Forest Licence System must change
The current Forest Licence System is not fit for purpose and needs to be overhauled as a matter of urgency. Today there are nearly 6,000 licences in the system pending decision. Farmers are awaiting more [...]
Welcome progress with installation of footbridge in Athenry
I have received confirmation from Galway County Council that they have issued tender documents to contractors for the construction of a footbridge to provide pedestrian access to Clarin College Athenry. “The footbridge was planned and [...]
Government commit to review the amount of transition funding for Leader Programme for 2022
I have received a commitment from the Taoiseach that the Government will review the level of funding available to the Leader Programme for 2022. The last Leader Programme finished in 2020 but a transition fund [...]
Overzealous Public Spending Code stifling infrastructure development
The Public Spending Code has become a major blockage in the delivery of Public Infrastructure in Ireland. The Public Spending Cost sets out the various approval gateways that a project must go through. The code [...]
Burren Trail to be complete in September 2021
Burren Trail to be complete in September 2021 and will benefit tourism in Gort and South Galway I have received confirmation from Fáilte Ireland that the Burren Trail is scheduled for completion in September 2021. [...]
Progress on Social Welfare offices in Tuam
I welcome progress to-date on the refurbishment of the old library on Shop Street Tuam. The building which is owned by Galway County Council and has been leased to the Department of Social Protection for [...]
Kilrickle Group Water Scheme goes on public display
I have received confirmed that the pipe network plan for the Kilrickle/Kilcooley Group Water Scheme is now on display for the public to view. The plans are on display at O’Brien’s shop Kilrickle and in [...]
Calls on Government to increase grants for retrofit of houses due to increase in cost of materials
I have called on Government to increase the level of grant assistance available for retrofit works of existing houses. “The cost of materials such as insulation and timber has skyrocketed in price over the last [...]
Time for Government to introduce a third force in banking in Ireland
I believe that Ireland needs a third banking force as Ulster Bank have exited the Irish market. “Last week the Bank announced the conclusion of the sale of its €4.2 billion performing loan products and [...]
Calls on Government to fund Irish Water
I stated in the Dáil this week that the lack of funding of Irish Water has now become an impediment to the delivery of Irelands infrastructure including housing, schools and industrial buildings. “There are significant [...]