Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said today (Wednesday) that funding of over €58,000 is being provided to help prevent flooding in Ashbourne in Co. Meath.
“This funding, which has been approved for Meath County Council, comes under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. It will be used to appoint consultants to investigate the causes of flooding in the Ashbourne area and come up with solutions.
“This investment in flood prevention works is great news for the Ashbourne area. We all remember the heavy rain that swept across the country last November, hitting Meath particularly badly and causing dreadful damage.
“Flooding is a serious problem and what we need is a quick response to help ensure that we’re prepared the next time heavy rain hits.
“Flood prevent is something that this Government is committed to investing in. Yesterday, as part of the Capital Investment Plan a €430 million 5 year programme of flood defence measures was unveiled. The flood protection capital programme 2016 – 2021 will build on the very significant investment that has already been undertaken in flood relief works throughout the country over the last 20 years, with over €410 million invested in that period in flood risk management. The further substantial investment announced yesterday will allow this significant work programme to continue to address the most urgent flood risk problems facing the country.”
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Childcare needs to be a priority in Budget 2016
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said today (Tuesday) that reducing childcare costs and ensuring the provision of quality childcare needs to be a priority in Budget 2016.
“Recent surveys have indicated that parents need to be earning up to €30,000 per year just to cover the cost of childcare for two children. This places a severe financial burden on already hard pressed families. It’s important that in next week’s Budget, the Government commits to strategic investment in childcare to ensure that we increase affordability, quality and accessibility for parents and children across Ireland.
“A recent report, launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, provides a clear path for future investment and represents an ambitious and detailed plan for childcare in Ireland. For parents some of the recommendations that will be most useful will be a period of paid parental leave and an extension of the free pre-school year.
“Fine Gael is prioritising job creation, because more jobs mean less tax for people already working and more revenue to provide better services. Government action to help create an accessible and affordable childcare system is vital if people are to be given the opportunity to return to the workforce.
“Access to affordable childcare, which is of a high standard, is an issue which is central to the lives of parents throughout Ireland. It is my hope that in next week’s Budget, real and meaningful steps will be taken by this Government to help reduce the cost of childcare, as well as helping to improve the quality.”
“Recent surveys have indicated that parents need to be earning up to €30,000 per year just to cover the cost of childcare for two children. This places a severe financial burden on already hard pressed families. It’s important that in next week’s Budget, the Government commits to strategic investment in childcare to ensure that we increase affordability, quality and accessibility for parents and children across Ireland.
“A recent report, launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, provides a clear path for future investment and represents an ambitious and detailed plan for childcare in Ireland. For parents some of the recommendations that will be most useful will be a period of paid parental leave and an extension of the free pre-school year.
“Fine Gael is prioritising job creation, because more jobs mean less tax for people already working and more revenue to provide better services. Government action to help create an accessible and affordable childcare system is vital if people are to be given the opportunity to return to the workforce.
“Access to affordable childcare, which is of a high standard, is an issue which is central to the lives of parents throughout Ireland. It is my hope that in next week’s Budget, real and meaningful steps will be taken by this Government to help reduce the cost of childcare, as well as helping to improve the quality.”
Funding approved for Slane By-Pass under €27bn Capital Investment Plan
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that the inclusion of funding for the Slane By-Pass under today’s Capital Investment Plan is great news.
“The Capital Investment Plan will see €27 billion invested in roads, rail, health facilities, schools and broadband, which will make a major difference for communities across Meath.
“The plan has allocated funding for work on the Slane By-Pass, as well as the Laytown to Bettystown Link Road, which will go ahead if planning permission is secured.
“Funding for a Slane By-Pass is something that’s been sought for some time and there is a very clear need for a By-Pass. It would improve life for residents and businesses in Slane, as well as improving travel times for commuters and making the road safer. It is now very important that we continue towards securing planning permission for this key road project.
“In addition to investment in roads, the Capital Investment Plan will also see considerable investment in Garda stations and Garda resources across the country, as well as a €10 million refurbishment programme for the courts service.
“The Plan announced by Government is affordable, sensible and it is consistent with our plan to eliminate borrowing by 2018. It will promote regional economic growth, supporting 45,000 construction jobs over the lifetime of the plan.
“The decisions taken by this Government have brought us to an important time in our recovery. We are the fastest growing economy in Europe and we are creating over 1,300 new jobs a week. This plan will help spread the recovery around the country where we know many families have yet to feel the effects of the recovery.
“This is a good day for Meath and very welcome news for people across county.”
“The Capital Investment Plan will see €27 billion invested in roads, rail, health facilities, schools and broadband, which will make a major difference for communities across Meath.
“The plan has allocated funding for work on the Slane By-Pass, as well as the Laytown to Bettystown Link Road, which will go ahead if planning permission is secured.
“Funding for a Slane By-Pass is something that’s been sought for some time and there is a very clear need for a By-Pass. It would improve life for residents and businesses in Slane, as well as improving travel times for commuters and making the road safer. It is now very important that we continue towards securing planning permission for this key road project.
“In addition to investment in roads, the Capital Investment Plan will also see considerable investment in Garda stations and Garda resources across the country, as well as a €10 million refurbishment programme for the courts service.
“The Plan announced by Government is affordable, sensible and it is consistent with our plan to eliminate borrowing by 2018. It will promote regional economic growth, supporting 45,000 construction jobs over the lifetime of the plan.
“The decisions taken by this Government have brought us to an important time in our recovery. We are the fastest growing economy in Europe and we are creating over 1,300 new jobs a week. This plan will help spread the recovery around the country where we know many families have yet to feel the effects of the recovery.
“This is a good day for Meath and very welcome news for people across county.”
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Quality of Irish produce clear as food exports up €193m in 2015
“The latest CSO figures show that Irish food exports have increased by €193 million compared to the same time last year, indicating the quality of our produce and of the rural communities driving this growth”, says Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty.
“Between January and July in 2015 exports of food including meat, cereal and fish have all increased compared to the same period last year. This is a strong indication of the quality of the produce here in Ireland, but it is also a vote of confidence for rural communities where the majority of our food comes from.
“This Government has prioritised growing the export market through various trade missions where Irish food and food producers have been promoted across the globe. New markets like China and the US have opened up for meat producers, and Irish food has become synonymous with quality.
“There is no doubt that there is a demand out there for high quality Irish products; this is where our farmers and other food manufacturers excel.
“Fine Gael has supported the growth of food exports and a strategic ten year plan is in place to continue to connect local producers to markets around the world. While the growth we have seen so far is extremely positive and very much to be welcomed, we know that the potential is there to expand further.
“Rural Ireland is at the core of food production and is driving growth in exportation. We are very lucky to have so many vibrant and entrepreneurial people working the land, producing food and marketing products.
“I am confident that with continued support, and as rural Ireland benefits further from the economic recovery, this area of the export market can continue to grow and thrive.”
“Between January and July in 2015 exports of food including meat, cereal and fish have all increased compared to the same period last year. This is a strong indication of the quality of the produce here in Ireland, but it is also a vote of confidence for rural communities where the majority of our food comes from.
“This Government has prioritised growing the export market through various trade missions where Irish food and food producers have been promoted across the globe. New markets like China and the US have opened up for meat producers, and Irish food has become synonymous with quality.
“There is no doubt that there is a demand out there for high quality Irish products; this is where our farmers and other food manufacturers excel.
“Fine Gael has supported the growth of food exports and a strategic ten year plan is in place to continue to connect local producers to markets around the world. While the growth we have seen so far is extremely positive and very much to be welcomed, we know that the potential is there to expand further.
“Rural Ireland is at the core of food production and is driving growth in exportation. We are very lucky to have so many vibrant and entrepreneurial people working the land, producing food and marketing products.
“I am confident that with continued support, and as rural Ireland benefits further from the economic recovery, this area of the export market can continue to grow and thrive.”
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Paying water grant to those who don’t ever intend on paying is “money down the drain”
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) said that by paying the €100 water conservation grant to those who do not intend on paying their water bill is as good as putting money down the drain.
The Ratoath based TD said “it is plain and simple wrong to pay the €100 water conservation grant to registered Irish Water customers who never intend on paying for their water services.
“There are 3 types of people with regard to Irish Water registered customers, 1) those who are happy to pay for water, 2) those who are dissatisfied with the manner in which Irish Water was set up but intend on paying for water, and, 3) those who have no intention to pay for water, ever!
“The fact of the matter is that there exists a group of people registered with Irish Water who will never pay their bill, grant or no grant, and issuing the conservation grant to these people is completely illogical and well and truly money down the drain.
“I am urging the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Finance, whomever, to stand up for our families and business owners who have and will pay their water bills, and abstain from releasing the €100 grant to those who have not yet, and will not pay.
It goes without saying that a fair share of mistakes were made in the setting up of Irish Water. Despite these mistakes, our first temperature reading for payment compliance was 44% and the first billing cycle saw 46% of projected revenue collected.
“Many, including the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly, have been ridiculed for stating that this is a solid start, and a solid start it is. However, in paying those who are non-compliant, and particularly those who never ever intend on paying their water bill, Minister Kelly is now turning his back on the 44% who have paid their bills so far.”
Doherty continued “With the joint efforts of Irish Water, the Department of Social Protection etc., the compliance rate will continue to rise with regard to the number of people paying their bills. It is my view that only on the payment of a bill should the €100 grant be paid to a household or customer. No payment, no grant!
In conclusion Doherty said, “Tens of thousands of boil water notices were lifted right across the country just last week, some of which have been on boil water notices since 2009. These improvements were not possible before Irish Water.
“We need investment in our national infrastructure; there is no debate in that regard. We must now do the right thing; next year is too late for the appropriate changes to be made to the payment of the €100 water grant. I call on our Ministers to now step up to the mark and do not turn their backs on the people of Meath and the people of Ireland.”
The Ratoath based TD said “it is plain and simple wrong to pay the €100 water conservation grant to registered Irish Water customers who never intend on paying for their water services.
“There are 3 types of people with regard to Irish Water registered customers, 1) those who are happy to pay for water, 2) those who are dissatisfied with the manner in which Irish Water was set up but intend on paying for water, and, 3) those who have no intention to pay for water, ever!
“The fact of the matter is that there exists a group of people registered with Irish Water who will never pay their bill, grant or no grant, and issuing the conservation grant to these people is completely illogical and well and truly money down the drain.
“I am urging the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Finance, whomever, to stand up for our families and business owners who have and will pay their water bills, and abstain from releasing the €100 grant to those who have not yet, and will not pay.
It goes without saying that a fair share of mistakes were made in the setting up of Irish Water. Despite these mistakes, our first temperature reading for payment compliance was 44% and the first billing cycle saw 46% of projected revenue collected.
“Many, including the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly, have been ridiculed for stating that this is a solid start, and a solid start it is. However, in paying those who are non-compliant, and particularly those who never ever intend on paying their water bill, Minister Kelly is now turning his back on the 44% who have paid their bills so far.”
Doherty continued “With the joint efforts of Irish Water, the Department of Social Protection etc., the compliance rate will continue to rise with regard to the number of people paying their bills. It is my view that only on the payment of a bill should the €100 grant be paid to a household or customer. No payment, no grant!
In conclusion Doherty said, “Tens of thousands of boil water notices were lifted right across the country just last week, some of which have been on boil water notices since 2009. These improvements were not possible before Irish Water.
“We need investment in our national infrastructure; there is no debate in that regard. We must now do the right thing; next year is too late for the appropriate changes to be made to the payment of the €100 water grant. I call on our Ministers to now step up to the mark and do not turn their backs on the people of Meath and the people of Ireland.”
Up to 800 objections to North South Interconnector received
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) said that up to 800 submissions have been received in objection to the North South Interconnector, which proposes to erect over 400 pylons and overhead transmission lines across in counties Meath, Monaghan and Cavan.
The Ratoath based TD said “today we saw the conclusion of a 10 week public consultation for the planning application for the North South Interconnector. A total of over 400 pylons are proposed to be erected across three counties, of which 162 are to be located in Meath.
“Today, I wrote to An Bord Pleanal to record my strong objection to this planning application. The foundation of my objection was not that I am against the concept or the development of the NS Interconnector; however, I am strongly and completely against the way in which the applicant, EirGrid Plc, proposes to develop this much needed infrastructure.
“At the Oireachtas Communications Committee the EirGrid Chief Executive Fintan Slye stated that the undergrounding of the North-South interconnector was "technically feasible”, but there was no option for the undergrounding of cables in their planning application which was subsequently made to An Bord Pleanala.
“Many of the concerns which are held by residents of Meath, and further afield, such as health, tourism and heritage, could be greatly diminished should EirGrid Plc agree to undergrounding all, if not some, of the North South Interconnector.
“The reason provided by EirGrid for the lack of undergrounding of cables is that of financial feasibility; however, as I pointed out in my submission, Meath residents have never been provided with a thorough analysis or costing which would be associated with undergrounding. Without the full picture containing the facts and figures, surely it is not possible for the public, let alone An Bord Pleanala, to make an informed decision on this planning application.
“I do not blame the people of Meath for their lack of faith in EirGrid to meaningfully consider the option of undergrounding all or part of the North South Interconnector, for their track record in this regard is far from comforting. EirGrid previously and repeatedly stated that an underground cable was not economically or practically possible for the proposed 100km line running from North Mayo to Co. Roscommon.
“The applicant subsequently conceded that it had ruled out undergrounding of this cable without giving it due consideration as a viable alternative, hence, there is concern that due consideration, again, is not being given to the undergrounding of the North South Interconnector.
The Meath Deputy concluded “we continue to have to defend our rural communities, agriculture, beautiful landscapes and heritage here in Meath. No doubt our rural champions have shown for our county yet again given the vast number of submissions made to An Bord Pleanala. It will be an anxious wait for many families and business over the coming months, but one thing is for sure, we are not known to give up easy!”
The Ratoath based TD said “today we saw the conclusion of a 10 week public consultation for the planning application for the North South Interconnector. A total of over 400 pylons are proposed to be erected across three counties, of which 162 are to be located in Meath.
“Today, I wrote to An Bord Pleanal to record my strong objection to this planning application. The foundation of my objection was not that I am against the concept or the development of the NS Interconnector; however, I am strongly and completely against the way in which the applicant, EirGrid Plc, proposes to develop this much needed infrastructure.
“At the Oireachtas Communications Committee the EirGrid Chief Executive Fintan Slye stated that the undergrounding of the North-South interconnector was "technically feasible”, but there was no option for the undergrounding of cables in their planning application which was subsequently made to An Bord Pleanala.
“Many of the concerns which are held by residents of Meath, and further afield, such as health, tourism and heritage, could be greatly diminished should EirGrid Plc agree to undergrounding all, if not some, of the North South Interconnector.
“The reason provided by EirGrid for the lack of undergrounding of cables is that of financial feasibility; however, as I pointed out in my submission, Meath residents have never been provided with a thorough analysis or costing which would be associated with undergrounding. Without the full picture containing the facts and figures, surely it is not possible for the public, let alone An Bord Pleanala, to make an informed decision on this planning application.
“I do not blame the people of Meath for their lack of faith in EirGrid to meaningfully consider the option of undergrounding all or part of the North South Interconnector, for their track record in this regard is far from comforting. EirGrid previously and repeatedly stated that an underground cable was not economically or practically possible for the proposed 100km line running from North Mayo to Co. Roscommon.
“The applicant subsequently conceded that it had ruled out undergrounding of this cable without giving it due consideration as a viable alternative, hence, there is concern that due consideration, again, is not being given to the undergrounding of the North South Interconnector.
The Meath Deputy concluded “we continue to have to defend our rural communities, agriculture, beautiful landscapes and heritage here in Meath. No doubt our rural champions have shown for our county yet again given the vast number of submissions made to An Bord Pleanala. It will be an anxious wait for many families and business over the coming months, but one thing is for sure, we are not known to give up easy!”
U-turn on planning decision disheartening
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| Deputy Regina Doherty & Cllr Sarah Reilly at the Primary Care Centre in Kells |
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) said that last week’s decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant permission for the inclusion of a pharmacy at the Primary Care Centre, located just outside Kells, is disheartening. The Ratoath based TD said “last March I joined our four (4) pharmacies in Kells in breathing a sigh of relief as Meath County Council made a decision to refuse planning for a pharmacy to be included in the primary care centre located outside the town centre.
“It is disheartening, to say the least, to learn that this decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanala following a subsequent appeal by the applicant.
“I maintain what I stated earlier this year, that the inclusion of a pharmacy in the Primary Care Centre will bring with it severe negative repercussions for both the existing pharmacies in Kells, and other local shops and small businesses who currently benefit from their footfall.”
Concluding, the Meath Deputy said “I will continue to do everything in my power to support small and local business in Kells and right across the county.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Ratoath star well on the road to Rio 2016
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has congratulated James Scully, from Ratoath, Co. Meath, who is now well on the road to Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The Meath East TD, pictured above with James, has said “James’ dedication and hard work has certainly paid off and he is now well on the road to Rio 2016. We are all so immensely proud of James who is a fantastic role model for young people and sport enthusiasts right across the county.
“I was lucky enough to have James intern with me in Leinster House and I feel very privileged to have had to chance to get to know him.
“Entirely committed, motivated and dedicated are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of James.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Fine Gael delivers an extra €1 million funding for Meath Roads
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the allocation of an additional €1,063,400 for local roads in Meath, bringing the overall spend in this area to €1.07 billion.
“The extra €1 million in funding will certainly go a long way in resolving the very serious road issues that we are seeing right across the county of Meath.” Since the economic collapse, there has been underinvestment in roads and public transport. With the economy recovering, there is now scope to increase funding and to reinvest. “Our roads are vital in attracting investment and in supporting businesses in every part of the country. In order to keep the roads in good condition, €34 million nationally will go towards maintenance and strengthening national, regional and local roads and €1,063,400 of this will go directly to Meath. “As part of this €100 million fund €60 million will go towards public transport and €4.2 million will be allocated to tourism related projects, including further development of Ireland’s Ancient East corridor and the Wild Atlantic Way. “The final €800,000 of this allocation will go towards the National Indoor Arena to accelerate the delivery of this world class facility for our athletes at the National Sports Campus. “As we build on the progress we have been making in recent years, more people are returning to work and our tourism industries are continuing to grow. This is all very positive. However, these developments are putting a greater demand on our public transport and on our road networks. The €1,063,400 additional funding is very much welcome in ensuring we maintain high quality road networks and transport in Meath which supports thousands of jobs across the country.”
“The extra €1 million in funding will certainly go a long way in resolving the very serious road issues that we are seeing right across the county of Meath.” Since the economic collapse, there has been underinvestment in roads and public transport. With the economy recovering, there is now scope to increase funding and to reinvest. “Our roads are vital in attracting investment and in supporting businesses in every part of the country. In order to keep the roads in good condition, €34 million nationally will go towards maintenance and strengthening national, regional and local roads and €1,063,400 of this will go directly to Meath. “As part of this €100 million fund €60 million will go towards public transport and €4.2 million will be allocated to tourism related projects, including further development of Ireland’s Ancient East corridor and the Wild Atlantic Way. “The final €800,000 of this allocation will go towards the National Indoor Arena to accelerate the delivery of this world class facility for our athletes at the National Sports Campus. “As we build on the progress we have been making in recent years, more people are returning to work and our tourism industries are continuing to grow. This is all very positive. However, these developments are putting a greater demand on our public transport and on our road networks. The €1,063,400 additional funding is very much welcome in ensuring we maintain high quality road networks and transport in Meath which supports thousands of jobs across the country.”
Doherty calls on Minister to stabilise milk prices
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has called on the Minster for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, to conduct a review of intervention prices for milk.
The Meath East TD said “I am urging the Minister to seriously consider undertaking a review of the intervention prices for milk with a view to stabilising our milk markets. A review of this kind has not taken place for some 7 years and we are now living in a very different world.
“Milk is produced at approximately 25 cent per litre and has a current base price in the market of only 26 cent per litre, down from 39 cent this time last year.
“The price of milk has reduced some 29% since this time last year. To the ‘layperson’ this may not seem terribly extreme but the reality is that our milk farmers earn their living from the sale of their milk after the cost of production. This has resulted in a 78 – 80% reduction in farmers' income, which is simply not good enough.
“Today (Friday), I am urging the Minister for Agriculture to consider a review of intervention prices for milk. Currently the intervention price sits at 21 cent per litre and buyers are sitting just above this to avoid intervention. Stock is readily shifting, but at a price far too low for farmers to have gainful employment in this sector.
“I understand that the IFA, and their representatives in Europe, are making similar calls to the Minister for the intervention price of milk to be increased to 25 cent per litre which would ensure stability in our milk markets."
Concluding, Doherty said “an intervention price of 21 cent per litre may have been appropriate 7 years ago, but today our farmers are coming under serious financial pressures. An increase in the intervention price would incentivise markets to purchase at a higher price and may well ensure that our milk market here in Ireland does not come to a grinding descent.”
The Meath East TD said “I am urging the Minister to seriously consider undertaking a review of the intervention prices for milk with a view to stabilising our milk markets. A review of this kind has not taken place for some 7 years and we are now living in a very different world.
“Milk is produced at approximately 25 cent per litre and has a current base price in the market of only 26 cent per litre, down from 39 cent this time last year.
“The price of milk has reduced some 29% since this time last year. To the ‘layperson’ this may not seem terribly extreme but the reality is that our milk farmers earn their living from the sale of their milk after the cost of production. This has resulted in a 78 – 80% reduction in farmers' income, which is simply not good enough.
“Today (Friday), I am urging the Minister for Agriculture to consider a review of intervention prices for milk. Currently the intervention price sits at 21 cent per litre and buyers are sitting just above this to avoid intervention. Stock is readily shifting, but at a price far too low for farmers to have gainful employment in this sector.
“I understand that the IFA, and their representatives in Europe, are making similar calls to the Minister for the intervention price of milk to be increased to 25 cent per litre which would ensure stability in our milk markets."
Concluding, Doherty said “an intervention price of 21 cent per litre may have been appropriate 7 years ago, but today our farmers are coming under serious financial pressures. An increase in the intervention price would incentivise markets to purchase at a higher price and may well ensure that our milk market here in Ireland does not come to a grinding descent.”
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