Ratoath is outperforming entire counties, with seven students from the village securing a place in the list of seventy-five finalists.

“This year’s theme is “I wish….” with children being encouraged to design a logo based on one of their biggest wishes. The winning student will not only have their design appear on the homepage, they will also get a laptop for themselves and one for their teacher, as well as a €10,000 technology grant.

“Each of the Ratoath finalists will get to go to a prize-giving event in Google Headquarters in Dublin, where the group winners and the overall winner will be announced. This is a hugely exciting prospect for the children involved, and I hope visiting the state-of-the-art Google HQ on Barrow Street will help to foster a real interest for many of them to pursue a career in the technology sector when they leave school.

“The winners will be decided through a public vote; so now is the time for everyone to get online and choose your favourite doodle. Ratoath’s Junior School, the College and the Senior National School have all secured places in the finalists list, and they need your support. To vote, log on to www.google.ie/doodle4google/2012/vote.html and choose Ratoath in each category.

I wish all of the Ratoath finalists the best of luck, and I hope one of them will come out on top as the overall winner.”