Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that Basic Farm Payments of almost €45 million paid so far in 2015, are supporting Meath farmers.
“In Meath, 3,483 farmers have received Basic Farm Payments so far in 2015, making up 96% of payments. In 2016, €1.2 billion in direct funding will be made available from the EU to fund the Basic Payment Scheme nationally.
“This money is essential to support agriculture and farming families in Meath. Basic Farm Payments are also key to supporting the local economy as farmers can spend this money with local suppliers and in small businesses.
“The food industry in Ireland is worth €26 billion and directly employs 170,000 people. Farmers are at the centre of this and it is essential that we offer every support possible. For two successive budgets farming agri-taxation measures have played a central part in the Budget.
“Major new initiatives on ‘Family Transfer Partnerships’ have been introduced to assist in the transfer of land. We have also renewed relief measures on general stock income tax; for young trained farmers and registered farm partnerships. Stamp duty exemptions have been maintained on transfers of land to young trained farmers. This Government has also increased the tax free threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax by about one quarter from €225,000 to €280,000.
“Changes made to the taxation of the self-employed will impact on most farmers who will benefit from the new €550 tax credit and reduced USC rates. These changes will mean over €800 in additional net income.
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Planning decision on Emlagh Windfarm expected within 14 days.
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that solicitors for An Bord Pleanala have issued a notice stating that a decision for the Emlagh Windfarm planning application will be made within the next fourteen days.
The Meath East TD said “this evening solicitors for An Bord Pleanala (ABP) issued a legal notice stating that the Board will make its decision with regard to the proposed development of Emlagh Windfarm in North Meath within the next fourteen days.
“Earlier this week the Board received the report from the Inspector some three months later than expected. This delay is assumed to be attributed to the extraordinarily high volume of written and oral submissions made in objection to the proposed development which could see the erection of 46 industrial wind turbines in Co. Meath.”
Doherty continued “for almost two years we have witnessed mammoth public outcry and given the hundreds upon hundreds of people who showed at the Oral Hearing before the summer, should planning be granted I really do fear for the worst!
“It is clear that the masses are utterly against this development, the proposed location of which is wrong on so many levels. Last June we saw ABP refuse planning permission for the development of Cregg Windfarm, also located in County Meath. The reasons provided by ABP for this rejection include unprecedented and undue interference to the landscape. If 6 turbines in North Meath are refused on these grounds, well then there is something seriously wrong if 46 industrial sized wind turbines are not considered to pose the same, let alone bigger, problem.”
Concluding Doherty said “I have said from day one that wind is one option in a wider plan for greener energy in Ireland. However, what I am absolutely and categorically against is forcing families and communities live and work within an industrial sized wind farm. The current planning guidelines permit for such an intrusion on our personal lives and I am truly disappointed that we have yet to see the publication of our revised guidelines from Minister White and Minister Kelly. This is our last chance to do what is right by the people of Meath.”
The Meath East TD said “this evening solicitors for An Bord Pleanala (ABP) issued a legal notice stating that the Board will make its decision with regard to the proposed development of Emlagh Windfarm in North Meath within the next fourteen days.
“Earlier this week the Board received the report from the Inspector some three months later than expected. This delay is assumed to be attributed to the extraordinarily high volume of written and oral submissions made in objection to the proposed development which could see the erection of 46 industrial wind turbines in Co. Meath.”
Doherty continued “for almost two years we have witnessed mammoth public outcry and given the hundreds upon hundreds of people who showed at the Oral Hearing before the summer, should planning be granted I really do fear for the worst!
“It is clear that the masses are utterly against this development, the proposed location of which is wrong on so many levels. Last June we saw ABP refuse planning permission for the development of Cregg Windfarm, also located in County Meath. The reasons provided by ABP for this rejection include unprecedented and undue interference to the landscape. If 6 turbines in North Meath are refused on these grounds, well then there is something seriously wrong if 46 industrial sized wind turbines are not considered to pose the same, let alone bigger, problem.”
Concluding Doherty said “I have said from day one that wind is one option in a wider plan for greener energy in Ireland. However, what I am absolutely and categorically against is forcing families and communities live and work within an industrial sized wind farm. The current planning guidelines permit for such an intrusion on our personal lives and I am truly disappointed that we have yet to see the publication of our revised guidelines from Minister White and Minister Kelly. This is our last chance to do what is right by the people of Meath.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Meaningful progress for children with disabilities
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that the new programme for providing supports to children with disabilities in pre-school is a great day for educational equality for our children.
Speaking at the launch of the new programme, Doherty said “today is a great day for our children with disabilities, particularly those attending preschool. Accessibility to our education system was one of the primary reasons why I first entered into politics as two of my four children at home have learning disabilities.
“I knew quite quickly that I couldn’t influence meaningful change in our educational system from home and I am very proud to say that we have achieved a great amount for both children and adults living with disabilities in the last five years.
“I have worked closely with Minister for Children, James Reilly, and Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, for many years and I am thrilled to say that more than 7,500 children will benefit from this truly inclusive care and education system. Early years are vital for all children and this new Government funded support model will certainly make a real difference to children with disabilities allowing them to fully participate in free pre-school in mainstream school.
“We have seen many reports on education and children with disabilities; however the key differentiator in this instance is that the findings and actions included in the IDG Report launched today is the Budget of €17 million to ensure we see its recommendations through to their fruition.
“This is a model of support that is built up around the needs and abilities of each child, and their parents. Disability is obviously a broad spectrum, with different levels of complexity. The seven levels of supports range from universal supports to highly targeted ones based on the needs of the individual child.
“The model of supports launched today include: enhanced continuing professional development for early years practitioners; grants for equipment, appliances and minor alterations, increased capitation for certain complex cases, as well as access to therapeutic intervention. A Cross-Sectoral Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation, and to monitor and review progress as the new model is embedded across the system, to develop a pre-school sector that is truly inclusive.”
Concluding, Doherty said “my children are no longer of pre-school going age but I know first-hand the struggles that some parents and children with disabilities may bear when entering pre-school, or not as the case may be. Today’s announcements will certainly make life easier for so, so many, and will have long term benefits for our children as they progress through the education system.”
Speaking at the launch of the new programme, Doherty said “today is a great day for our children with disabilities, particularly those attending preschool. Accessibility to our education system was one of the primary reasons why I first entered into politics as two of my four children at home have learning disabilities.
“I knew quite quickly that I couldn’t influence meaningful change in our educational system from home and I am very proud to say that we have achieved a great amount for both children and adults living with disabilities in the last five years.
“I have worked closely with Minister for Children, James Reilly, and Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, for many years and I am thrilled to say that more than 7,500 children will benefit from this truly inclusive care and education system. Early years are vital for all children and this new Government funded support model will certainly make a real difference to children with disabilities allowing them to fully participate in free pre-school in mainstream school.
“We have seen many reports on education and children with disabilities; however the key differentiator in this instance is that the findings and actions included in the IDG Report launched today is the Budget of €17 million to ensure we see its recommendations through to their fruition.
“This is a model of support that is built up around the needs and abilities of each child, and their parents. Disability is obviously a broad spectrum, with different levels of complexity. The seven levels of supports range from universal supports to highly targeted ones based on the needs of the individual child.
“The model of supports launched today include: enhanced continuing professional development for early years practitioners; grants for equipment, appliances and minor alterations, increased capitation for certain complex cases, as well as access to therapeutic intervention. A Cross-Sectoral Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation, and to monitor and review progress as the new model is embedded across the system, to develop a pre-school sector that is truly inclusive.”
Concluding, Doherty said “my children are no longer of pre-school going age but I know first-hand the struggles that some parents and children with disabilities may bear when entering pre-school, or not as the case may be. Today’s announcements will certainly make life easier for so, so many, and will have long term benefits for our children as they progress through the education system.”
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
DOHERTY welcomes new building for Dunboyne College
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that the provision of the much needed new building for Dunboyne College is fantastic news for our school leavers in County Meath as part of the Government’s school building programme.
The Ratoath TD said “we have been working for a very long time to get a new building for Dunboyne College to meet with the growing demand in County Meath. Earlier this year Dunboyne College received its own roll number and independent status having previously operated under the umbrella of St Peter’s College for the ten years previous. Today’s announcement is testament to the many, many years of hard graft by school management, the board, but to name a few, current principal Denis Leonard, former principals Maureen Murray and Eamonn Gaffney, former Taoiseach John Bruton, Mary Wallace, Martin Lonergan and CEO Peter Kierans; the list goes on.
“I can say with certainty that Dunboyne College would not be in receipt of this purpose built building if it was not for the hard work and dedicated commitment of the committee and school management over the years.
“Dunboyne College is credit to County Meath and continues to grow and develop year on year to meet our growing numbers and educational needs here in County Meath and needs the facilities to match this growth. We will now see Dunboyne College receive a purpose build facility which has been a long time coming. The timing of this announcement just couldn’t be better and clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to prioritise our education system in our recovery; and not only for our school leavers, but also our mature students returning to adult education every year in Dunboyne College.
“This is one of the 310 individual major school building projects announced today by the Department of Education, which also sees Meath schools receive an additional 18 building projects between 2016 and 2021.”
Concluding, Doherty said “I have been lobbying both Ministers in the Department of Education, Jan O’Sullivan and our very own Damien English, to ensure that Dunboyne College is included in any building spends on the years ahead and I am incredibly proud today to see our hard work on this project has come to fruition.”
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| Regina Doherty TD, pictured above with the advisory committee of Dunboyne College, “I have been a long time lobbying both Ministers in the Department of Education, Jan O’Sullivan and our very own Damien English, to ensure that Dunboyne College is included in any building spends on the years ahead and I am incredibly proud today to see our hard work on this project has come to fruition.” |
Meath set to receive 19 school building projects
The Meath East TD said “it is absolutely fantastic news to see such a strong Meath prominence in today’s announcements of major school building projects in the coming years. I am very aware of the pressing need to provide more school places in Meath, in order to continue to meet the accommodation requirements of our growing school going population
“I have been working closely with many of the schools who will receive funding for new builds and I have been lobbying both Minister O’ Sullivan and Minister English in the Department of Education for many years to ensure that our needs are met here in Meath.
“We have a growing population right across the county and it is fantastic to see that the education of our children remains at top of the agenda for this Government. A growing population means more demand on our existing resources and facilities and today’s announcement sees much needed funding going to a total of 19 schools between 2016 and 2021.
“Today the Government is unveiling a major school building programme, which involves funding for ETB Dunboyne College, Ashbourne Community School, De Lacy College, Ashbourne, St. Peter's COI NS, Dunboyne, Dunboyne Junior NS, Dunboyne Senior NS, O'Carolan College, Nobber, Eureka Secondary School, Kells, SN Na Trionoide Naofa, Lios Muilinn, St Mary's Special School, Johnstown, Navan, St Paul's NS, Abbeylands, Navan, Kildalkey Central NS, Mercy Convent NS, Navan, Ard Rí Community NS, Boyne Community School, Trim, St. Ultan's Special School, Navan, St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School, Navan, Franciscan College and Gormanston, Scoil Mhuire, Trim.
“Concluding, the Ratoath TD said “this funding will facilitate the provision of more school places in Meath and this significant investment will also support direct and indirect jobs in Meath.
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| Regina Doherty TD, pictured above in Leinster House with students from St Pauls National School earlier this year, has said that it is absolutely fantastic news to see such a strong Meath prominence in today’s announcements of major school building projects in the coming years. |
DOHERTY attends Bruton book launch
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has congratulated former Taoiseach John Bruton on the launch of his book, ‘Faith in Politics’. The Meath East TD said “I was honoured to be invited to attend former Taoiseach John Bruton’s book launch last night which was launched by Brian Hayes MEP. John has gained and earned a wealth of experience over the years and his collection of essays launched last night contains a meaningful insight into both national and international politics.
“I have learned a great amount from John over the years and I feel incredibly lucky to have had him there as a mentor when I first entered into politics. John’s perspective and viewpoint on politics is one which I hold in great regard and I am very much looking forward to, quite literally, taking a leaf out of his book as I continue to progress and excel in my own political career for the many years ahead.
Concluding, Doherty said “I wish John all the very best with his book “Faith in Politics” and on his own future endeavours. John signed a copy of his book for me last night (photograph attached), addressing it to his 'successor in politics'; certainly big boots to fill but I will continue to put my all into filling them.”
Monday, November 16, 2015
DOHERTY calls on Howlin to compensate Meath County Council for loss in revenue
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that Meath County Council is set to have a financial loss of almost €700,000 due to new commercial rates.
The Ratoath TD said “due to new global commercial rates, Meath County Council (MCC) is set to record a loss of over €677,000 in revenue in 2016. I do not have a problem in the revaluation of our commercial rates, rather I am in favour of making Meath more attractive as a destination in which to do business for multi nationals such as Facebook in Clonee. However, the untimely manner in which the changes in commercial rates were communicated to local authorities is absolutely scandalous.
“It is for this reason that I have called on the Minister for Expenditure and Public Reform, Brendan Howlin, to compensate MCC for this loss in revenue resulting from recent changes in our commercial rates.
“MCC were not made aware of the changes in our commercial rates until after our municipal budget had been agreed on. It is now too late to make the adequate budgetary amendments to cater for the expected loss in revenue which amounts to the equivalent of 5% reduction in LPT for the Council.
“Because we cannot make these monetary amendments to our budget it leaves no option but for a reduction in services in order for MCC to satisfy balance sheets. Where will this reduction in services come from; housing, education, roads? It is simply not good enough that Meath must bear the brunt of the late communication of significant financial adjustments announced by the Department Public Expenditure.”
Concluding, Doherty said “the Minister must to the right thing and ensure that MCC is sufficiently compensated with a view to safeguarding our services in the county for the year ahead. Time is of the essence and I am hopeful for a speedy turnaround from the Department in the coming days.”
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| "Regina Doherty TD, pictured above said the Minister must to the right thing and ensure that MCC are sufficiently compensated with a view to safeguarding our services in the county for the year ahead.” |
The Ratoath TD said “due to new global commercial rates, Meath County Council (MCC) is set to record a loss of over €677,000 in revenue in 2016. I do not have a problem in the revaluation of our commercial rates, rather I am in favour of making Meath more attractive as a destination in which to do business for multi nationals such as Facebook in Clonee. However, the untimely manner in which the changes in commercial rates were communicated to local authorities is absolutely scandalous.
“It is for this reason that I have called on the Minister for Expenditure and Public Reform, Brendan Howlin, to compensate MCC for this loss in revenue resulting from recent changes in our commercial rates.
“MCC were not made aware of the changes in our commercial rates until after our municipal budget had been agreed on. It is now too late to make the adequate budgetary amendments to cater for the expected loss in revenue which amounts to the equivalent of 5% reduction in LPT for the Council.
“Because we cannot make these monetary amendments to our budget it leaves no option but for a reduction in services in order for MCC to satisfy balance sheets. Where will this reduction in services come from; housing, education, roads? It is simply not good enough that Meath must bear the brunt of the late communication of significant financial adjustments announced by the Department Public Expenditure.”
Concluding, Doherty said “the Minister must to the right thing and ensure that MCC is sufficiently compensated with a view to safeguarding our services in the county for the year ahead. Time is of the essence and I am hopeful for a speedy turnaround from the Department in the coming days.”
Friday, November 13, 2015
Ashbourne educational campus just around the corner
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, this week attended the turning of the sod and tree planting ceremony at Ashbourne’s new educational campus which will soon be the new home of Colaiste de Lacey, Ashbourne Educate Together NS and Gael Scoil na Mi.
The Meath East based TD said “I was thrilled to be invited to attend the turning of the sod and tree planting ceremony to mark the commencement of construction at Ashbourne’s new educational campus which will soon be the home of Colaiste de Lacey, Ashbourne Educate Together and Gael Scoil na Mi.
“There was a great sense of excitement amongst students and teachers in Ashbourne as we turned the sod and planted a tree donated by Cllr. Killian at what was one of his final official outings as chair of the LMETB.
“In just a matter of months we will have a state of the art educational campus right here on our doorsteps. This is currently the biggest build ongoing by the Department of Education with a total of €24 million being spent on the facility.
“It was heart-warming to learn earlier this week that the contractors used in the completion of our new school buildings will be all local to Ashbourne and Meath. We will soon be sending our children to schools built by Ashbourne for Ashbourne.”
Concluding the Ratoath TD said “almost every day we hear on the sound waves that recovery is beginning to spread across the country and now that we can begin to reinvest on vital projects such as our schools in Ashbourne signifies a definite turn in the tide.”
The Meath East based TD said “I was thrilled to be invited to attend the turning of the sod and tree planting ceremony to mark the commencement of construction at Ashbourne’s new educational campus which will soon be the home of Colaiste de Lacey, Ashbourne Educate Together and Gael Scoil na Mi.
“There was a great sense of excitement amongst students and teachers in Ashbourne as we turned the sod and planted a tree donated by Cllr. Killian at what was one of his final official outings as chair of the LMETB.
“In just a matter of months we will have a state of the art educational campus right here on our doorsteps. This is currently the biggest build ongoing by the Department of Education with a total of €24 million being spent on the facility.
“It was heart-warming to learn earlier this week that the contractors used in the completion of our new school buildings will be all local to Ashbourne and Meath. We will soon be sending our children to schools built by Ashbourne for Ashbourne.”
Concluding the Ratoath TD said “almost every day we hear on the sound waves that recovery is beginning to spread across the country and now that we can begin to reinvest on vital projects such as our schools in Ashbourne signifies a definite turn in the tide.”
Be Winter Ready
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the launch of the ‘Be Winter-Ready’ 2015-2016 Information Campaign.
The Ratoath based TD said “today Minister for Defence Simon Coveney launched the Government’s ‘Be Winter-Ready’ 2015-2016 Information Campaign. The launch coincided with a meeting of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, chaired by Minister Coveney, which dealt with winter-preparedness issues.
“Advice and tips can be found at the dedicated website www.winterready.ie taking information from An Garda Siochana, the HSE, the OPW, Local Authorities, transport providers and various Government Departments. The advice has been categorised under various headings including: the Home, Road Safety, Schools, the Farming Community and the Business Sector. A synopsis of the information available has been compiled into a redesigned “Be Winter Ready” booklet, which can be downloaded from the website.
“This campaign will play an important role particularly for some of our older family members and neighbours. Winter can be a long few months and can be even longer for some where heavy snow fall or flooding takes place. It is important that we all look out for each other in the coming winter months, but more importantly, as a Government we need to have a well-coordinated response to severe weather events.
“All Government Departments and Agencies have also been requested to promote the ‘Be Winter Ready’ information campaign through their own websites and over social media and to regularly update their own preparations and information campaigns as a ‘hole of Government’ approach to winter preparations.
“In addition, the Office of Emergency Planning will be regularly tweeting during the winter period to augment the ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign. The twitter account can be followed on @emergencyIE and the public are being encouraged to join in the conversation at #bewinterready.
Concluding, Doherty said “the main message on foot of today’s launch is to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help if you need it.”
The Ratoath based TD said “today Minister for Defence Simon Coveney launched the Government’s ‘Be Winter-Ready’ 2015-2016 Information Campaign. The launch coincided with a meeting of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, chaired by Minister Coveney, which dealt with winter-preparedness issues.
“Advice and tips can be found at the dedicated website www.winterready.ie taking information from An Garda Siochana, the HSE, the OPW, Local Authorities, transport providers and various Government Departments. The advice has been categorised under various headings including: the Home, Road Safety, Schools, the Farming Community and the Business Sector. A synopsis of the information available has been compiled into a redesigned “Be Winter Ready” booklet, which can be downloaded from the website.
“This campaign will play an important role particularly for some of our older family members and neighbours. Winter can be a long few months and can be even longer for some where heavy snow fall or flooding takes place. It is important that we all look out for each other in the coming winter months, but more importantly, as a Government we need to have a well-coordinated response to severe weather events.
“All Government Departments and Agencies have also been requested to promote the ‘Be Winter Ready’ information campaign through their own websites and over social media and to regularly update their own preparations and information campaigns as a ‘hole of Government’ approach to winter preparations.
“In addition, the Office of Emergency Planning will be regularly tweeting during the winter period to augment the ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign. The twitter account can be followed on @emergencyIE and the public are being encouraged to join in the conversation at #bewinterready.
Concluding, Doherty said “the main message on foot of today’s launch is to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help if you need it.”
DOHERTY congratulates Mairia Cahill on her election to the Seanad
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| Regina pictured above with Tánaiste Joan Burton and Senator Mairia Cahill, said that Mairia has shown immense courage, determination and integrity and I know that she will continue to strive and will give her absolute all in her role as Senator |
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has congratulated the newest member of the Oireachtas, Senator Mairia Cahill, on her successful election to the Seanad today.
The Meath East TD said “Mairia should be very proud today on her election to the Seanad after the first count in Leinster House. In the last year I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mairia and I now consider her a trusted friend
“Our newly elected Senator Cahill has travelled a significant journey in her lifetime and despite the ups and the many downs, Mairia has shown immense courage, determination and integrity. I know that Mairia will continue to strive and will give her absolute all in her role as Senator.
“When people hear Mairia’s name they automatically think of her campaign for justice following her abuse as a child, however, Maria has much more to offer our Parliament than her wealth of life experience. Mairia has many years of experience in youth employment and community work and she is sure to be a great asset to the Seanad.”
Concluding, Doherty said “I have never witnessed bravery like that which I have seen in Senator Mairia Cahill. Mairia has strength, conviction and is a highly capable individual. I am very much looking forward to working alongside Mairia in her capacity as Senator on the road ahead.”
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