Young farmers to benefit from investment scheme

Fine Gael TD, for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has encouraged young farmers in Meath to apply for the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, after the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, announced that the online application system is open from today (Wednesday).

 

Regina Doherty TD with Diarmuid Lally (IFA) (left) and Cllr Paddy Meade (right) at beef protest last year

Deputy Doherty said that “our farming industry is Meath is incredibly important and it is essential that we continue to support our farmers where ever possible. Young farmers comprise of a relatively small proportion of our farming community in Meath. Age profile is one of the biggest challenges facing the farming sector, both nationally and in Meath; the grant-aid available under this scheme will be of great benefit to our young tillage farmers for the construction of storage facilities, soiled water, and farm safety investments, amongst others.

“This is the first of the new Targeted Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II) to be launched under the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and it comprises a €120 million scheme aimed at young farmers. Farmers must be below 40 years of age at the time of application and have been set up in farming within the previous five years.

“The grant-aid available under this Scheme and the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Schemes will assist tillage farmers for the construction of nutrient storage facilities, and storage facilities for other farmyard manures, soiled water, and related facilities, as well as farm-safety investments. The Farm Safety items include the provision of sliding/roller doors. Tillage farmers will also be able to avail of grant-aid under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme. This Scheme provides grant aid for the purchase of new equipment for the spreading of slurry which has distinct environmental advantages.

“Further announcements will follow shortly on the other TAMS Schemes. A total of €395 million has been made available for TAMS 2 over the course of the RDP period. The remaining schemes are being launched over the next few months and include:

· Dairy Equipment Scheme
· Low-Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme
· Organic Capital Investment Scheme
· Organic Farming Scheme
· Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme
· Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme

“Farmers who are registered for online services via the Department’s Agfood facility can access the online system on the website of the Department. Alternatively, farmers may opt to use an approved agricultural advisor to prepare applications on their behalf. The online system also contains a very helpful Frequently Asked Questions section which should answer any queries farmers may have. For more technical queries farmers can email the address tams@agriculture.gov.ie.

“The system is now live and available for the preparation of applications and the facility to submit applications online will be available from tomorrow Wednesday 17^th June. The deadline for this tranche of applications is Friday 18^th September but there will be further funding rounds according to Minister Coveney.”

Positive start for free GP care in Meath, a lot done, a lot more to do

 Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has said the new free GP Service for under 6s and over 70s should get off to a positive start with 20 out of 68 GPs in Meath signed up to take part.
Deputy Doherty said “We now have 20 of our 68 GPs in Meath signed up to take part, with more and more signing up every day. While I welcome the increase in the number of GPs signing up, at this point in time we have a lot done and a lot more to do if all of our children in Meath under the age of 6 are to benefit from free GP care.” 

 “In the last two weeks, there has been a 63% increase in the number of GPs signing up to take part in the new Free GP Service and there is still time for other doctors to take part. In County Meath 29% of GPs have already committed to take part meaning that children under six and those over 70 will be able to avail of free GP care from 1st July.

“From Monday 15th June, parents will be able to register their children and senior citizens over 70 who currently have to pay for GP care, can also sign up meaning that this summer up to 300,000 children and senior citizens will no longer have to pay.

“Free GP care was a key Fine Gael election commitment and it will result in real savings for pensioners and for families. It is important that we change the health system from one that only treats sick people to one that keeps people well; providing free access to GP care will make a significant difference in achieving this goal.

“Early identification of health issues at a younger age can reduce the impact of ill-health later in life and as one in four children in Ireland are overweight or obese, this is especially relevant when it comes to detecting illnesses that may be coming down the road.

“With 29% of doctors in Meath signing up to provide the service, this is a very good start. I know many families of young children and older people are very pleased that this service will be available, and I would encourage parents with children under 6 to sign up from Monday.”

Meath tagged in Facebook investment boost

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Monday), welcomed Facebook's announcement that it has officially made an application for planning permission to Meath County Council to establish a data centre in Clonee, Co Meath.

Deputy Doherty said “I am absolutely over the moon with the news. This is the second good news story for investment and employment for Meath in the last two weeks”, referring to the sale of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey, which will see a €44 million investment into the industry in Slane.

“Our construction industry in Meath will reap the benefits of hundreds of construction contracts, not to mention the several dozen permanent operational positions once construction has completed. The news brings with it a sigh of relief for many, particularly our young professionals and graduates who are on the hunt for work in Meath. I am confident that today’s announcement will scoop up our local talent from the length and breadth of County Meath. 

“It just goes to show that Meath is a great place in which to do business. Clonee, a 30 minute drive to Dublin City Centre and 15 minutes to Dublin Airport, this is certainly a smart move for Facebook.

“I have to hand it to Meath County Council and the Meath Economic Development Strategy for all of their hard work on this project so far, which has been in the pipeline for some time now."

Doherty, pictured above at the launch of the Meath Economic Development Strategy, concluded “the announcement today is testament to the continued hard work and planning of the recently launched Meath Economic Development Strategy. We must continue to pull together if we are to achieve our goal of bringing several thousand jobs back to Meath. Facebook’s planned establishment in County Meath is just a taste of what we can achieve.”

Suspected case will put our BSE controls to the test

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Friday), said that the suspected BSE case in Louth will put our BSE controls to the test.

Deputy Doherty said that “I have witnessed growing concern across Meath about the suspected BSE case in Louth over the last number of days. It will be a long wait for many in the farming and export industry between now and when the test results will be known. Our BSE controls will really be put to the test this week.

“I know I am not alone when I take comfort in knowing that there is no human risk from BSE, as the animal in question did not enter into the food chain.”

The Meath East TD continued “Since 2002 the Department of Agriculture has tested in the region of 7 million animals for BSE. Our BSE controls have proven to be highly effective thus far and are consistent with legal requirements and international best practice standards; these include the enhanced feed ban, comprehensive surveillance programs and the removal of specified risk material. Because of these controls, I am always proud to tell people that our farms are considered to be categorised as “controlled risk” officially. This status was recently upgraded to a country of ‘negligible risk’ for BSE, the highest standard.

“Our farming reputation and the future of our beef exports now await a negative result for BSE in the case in Louth, and the continued control of the disease in Meath, and right across the country.

Tomorrow’s Judgement on Emlagh Windfarm will tell all

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Wednesday), said that tomorrow’s judgement on the Emlagh Windfarm SID case will tell all.

Doherty stated that “tomorrow at approximately 10.30am Ms. Justice Caroline Costello will give her judgement on the SID case in the High Court with regard to the proposed Emlagh Windfarm development. The outcome of this judgement will tell all.

“I am looking forward to hearing what decision has been made; whatever the outcome there will be an impact on the road the lies ahead with regard to the application process for the Emlagh Windfarm development and specifically the oral hearing that is due to take place next week.”

The Meath East TD continued “by this time tomorrow we will know the decision of the High Court as to the community challenge which was made against the application by Element Power Ltd. The development will see 46 industrial sized wind turbines erected in our communities, from Kells right across to Castletown.”

Doherty concluded “At 169 meters in height and 130 meters in diameter, these wind turbines are the largest ever to be proposed in Ireland. I find this development to be invasive in many respects, but also somewhat unusual given that County Meath is considered to be on the lower scale with regard to wind speed in Ireland.”

Doherty Welcomes Establishment of Judicial Enquiry into Death of Sergeant Michael Galvin

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Friday), welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, regarding her decision to establish an independent judicial enquiry into the death of Sergeant Michael Galvin.

Doherty stated that “under no circumstances would it have been appropriate for GSOC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Sergeant Michael Galvin from Donegal. This week I wrote to the Minister for Justice and asked her to seriously consider establishing an independent investigation into the circumstances around Sergeant Galvin’s death, and I was relieved when I was informed that a judicial enquiry had been launched”

“Sergeant Galvin’s family deserve nothing less than a wholly transparent investigation into his tragic death.

“Given the circumstances currently known about events in the months running up to Sergeant Galvin taking his own life, GSOC are certainly not the appropriate body to carry out this investigation. There is incorrect and misleading information with regard to the circumstances in the months prior to Sergeant Galvin’s death, and for GSOC to carry out this investigation, in my view, would raise serious questions as to the organisation’s apparent impartiality.

“Furthermore, it would damage the public’s confidence in the organisation in GSOC, a service which is “independent”, and one that “you can trust”, according to GSOC itself. Well, if GSOC had not terminated their investigation into Sergeant Galvin’s death, this certainly would not have been the case.”

The Fine Gael TD continued “Sergeant Galvin had been under investigation by GSOC with regard to an incident that took place in January of 2015. There are too many unknowns and possible contributory factors that can be directly associated with GSOC in this instance, and therefore GSOC are a conflicted party and could not conduct this investigation without prejudice.

“My sympathies and condolences are with Sergeant Galvin’s family, friends and colleagues.” 

Doherty Raises a Glass to €44 million Investment and 25 New Jobs for Slane

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Thursday), welcomed the recent announcement from Brown-Forman Corp., the U.S company behind Jack Daniels, as to their purchase of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey, which will see a €44 million investment in Slane and over 25 new jobs.

Doherty said “I am absolutely thrilled to hear the news of €44 million in investment and over 25 permanent jobs for Slane. This is a considerable investment in capital, infrastructure and employment for County Meath, and specifically for the Boyne Valley Region.

“The news is a wonderful and deserved testimony to Meath, and sends a message loud and clear to investors and multinationals on the global platform that Meath is a great place in which to do business.”

Doherty continued by saying that “it is great to see local and international business join forces. The Conyngham Family have been part and parcel of our community for several generations and it is terrific to witness their continued loyalty to Slane in this aligned approach.”

The Meath East TD concluded by saying “I am very excited to see what lies ahead and I am very optimistic as to the knock-on effects that this new venture will have on our hotels, restaurants and tourism in Meath." 

Rural areas in Meath to benefit from broadband expansion

Fine Gael TD, Regina Doherty has welcomed eircom’s announcement that they are to significantly expand access to high speed fibre broadband in rural Ireland benefiting a number of areas in Meath.
In Meath, broadband will be expanded to Beauparc, Castlejordan, Dunderry, Fordstown, Kilbride, Killeen Castle, Kilsharvan, Lobinstown, Newtown, Robinstown and Tara. This expanded footprint means eircom will invest €400 million in fibre over the next five years, hugely benefiting families and business in the county.  “The National Broadband Plan is a partnership between the commercial sector and the State to deliver high speed broadband to every home, school and business in Ireland. The Government has played a major role in creating the conditions for accelerated telecoms investment by highlighting to broadband providers the potential profit to be made by expanding into rural areas and by securing commitments from them to invest. Today’s investment is a clear indication that eircom recognises the opportunities in this market.

“Making the economic recovery a reality for people in all parts of the country, including here in Meath, is a key objective for Government. Lack of broadband has been a long standing issue in rural Ireland and one that had not been addressed by previous Governments. Initial commercial plans to provide high-speed access to one million homes by 2015 have now expanded into a commitment to provide access to 1.6 million homes by the end of 2016, and 1.9 million homes by 2020.

“Eircom’s announcement means the element of the National Broadband Plan that requires State intervention is likely to reduce significantly.

“The Minister for Communications, Alex White is expected to publish the State intervention strategy in July with a view to moving to formal procurement by the end of this year. Roll-out will commence in 2016.”

We have more than just Wind Energy Guidelines to worry about

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Friday), said that there is a lot more than just the long awaited publication of new Wind Energy Guidelines to worry about.

Referring to the ongoing and growing concerns around when the new Wind Energy Guidelines will be published, Doherty said that “it is absolutely unacceptable that we do not know under which Guidelines the upcoming oral hearing, which is scheduled to take place on the 16^th of June, will be adjudicated under. We are being lead through this whole process blind folded and in utter legal limbo.

“Not only this, but what has not been discussed in the media or by politicians who are beating the same drum is the issue of licencing.”

Doherty revealed that “the licence under which Element Power are making their application for planning permission, which could see the erection of 46 industrial wind turbines in Co. Meath, is in the name of a different company, Oriel Windfarm Limited. So, why apply to build a windfarm in Meath, without a valid licence to do so in Meath?

“I am at odds as to why Element Power hasn’t yet changed the name on this licence. Additionally, the licence is for the cultivation of offshore wind, which is obviously not binding for this development.

“I believe that Element Power not transferring the name on the licence for the purposes and intent of the development of Emlagh is nothing less than a manipulative move to keep their options open.”

The Meath East TD explained that “Should planning permission be granted for this intrusive development, Element Power will be well within their rights to sell, resulting in mammoth profit for those behind Element.

“Changes can only be once made to this licence; in other words, should the licence be updated to specify Element Power as its owner for the development of Emlagh Windfarm, they will not be able to sell at a future date. Moreover, should Element be refused planning on this occasion, Element Power and Oriel Windfarm Ltd will be left with a licence that cannot be exercised anywhere else”.

Doherty concluded by stating that “this is not about strategic industrial development for Ireland, rather it is about Element Power making profit, which in itself is not illegal.

“Well I don't believe they should be able to profit off the back of our community and Meath's natural landscape without our cooperation."

Doherty Welcomes Long Awaited Installation of Traffic Lights at Yellow Furze National School

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has, today (Friday) welcomed the installation of the long awaited pedestrian traffic lights at Yellow Furze National School.

 

The Meath East TD said today that “we have waited a long time for these traffic lights to be installed. I have been working very closely with Yellow Furze National School staff and its Board of Management, specifically Principal Noeleen Rooney, Christy Farrell (Chair of the BOM) and Des Mooney, but to name a few, to ensure that our children can safely cross the road to and from school.”

“We have been calling for road safety measures to be installed in Yellow Furze for some time. For several years I have been receiving calls from parents who knew all too well the daily dangers and risks when crossing the busy road outside of the school.

“I was thrilled when in January of this year I saw the installation of the foundation and stands for the traffic lights. We had to wait a little bit longer for the signal lights themselves to be erected as they were ordered in from the United Kingdom.”

Doherty concluded in say that “It is a welcomed sigh of relief for us all to know that children, parents and other pedestrians can now cross the road safely. I have also requested for double-yellow lines to be painted at the entrance of the school, as parked cars continue to block the line of sight for both pedestrians and cars using the road.”