Eirgrid, withdraw plans for N-S Interconnector now

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has called on Eirgrid to withdraw its planning application for the development of the North-South Interconnector following its announcement today that the over-ground powerline from Cork to Kildare will not go ahead.

The Meath East TD said “I am absolutely gobsmacked reading Eirgrid’s announcement today. We are currently going through the wars with Eirgrid as they attempt to impose 400 pylons in across three counties, 162 in Meath. Eirgrid now tells us that the over-ground powerline connection from Cork to Kildare is no longer on the cards because it is possible to boost transmission using the existing infrastructure.

“Eirgrid CEO Fintan Slye stated today that there is now no requirement to proceed with the previously proposed Grid Link 400 kV overhead line. I am calling for Eirgrid to withdraw from the existing planning application process with An Bord Pleanala (ABP) and go back to the drawing board with regard to the N-S Interconnector.

“Eirgrid need to reconsider the direction that they wish to take the N-S Interconnector. Today Mr Slye said that this alternative solution for Grid Link is a ‘better option for all concerned’. Well, I know that I speak for hundreds of landowners in Meath when I say that the current proposal for the N-S Interconnector cannot be considered a decent option for anybody concerned.

“Eirgrid are speaking out of both sides of the mouth, and not for the first time. Slye previously stated that undergrounding was technically feasible for the N-S Interconnector, yet we see no evidence of this in their planning application to ABP. Today, Eirgrid make a u-turn and say that existing infrastructure can be manipulated to generate the power required for the Grid Link ‘regional plan’ and yet this is to have no bearing on the N-S Interconnector.”  

Doherty concluded “years have passed since we started campaigning for Eirgrid to rethink the N-S Interconnector, or at least to meet us in the middle and consider undergrounding as an option; year-in year-out the calls from thousands have fallen on deaf ears.

“Eirgrid needs to re-examine its position on the interconnector and seriously consider implementing a ‘regional plan’ in Meath as an alternative solution. The next steps are simple; withdraw the planning application and deliver what the ‘better option for all concerned’ might look like for Meath.”

€1.8 million in funding for Meath’s sports clubs

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that almost €2 million has been awarded to sports and community clubs in County Meath.

Regina Doherty TD with Chair of Ashbourne United Johnny Brady. Ashbourne United have been awarded €30,000 from this year's Sports Capital Grant."

The Ratoath TD said “today’s announcement, which will see €1.8 million in funding go directly to our sports clubs in Meath, is absolutely fantastic news for our voluntary and community clubs in County Meath.

“I am absolutely over the moon with today’s announcements. Over the last number of months I met with several of the clubs and assisted them in their application for the grant. I subsequently met and wrote to Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, on numerous occasions to do all that I could to ensure that the needs of Meath were met in today’s announcement. I have spoken to all of these clubs today who to give them the good news and I share their excitement about the road ahead.

“Sport and community organisations are the backbone of our county and Meath’s piece of the pie today certainly demonstrates the Government’s recognition of this. Fine Gael is supporting rural Ireland once again and the Sports Capital Programme will assist our sports organisations to reach their full potential in our community.

“Every single club that submitted a valid application will receive funding as part of this grant, a first for us here in Meath. This Government understands the importance of sport to communities around the country and the imperative to fund it. Money spent on sport, is money saved on healthcare down the road.”

Concluding, Doherty said “the economic downturn has had a significant impact on communities throughout Meath and our Sports Capital Grants announcement today is one more piece of the puzzle to ensure that the economic recovery spreads to all parts of our county.

“Unfortunately some clubs were disappointed that their applications were not deemed valid this time round, however, it is my job to ensure that they all have successful applications next year.”  

Doherty calls for remediation scheme to address Riverwalk Court defects

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has called for a remediation scheme, similar to that of the existing pyrite remediation scheme, to be put in place to address fire and safety defects in Riverwalk Court, Ratoath, and other similar developments.

The Ratoath based TD said “I have formally written to Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan calling for a remediation scheme to be established to address the safety defects in developments such as Riverwalk Court.

“The solution here is not as simple as we have seen in the pyrite remediation scheme. We need to determine a common ground between Meath County Council, developers, insurance companies and residents – there is no question in anyone’s mind that this is a serious problem that needs to be resolved and everyone has their part to play. This is an incredibly sensitive situation and has its complications however residents, who find themselves in this appalling situation through no fault of their own, should not have to wait any longer.

 “I believe that a remediation scheme could provide a foundation upon which all parties involved could progress upon. I am hopeful that should the correct supports be put in place, Meath County Council, developers and insurance companies alike will be much better positioned to remedy these issues.

“I am aware that many attempts have previously been made to address these defects; should a structure like this have been in place at the time we may not be in the position we find ourselves in today.

“I have strongly urged the Minister for the Environment to establish a remediation programme to deal with the safety shortfalls in developments right across the country. I have also written to the Minister for Finance to ensure that adequate funding is made available for this remediation scheme upon its establishment.”

Doherty concluded “This is not just about money; we currently have a situation where families are living in unsafe conditions. We have a ticking time bomb on our hands and action is required as a matter of absolute urgency.

“This summer we saw the handing back of keys to houses remediated under the pyrite remediation scheme – this is a perfect example of what can be done for affected families.”

Solution to Ashbourne sewage problems on the horizon

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that a solution to Ashbourne’s sewage problems is on the horizon following a recent meeting with Irish Water.

The Ratoath TD said “last month I joined over 150 Ashbourne residents at a public meeting organised by Cllr. Joe Bonner. The sewage issues in Ashbourne are almost 30 years old and we have yet to see a long-term sustainable solution. Previously the responsibility of Meath County Council, Irish Water has so far insisted that the much needed reparatory works on the water and sewage drains in Ashbourne is not their responsibility but rather it is that of the homeowner, as these drains are considered to be private.


“It is simply not good enough to expect homeowners to pay for a problem that is not of their own doing, let alone have to deal with sewage flooding their properties several times a year.


“I met with Irish Water last week and laid the cards on the table – Irish Water has since agreed to conduct a Pilot Project to examine the drains in Ashbourne with a view to informing public policy on how they are managed in the future.


“This assessment will tell us exactly where the root of the problem lies and will bring us one step closer to having this issue resolved once and for all.


“I have also secured a meeting for a delegation from affected Ashbourne residents to meet with the Operations Manager from Irish Water in the coming weeks. I will be liaising with local Councillors to facilitate this meeting which I hope will provide further insight into this issue at hand and its solution.”


The Meath TD continued “while I am satisfied with the response from Irish Water to date, there is more to addressing Ashbourne’s sewage problems than a pilot project. We must also ensure that legislation is amended and the budget associated with management of the drains is provided by Government.”

Doherty concluded “Irish Water must accept responsibility for all public sewage mains in Ashbourne, regardless of where they are located and I will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that this happens.”

Funding of over €58,000 to help prevent flooding in Ashbourne

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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!”