TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the allocation by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) of almost €160 million for the maintenance and improvement of the primary and secondary national road network in 2016. Meath will receive a total of €2million saying that it is essential that we continue to invest in our national road network to the further development of our economy and future economic activity here in Meath. “I am delighted at the news that almost €2million has been granted to Meath for improvement and maintenance works on roads in the county.
“Meath County Council will be allocated €1.4million for road improvements and €600,000 for road maintenance.
“The €2million in funding which has been allocated to Meath will see work take place on the Slane Bypass, the Clonee to North of Kells Scheme, Dunmoe Bypass, Ballyboy, Stephenstown and Fringestown in the New Year.
“This funding is part of an allocation of almost €160 million from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Nationally, €139.7 million of this will go towards road improvement works, while €20.2 million will go towards essential road maintenance.
“According to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, this funding announced today represents a base allocation for local authorities that will be supplemented during the year in respect of certain maintenance works, pavement works and safety schemes.
“Fine Gael has a plan to keep the economic recovery going and ensure that we continue to have more resources to invest in better services and infrastructure like roads. The Government’s capital Investment Plan 2016-2022, allocates €6 billion for transport, which includes €4.4 billion, for the maintenance and renewal of the road network.”
Doherty concluded “It is hugely important we invest in our road network, particularly as the economic recovery continues. In our export led economy, a well maintained road network is crucial to businesses across the country. It is also integral to helping us continue attracting investment in this country, as well as for tourism.”
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Dairy Farmers in Meath set to benefit from top up package announced by Minister Coveney
Regina Doherty TD has welcomed the Direct Aid Package of €27.4 million, which is to be made up of €13.7 million of EU funding and matched by a further €13.7 million in National Funding.
“The payment will be made on a flat rate basis and means that dairy farmers in Meath and across the country will each receive approximately €1,350. This top-up funding is to be made to farmers before Christmas and I know it will be an important boost to them, particularly as many are experiencing cash-flow problems. “There will be an additional €800 top-up for young dairy farmers in Meath, which will be made in early 2016. “This has been a very difficult year for the dairy sector in Ireland and I know that farmers here in Meath have been feeling the effects of the market downturn. Speaking to farmers I know that cash-flow has been a particular problem. “The additional funding announced today for farmers comes on top of the 70% advance payment also agreed as part of this package and which has now delivered over €1 billion to farmers in the last two months. “There is no doubt but that these are difficult times for dairy farmers in Meath but this Government is committed to continuing to work for them. Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of this plan is to ensure we support and assist our farmers, who are the backbone of this country and our economy.”
“The payment will be made on a flat rate basis and means that dairy farmers in Meath and across the country will each receive approximately €1,350. This top-up funding is to be made to farmers before Christmas and I know it will be an important boost to them, particularly as many are experiencing cash-flow problems. “There will be an additional €800 top-up for young dairy farmers in Meath, which will be made in early 2016. “This has been a very difficult year for the dairy sector in Ireland and I know that farmers here in Meath have been feeling the effects of the market downturn. Speaking to farmers I know that cash-flow has been a particular problem. “The additional funding announced today for farmers comes on top of the 70% advance payment also agreed as part of this package and which has now delivered over €1 billion to farmers in the last two months. “There is no doubt but that these are difficult times for dairy farmers in Meath but this Government is committed to continuing to work for them. Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of this plan is to ensure we support and assist our farmers, who are the backbone of this country and our economy.”
Meath homeowners to avoid increases in Local Property Tax next year
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, pictured above, has welcomed the news that the revaluation date for Local Property Tax (LPT) rates has been postponed until 2019, meaning that Meath homeowners will avoid increases in their LPT next year.
“This means that home owners in Meath will not face significant increases in their LPT in 2017 as a result of increased property values.
“This Bill also allows for exemptions from LPT for property owners with pyrite issues and introduces reliefs from LPT for properties occupied by someone with a disability.
“The extra time before revaluation will allow for other recommendations from the LPT review to be considered.
“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of that plan is to implement affordable, sustainable improvements in services using the resources from growing employment.
“It is vital that affordable LPT rates are set that take into consideration increases in property values. This is particularly relevant in commuter areas like Dunboyne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin and other parts of Meath.
“The introduction of this Bill is very much to be welcomed, but it is important that we continue to work hard and ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy.”
“This means that home owners in Meath will not face significant increases in their LPT in 2017 as a result of increased property values.
“This Bill also allows for exemptions from LPT for property owners with pyrite issues and introduces reliefs from LPT for properties occupied by someone with a disability.
“The extra time before revaluation will allow for other recommendations from the LPT review to be considered.
“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of that plan is to implement affordable, sustainable improvements in services using the resources from growing employment.
“It is vital that affordable LPT rates are set that take into consideration increases in property values. This is particularly relevant in commuter areas like Dunboyne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin and other parts of Meath.
“The introduction of this Bill is very much to be welcomed, but it is important that we continue to work hard and ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy.”
Monday, December 14, 2015
New Credit Union small loan scheme to pilot in Meath
Fine Gael TD, Regina Doherty has said that borrowers in Meath will be able to access a new Credit Union small loans scheme which will be rolled out on a phased basis.
“This new ‘It makes sense’ loan will be available to borrowers struggling to access low-cost credit. It will operate on a pilot basis for the next six months in more than 30 Credit Unions across the country including our own Credit Union here in Slane (Main Street, Slane, Co Meath - Tel: (041) 982 4812/ 982 0989).
“The loan value will range from €100 to a maximum of €2,000 with an interest rate of no more than 12% (APR 12.68%). The scheme will assist low-income households and combat moneylenders at the same time.
“Fine Gael recognises the integral role the credit union sector plays in our communities and since entering government we have put in place a number of measures to stabilise the sector and ensure it can continue to provide vital services to its members into the future.
“Credit Unions are a vital source of credit for many people and businesses and will play an important role in keeping the recovery going.”
“This new ‘It makes sense’ loan will be available to borrowers struggling to access low-cost credit. It will operate on a pilot basis for the next six months in more than 30 Credit Unions across the country including our own Credit Union here in Slane (Main Street, Slane, Co Meath - Tel: (041) 982 4812/ 982 0989).
“The loan value will range from €100 to a maximum of €2,000 with an interest rate of no more than 12% (APR 12.68%). The scheme will assist low-income households and combat moneylenders at the same time.
“Fine Gael recognises the integral role the credit union sector plays in our communities and since entering government we have put in place a number of measures to stabilise the sector and ensure it can continue to provide vital services to its members into the future.
“Credit Unions are a vital source of credit for many people and businesses and will play an important role in keeping the recovery going.”
New community funding will go to 2016 events in Meath
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| Regina Doherty, pictured with Cllr Alan Tobin and Tola Collier in Leinster House following a 2016 preparation meeting with the Department of Heritage, said that €3 million funding package will support the extensive programme of local events planned for 2016 to mark the Centenary of the Easter Rising. |
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty said that a new €3 million funding package will support community participation in the Ireland 2016 commemorations in Meath.
“This €3 million funding package will support the extensive programme of local events planned for 2016 to mark the Centenary of the Easter Rising.
“Over 2,000 events and initiatives have already been confirmed for next year as part of the Local Authority led County Plans for Ireland 2016, many here in Meath
“This funding package will enable local communities to deliver on their ambitious programmes and will also help to ensure the maximum level of participation and engagement, across all sectors of the community, in this once-in-a-century moment in Ireland’s history.
“The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, is leading the preparations and is determined that local communities will be at the heart of Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
“We certainly have plenty to look forward here in Meath with the first commemorative ceremony kicking off in Ashbourne on the 28th of March 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the Rising with flag raising and reading of the Proclamation. This event will be part of a series of synchronised ceremonial events across key locations in the country where action took place in 1916.
“Today’s announcement recognises the important role our local communities and authorities will play in delivering these projects.
“After the economic progress of recent years we can look forward to the 2016 centenary with confidence. We cannot go back and it’s vital to keep the recovery going in 2016 and beyond.”
DOHERTY calls for AIB to publish ALL 3rd Party Operational Instructions
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has called on AIB to publish any and all operations instructions issued to 3rd parties acting on its behalf in debt recovery.
Speaking after the recent revelations that a private investigator working on behalf of AIB is facing criminal charges, Doherty said “for months I have been working with a gentleman who is desperately trying to avoid AIB repossessing his home.
“A number of months my constituent asked if I could help. I have written multiple letters, made numerous calls, and even had a meeting with AIB CEO Bernard Byrne, in a bid to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to all parties involved. I sought personally at the meeting the operational instructions issued by AIB directing 3rd parties acting on their behalf."
“The accusations which have been made against the agents in question are of the most serious nature. I am confident and beyond satisfied that the criminal investigation initiated by the Assistant Data Protection Commissioner will be executed with the level of professionalism and seriousness required. I am also pleased to know that the Department of Social Protection is cooperating fully with the Assistant Commissioner.
“Notwithstanding this, AIB continues to pursue a man for the repossession of his home.
“Today, I have made a fresh request to AIB’s Bernard Byrne to issue to me a copy of any and all operational instructions for agents who act on behalf of AIB with their customers. Additionally, I have written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Finance, of which I am a member, and asked that they too request this documentation from AIB."
Speaking after the recent revelations that a private investigator working on behalf of AIB is facing criminal charges, Doherty said “for months I have been working with a gentleman who is desperately trying to avoid AIB repossessing his home.
“A number of months my constituent asked if I could help. I have written multiple letters, made numerous calls, and even had a meeting with AIB CEO Bernard Byrne, in a bid to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to all parties involved. I sought personally at the meeting the operational instructions issued by AIB directing 3rd parties acting on their behalf."
“The accusations which have been made against the agents in question are of the most serious nature. I am confident and beyond satisfied that the criminal investigation initiated by the Assistant Data Protection Commissioner will be executed with the level of professionalism and seriousness required. I am also pleased to know that the Department of Social Protection is cooperating fully with the Assistant Commissioner.
“Notwithstanding this, AIB continues to pursue a man for the repossession of his home.
“Today, I have made a fresh request to AIB’s Bernard Byrne to issue to me a copy of any and all operational instructions for agents who act on behalf of AIB with their customers. Additionally, I have written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Finance, of which I am a member, and asked that they too request this documentation from AIB."
Farmers in Meath to get €761,000 in AEOS payments, which are to begin this week
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Doherty, pictured above with the Minister said “The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney has announced that the AEOS payments to farmers in Meath are to begin this week, following the completion of detailed verification checks by his Department. These checks are required under EU regulations.
“The scheme is designed to help protect wildlife habitats, endangered species of flora and fauna and the broader rural environment in Meath and underpin the production of quality food in an environmentally friendly manner.
“In total more than €45 million will be paid out to farmers across Ireland before Christmas. This will bring the total paid out on AEOS for the year to in excess of €75 million.
“It follows on from over €5 million paid out to the remaining REPS farmers at the end of November, which brought the total paid in REPS for 2015 to over €30 million for the year.
“These payments will be a welcome boost to farmers in Meath. Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of this plan is to ensure we support and assist our farmers, who are the backbone of this country and our economy.”
Pyrite homeowners no longer have to pay for testing to avail of LPT exemption
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that legislation in the Dáil today (Friday), will ease the burden on homeowners affected by pyrite, by removing the necessity for them to pay for testing in order to avail of the exemption from Local Property Tax (LPT).
“The move to exempt homeowners affected by pyrite from Local Property Tax (LPT) was a positive one. However it soon became apparent that these homeowners were still being unnecessarily punished due to an anomaly whereby pyrite affected homeowners were expected to pay for expensive core sample testing in order to avail of their exemption from LPT.
“I first raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, earlier this year, and at this point the Minister accepted that legislative change may be needed to deal with the anomaly. I am delighted now that this matter is being addressed.
“The Local Property Tax legislation going through the Dáil today deals comprehensively with this anomaly and rectifies the situation. This legislation will extend the LPT exemption to properties whose owners don’t have the required certification but, nevertheless have properties that have been proven to have been damaged by pyrite to a significant extent.
“The exemption is being extended to properties that have been included in the official pyrite remediation scheme without the need for testing, properties that are remediated as a result of a successful insurance claim and properties that are remediated by the builder or property developer who constructed the property.
“It simply wasn’t right that homeowners who were already burdened with pyrite had to pay out for expensive testing in order to avail of the exemption from the LPT that they are entitled to. It was counter intuitive and unfair. Today’s legislation puts this right and ensures that these homeowners will not be unfairly punished.”
“The move to exempt homeowners affected by pyrite from Local Property Tax (LPT) was a positive one. However it soon became apparent that these homeowners were still being unnecessarily punished due to an anomaly whereby pyrite affected homeowners were expected to pay for expensive core sample testing in order to avail of their exemption from LPT.
“I first raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, earlier this year, and at this point the Minister accepted that legislative change may be needed to deal with the anomaly. I am delighted now that this matter is being addressed.
“The Local Property Tax legislation going through the Dáil today deals comprehensively with this anomaly and rectifies the situation. This legislation will extend the LPT exemption to properties whose owners don’t have the required certification but, nevertheless have properties that have been proven to have been damaged by pyrite to a significant extent.
“The exemption is being extended to properties that have been included in the official pyrite remediation scheme without the need for testing, properties that are remediated as a result of a successful insurance claim and properties that are remediated by the builder or property developer who constructed the property.
“It simply wasn’t right that homeowners who were already burdened with pyrite had to pay out for expensive testing in order to avail of the exemption from the LPT that they are entitled to. It was counter intuitive and unfair. Today’s legislation puts this right and ensures that these homeowners will not be unfairly punished.”
€5,000 for small businesses in Meath affected by flooding due before Christmas
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that payments of €5,000 for small businesses in Meath East affected by flooding are due to be paid before Christmas.
Doherty, pictured above with Minister Harris and Cllr Alan Tobin, said “Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney and Minister for the OPW, Simon Harris have announced that small businesses in Meath with up to 20 employees and who are not covered by flood insurance, are to receive emergency humanitarian support.
“The scheme will commence immediately, meaning that businesses will qualify for up to €5,000 aid which is expected to be issued before Christmas. It is expected that this will meet the needs for the majority of small businesses. The application process is designed to be as straight forward as possible for businesses.
“Earlier this year I joined Fine Gael Cllr for Ashbourne, Alan Tobin, in welcoming Minister Harris to Ashbourne to see first-hand the damage and persistent flooding risks which our town faces. Work has been ongoing for the last year to ensure that Meath sees adequate protection and that we never again have to see flooding damage like that which we saw last year.
“In the event that businesses have incurred significant damages above €5,000, further support of up to €15,000 will be available, bringing to €20,00 the maximum payment available. The application for the second payment will be a more lengthy process and will require a detailed assessment.
“I hope this scheme will go some way towards alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses affected by flooding. I have seen at first hand the effects of this flooding and the costs that businesses must incur in order to get back up and running.
“This money will help small businesses in Meath to reopen as soon as possible. It will assist with the replacement of flooring, fixtures, fittings and damaged stock.
“The scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross and only businesses who could not secure flood insurance are eligible.
“Businesses in Meath are determined to get back on their feet as soon as possible and I hope that by introducing this scheme quickly, normal life can resume that little bit sooner.”
Doherty, pictured above with Minister Harris and Cllr Alan Tobin, said “Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney and Minister for the OPW, Simon Harris have announced that small businesses in Meath with up to 20 employees and who are not covered by flood insurance, are to receive emergency humanitarian support.
“The scheme will commence immediately, meaning that businesses will qualify for up to €5,000 aid which is expected to be issued before Christmas. It is expected that this will meet the needs for the majority of small businesses. The application process is designed to be as straight forward as possible for businesses.
“Earlier this year I joined Fine Gael Cllr for Ashbourne, Alan Tobin, in welcoming Minister Harris to Ashbourne to see first-hand the damage and persistent flooding risks which our town faces. Work has been ongoing for the last year to ensure that Meath sees adequate protection and that we never again have to see flooding damage like that which we saw last year.
“In the event that businesses have incurred significant damages above €5,000, further support of up to €15,000 will be available, bringing to €20,00 the maximum payment available. The application for the second payment will be a more lengthy process and will require a detailed assessment.
“I hope this scheme will go some way towards alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses affected by flooding. I have seen at first hand the effects of this flooding and the costs that businesses must incur in order to get back up and running.
“This money will help small businesses in Meath to reopen as soon as possible. It will assist with the replacement of flooring, fixtures, fittings and damaged stock.
“The scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross and only businesses who could not secure flood insurance are eligible.
“Businesses in Meath are determined to get back on their feet as soon as possible and I hope that by introducing this scheme quickly, normal life can resume that little bit sooner.”
DOHERTY encourages everyone in Meath to shop local this Christmas and support Meath businesses
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty is encouraging everyone in Meath to shop local this Christmas and support Meath businesses.
Pictured above shopping at the Christmas Fair which took place in Ashbourne Community School last week, Doherty said “Small and family businesses in Meath are the lifeblood of our local economy and have played a crucial role in the recovery that is now well underway. I’m calling on everyone in Meath who’s going out to do their Christmas shopping in the coming days and weeks to think local first.
“I would also like to remind employers in Meath that they can now gift their staff Christmas bonus vouchers of up to €500 tax free. Up until now, an employer could only provide an employee with a once-off, annual non-cash tax-free benefit to the value of €250. This tax change is a great incentive for employers to reward staff with a larger bonus for Christmas and it will provide a significant boost to the local economy here in Meath, where I would encourage people to spend those vouchers.
“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and we’re working to ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives. Supporting local businesses here in Meath this Christmas will further help to ensure the recovery is felt by an many people as possible this Christmas.”
Pictured above shopping at the Christmas Fair which took place in Ashbourne Community School last week, Doherty said “Small and family businesses in Meath are the lifeblood of our local economy and have played a crucial role in the recovery that is now well underway. I’m calling on everyone in Meath who’s going out to do their Christmas shopping in the coming days and weeks to think local first.
“I would also like to remind employers in Meath that they can now gift their staff Christmas bonus vouchers of up to €500 tax free. Up until now, an employer could only provide an employee with a once-off, annual non-cash tax-free benefit to the value of €250. This tax change is a great incentive for employers to reward staff with a larger bonus for Christmas and it will provide a significant boost to the local economy here in Meath, where I would encourage people to spend those vouchers.
“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and we’re working to ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives. Supporting local businesses here in Meath this Christmas will further help to ensure the recovery is felt by an many people as possible this Christmas.”
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