Almost €140,000 in funding for Clare community facilities

/in , /by
  • Funding to support local groups to re-open their facilities post-Covid
  • Small grants for repairs and renovations, new equipment and safety upgrades

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €139,257 in funding to Clare County Council under the Community Enhancement Programme 2021.

This funding will provide grants from a few hundred euro up to €10,000 to assist in the re-opening of facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres.

It will allow for necessary renovations and repairs or to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies, training equipment and so on.

“Today’s announcement is all about injecting a bit of financial assistance into these local groups and clubs which are a lifeline to so many but due to Covid-19, were forced to close or wind down their usual operations,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Having visited the Ennis Men’s Shed on the Quin Road and met with some of the lads there in recent months, I know exactly how important these groups are to so many people around the county and indeed the country.

“Nothing in life comes free, of course, so many of these organisations will incur some reopening costs and this is where this funding will be a significant help.

“For some, it might be as simple as needing to upgrade furniture, for others it could be larger repairs or renovations, but without this funding, such work may be out of reach for many.

“For interested groups, they should contact the Clare Local Development Company that will be administering the funding and put together their case to get a slice of this scheme.”

-ENDS-

Aer Lingus needs to clarify Shannon plans

/in , /by
  • Concern that transatlantic flights off the cards until summer 2022
  • Blow at low ebb for aviation sector if true

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe says it is crucial that Aer Lingus clarifies its plans for transatlantic travel to and from Shannon Airport for the next 12 months.

A document, which outlines the airline’s timeline for the resumption of services, is said to have been circulated among company workers and states that the Shannon to New York and Boston routes will not recommence until the middle of next year.

“I’m calling on Aer Lingus to urgently make clear their future intentions for flying out of their Shannon base,” said Deputy Crowe.

“A story circulating today hints that it could be more than a year before they return transatlantic services to Shannon, which is of huge concern to their workers but would also have a devastating impact on the economy and tourism trade in the Midwest.

“Shannon, for many decades, has been the first stepping-stone for many North Americans entering Ireland and indeed Europe and it is essential that this connectivity is restored in the quickest possible timeframe.

“Aer Lingus, like many airlines, can feel disgruntled and hugely frustrated with the situation over the past 14 months, whereby practically all aircraft were grounded, very few took to the skies but the fact is there is now a clear pathway emerging for the restoration of international air travel.

“Just last week, the Digital Green Certificate was voted through the EU Parliament and this process of certification which will facilitate vaccinated and PCR-tested passengers to take to our skies once more is now going through final stages of refinement before being adopted by all member states.

“It’s expected that adoption and implementation will happen in approximately six weeks’ time.

“Parallel to this, the EU Commission is working on a separate set of proposals for Schengen Area countries that would allow a return of flights coming from North America

“At last night’s meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, I urged An Taoiseach and my colleagues in government to embrace these proposals with open arms.

“Though Ireland isn’t a Schengen Area country, we have been invited to partake in the talks and it’s in our best interests that we would go along with these proposals.

“All going well, it should be possible to see airplanes return to our skies in the next six to eight weeks.

“Whilst I fully understand the need for airlines to have a lead in period so that pilots and cabin crews can be ready and certified to return to the air, and also for marketing purposes, there is nonetheless an expectation that airlines here in Ireland and further afield will now start to commit to running services in the months ahead.

“Ryanair recently announced a new route from Shannon to Corfu and they expect to be running from Shannon in the summer and autumn period – we need to same commitment from Aer Lingus.

“This period of uncertainty is near an end and whilst I look forward to a staycation in Ireland with my family, I’ve already booked a flight from Shannon in August in anticipation of a return to international travel.

“It’s important that we here in the Midwest commit to supporting Shannon but we also need equal commitment from our airlines that have for so long serviced the region.”

-ENDS-

Ennis now officially a university town

/in , /by
  • Technological University status for LIT given government designation
  • Historic day for LIT and education in Ennis

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the news this morning that LIT has officially been given government designation as a Technological University, securing university status for Ennis.

The LIT-AIT consortium formally commenced in October of 2019 and was granted €5 million by the Higher Education Authority to assist it with creating and developing a technological university.

“Today, LIT is receiving government designation as a Technological University in what is a hugely historic day for LIT but also for our county, with the Ennis campus on Bindon Street now meaning our county town is officially a university town,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Two years ago, LIT and its Athlone equivalent formed a consortium in order to reach a higher benchmark and achieve this university status.

“This new technological university will comprise a student population of up to 15,000 and a staff complement of around 1,200 people across its six campuses in Ennis, Limerick, Clonmel, Thurles and Athlone.

“As a TD for Clare, I’ve been in regular contact with Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of LIT, since my election and on many occasions I raised this campaign to be classed as a university with An Taoiseach and my colleagues in government.

“Today, I am particularly delighted for Vincent, his team and all of the staff and students of the college.

“The opening of the LIT campus in Ennis took place to much fanfare during my tenure as Mayor of Clare and it was an incredibly exciting day for all.

“Elevating it to TU status is a real boost for the town and for our county as a whole.

“It’s also important to note that the new TU campus being so close to Shannon Airport and the Shannon Free Zone – less than 15 minutes by car – is invaluable and no doubt played a major role in securing this upgraded status for LIT.

“I think there’s huge potential here to pioneer aviation courses and training from a university in Clare.

“Along with the huge boost in terms of the provision of education in Clare and the Midwest region, this has massive potential for the economy of Ennis.

“I look forward to seeing hundreds of students living here, working here and spending their money in the wealth of local businesses we have in our county town.”

-ENDS-

Education Minister to hear concerns on future of Ennis Educate Together

/in , /by
  • School accommodation needs to be discussed
  • Collaborative approach will be needed

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has secured a meeting between Education Minister Norma Foley, management of Ennis Educate Together National School and Clare’s coalition Oireachtas members to discuss the extreme accommodation needs for the school.

Ennis Educate Together NS is located on the Gort Road in the county town and at present, has no permanent building in which it can deliver education to its pupil population.

Deputy Crowe has been in consultation with the Minister, her officials and school management for a number of months with a view to furthering this case.

Minister Foley will meet virtually with all stakeholders tomorrow to hear the reasons behind this critical need.

“In recent months, I’ve held a number of discussions with the principal and management at Ennis Educate Together,” said Deputy Crowe.

“As many people will be aware, the school is located beside the Cois na hAbhna site on the Gort Road and is made up of a complex of prefab buildings, most of which are not fit for purpose.

“I have raised concerns with Minister Foley that, on a long-term basis, the school will not be able to continue to operate out of this facility and will need a new building to be constructed.

“There has been some talk at departmental level about a site being acquired elsewhere in Ennis town to provide for a new building for the school but we need to hear some certainty on this.

“I also hope that Minister Foley and her department officials will also consider the DEIS status of the school.

“DEIS status means that the department support schools that may have pupils experiencing socioeconomic and educational disadvantages and this is crucial to ensuring these kids get the education they need and deserve.

“For this reason, the school are hoping that they can be reclassified, and I’ve corresponded a number of times with Minister Foley on this particular aim and will be raising this in our meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).

“The meeting will also be attended by other Oireachtas members from the county who are members of government coalition parties and I will work with them in furthering the work that I’ve been carrying out in relation to this school.”

-ENDS-

Taoiseach appoints Cathal Crowe to All-Party Consultation Group on State Commemorations

/in , /by

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has been appointed by An Taoiseach Mícheál Martin to represent the Fianna Fáil party on the All-Party Consultation Group on State Commemorations.

The committee’s role is to, among other things, promote a consultative and open approach to commemorations, which seeks to strengthen peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland.

“I’m deeply honoured to take on this new role and I hope this committee will allow me an opportunity to express my great interest in history and also my experiences of being involved in very successful community-led commemorations in Clare,” said Deputy Crowe.

“As we move through the decade of centenaries, we are shortly going to have to face some of the more challenging aspects in terms of state commemorations.

“The month of May marks the centenary of the partition of Ireland and we are now also approaching the centenary of the Civil War period, which divided Ireland not just at that time but for the decades and generations that followed.

“I think things in Ireland have moved on and generations of people who had familial divisions relating to the Civil War period have now passed on.

“In this context, the commemorations should be able to take place in a historic space and I am of the firm view that we shouldn’t take a revisionist approach to how we view these events.

“It was utterly wrong last year for the previous government to be pushing ahead with plans to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary.

“I have always considered commemoration to be an act of celebration and whilst we must remember historical events on an inclusive basis, we must be extremely cautious and not let ourselves cross a line which involves eulogising in any way forces which a century ago sought to suppress the long-standing Irish desire for independence.

“As a member of the All-Party Consultative Group, I look forward to engaging with Minister Catherine Martin and other TDs on across-party basis.

“My own outlook on commemoration has very much been shaped by my local commemorative committee, which has successfully erected seven memorials in the Meelick, Parteen, Ardnacrusha and Cratloe areas.

“In a Clare context, I very much admire the leadership in commemorations shown by historians like Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, Padraig McCormack, Tom Twomey and Mary Crawford and her team who have led commemorations for the Mid-Clare Brigade of the Old IRA.

“Away from politics, history is a major passion of mine. History and politics can and should co-exist but history shouldn’t determine how contemporary political decisions are made.

“Over the past year, many people have continued to ask me to expand on my opinions regarding the RIC. I think there should be an expanded education programme in schools so that we learn about the RIC but I think we need to stop short of having whole-scale commemorations for this policing body.

“I look forward to engaging with my colleagues in this group and furthering historic education as we form an outlook on how commemorative events can and should take place.”

-ENDS-

New plan for Moneypoint a lifeline for West Clare

/in /by
  • Offshore wind development project proposed
  • Would generate power for up to 1.5m homes

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed news that a lifeline has been thrown for Moneypoint Power Station in West Clare.

An offshore wind development project is being planned off of the coast of Clare and Kerry under a new public-private partnership between the ESB and Equinor, a Norwegian-based global energy firm.

“I’ve long held the view that offshore wind energy is a strong means by which Moneypoint Power Station’s future can be secured,” said Deputy Crowe.

“I’ve seen first-hand how such developments are much, much less visually obtrusive than onshore wind farms and therefore much less likely to ruffle the feathers of objectors.

“More importantly than that is the fact that offshore wind farms have the potential to generate more electricity at a steadier rate than their onshore counterparts, due to higher and more consistent wind speeds.

“I’ve spent months engaging with the government and with the ESB on this project and I am so thrilled to be able to see its unveiling now.

“Crucially for West Clare is the fact that this will create in the region of 600 jobs and, should planning go through without any obstacles, this really could place Moneypoint and Clare at the centre of Ireland’s offshore wind energy future.

“The project is expected to be carried out in two phase – the first located 16km off of the Clare and Kerry coastline and the second 20km west of the first phase – the final windfarm is likely to cover an area of around 70km squared.

“We all know that coal-burning operations are on the wind-down at Moneypoint and I’ve long made the point that something needs to be looked at as an alternative or it could spell the death knell for West Clare, so I know this news will be so very, very welcome to the people of Kilrush and its surrounding communities.”

HSE’s Covid text system leading to mass confusion

/in /by
  • Bulk text system being dismissed by some as scam
  • Leading to no-shows at vaccine clinics

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on the HSE to urgently review its text alert system for Covid-19 vaccination appointments.

People have reported missing their scheduled time as they believe the text informing them of their appointment to be a scam, due to the nature of how it is issued.

“The text messages people are receiving are very casual,” said Deputy Crowe.

“They begin with ‘reply yes or no’ and in this day and age people are quite savvy to scams and phishing texts and this has been well flagged in the media, on Crimeline on RTÉ and so on.

“At any given time, there are quite a number of text scams circulating in the country and for this reason, a lot of people I believe have been put off from replying to the text and therefore have lost out on their vaccination appointment.

“One lady contacted me on Facebook after I highlighted this to say she didn’t reply to the text but nonetheless, presented herself for the vaccine at the Radisson Hotel at her scheduled time but couldn’t be vaccinated by staff because she hadn’t replied to the text – others have dismissed it completely and not attended at all.

“So the text is leading to mass confusion and in think this may, in some small way, account for the number of no-shows at the vaccination centres.

“I have been conducting my own investigation into how this is arising and it appears to me that the HSE has contracted a bulk text company to issue their messaging.

“This same company obviously has a number of other contracts, including a local auctioneering company so, for example, people who previously availed of services from this auctioneer and got a text from them are also getting texts from the same mobile number from the HSE, leading to people not trusting the legitimacy of the message.

“I’ve asked the HSE vaccination coordinating team to urgently look at devising a more formalised message or a better mechanism for announcing the schedule of vaccinations.

“I think better communication is badly needed if we are to ensure everybody gets their vaccine at the appropriate time.”

-ENDS-

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control should pull funding from other European agencies

/in /by
  • Budget and staff numbers falling short
  • Europe lagging behind US

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on the EU to redirect funding from other sources within its coffers to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, in an effort to up the ante in the fight to vaccinate the population.

At present, the ECDC’s budget falls well short of its equivalents elsewhere in the world, despite the centre being responsible for overseeing the bloc’s defences against infectious diseases like Covid-19.

“At the moment, we are living our lives dictated by figures and statistics from NIAC, NPHET, the HSE and so on,” said Deputy Crowe.

“The vast majority of us are happy to play our part in keeping the figures down to the best of our ability but we also need assurances that this disease is being fought by mothership Europe.

“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is a Stockholm-based organisation that is alarmingly small, with just 300 employees working within its walls. For comparison, our small country’s state broadcaster RTÉ has six times that number on its payroll.

“As well as its scale, it runs on annual budget of €50 million whereas its US equivalent has an annual budget of $12 billion.

“So it should come as no surprise, then, that an agency set up in the aftermath of the SARS outbreak in 2002 is finding itself rather inept 18 years on, in trying to steer every European nation through one of the most treacherous outbreaks we have faced.

“In fact, the likes of the HSE, the NHS all the national agencies across the continent are outperforming the main European body that is responsible for fighting back against viral spread of diseases.

“If you look at the European Space Agency, it has a €6.7 billion budget – that’s a budget that this year could be channelled back into public health rather than sending rockets into space, which is ordinarily a scientific exploration that I think most people would support.

“I also think EU needs to look at its expert labs and the vast scientific knowledge it has right throughout its member states and work towards the bloc having its own vaccination, its own rollout – we’re fully reliant on third parties at present and we’ve seen how AstraZenica has let us down.

“We also must look at countries like Norway – Norway is not in the bloc but time and time again has identified key strategic companies in their country over the past three decades and has become a stronghold for a number of industries.

“The bottom line is we need more money in Europe for the jabs and this must be the focus of the EU and the ECDC.”

-ENDS-

€17 million outdoor dining scheme provides huge opportunity for Clare

/in /by
  • Scheme has long and short-term goals
  • Aims to emulate successful outdoor dining in Europe

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement of a €17 million outdoor dining grant scheme.

The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme comprises two parts and will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country.

Part One of the scheme targets the short-term goal of providing funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity.

Funding allocated under Part Two will enable Local Authorities to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres, like those that exist in various European cities.

“I’m delighted that this scheme will operate on a nationwide basis,” said Deputy Crowe.

“A previous iteration of this scheme launched in February was largely based around urban centres and had a bias in favour of larger towns and cities. This new scheme will be national, enabling restaurants, tourism providers and local authorities to provide permanent outdoor dining areas which will help the hospitality sector during the months ahead but also long-term beyond the current pandemic situation.

“At the beginning of March, I met with a number of senior figures in Fáilte Ireland and relayed concerns to them that had been expressed to me by restaurateurs in Clare that they wouldn’t be able to derive any benefit from the scheme as it was.

“Fáilte Ireland assured me that they would have a further look at the scheme and I’m delighted by today’s news it’s to be expanded.

“Covid has shaken the bedrock of our hospitality sector and for the past 12 months it has only hung on with a thread but yet with continued supports, it could be among the first to see a bounce back as many people are already talking about how they will visit their local bar or restaurant when the country reopens.

“So, with the right supports in place we should look forward to a reasonably good summer but we have to ensure that the sector is supported until it returns to 2019 trading levels.”

-ENDS-

Annual South Clare Spring Clean returns on April 1st

/in /by
  • 7 locations will be targeted
  • All encouraged to get involved

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is pleased to announce that the annual South Clare Spring Clean will proceed this year, in a safe, socially distanced manner.

Volunteers of all ages are being asked to come forward and make themselves available on April 1st, to pick up litter and generally make the area look cleaner, tidier and more attractive for the residents.

“This is my 16th consecutive year organising springs cleans in the South Clare area,” said Deputy Crowe.

“They have, thankfully, been hugely successful in times gone by but this year because of the Covid-19 restrictions, it will be different.

“Nonetheless, I expect a large participation as usual as I know a great many of fantastic volunteers look forward to this day each year.

“The schedule will take in seven meeting points – we’ll begin at Westbury Church at 9:30am, Shannon Banks at 9:45 and Carraig Midhe at 10am.

“There’s two simultaneous starts in Meelick at 10:30am – one at The Tavern and the other at the community hall – then Parteen school at 10:45am and McMahon’s Bar in Ardnacrusha at 11am, so there’s plenty of scope for people to fall in wherever suits.

“For anybody that is in a position to help us out, I’m asking them to bring their own gloves and hand sanitisers while litter pickers and bags will be made available on the morning.

“Of course, we are still operating within a 5km limit on movement so if you are further out than that, you won’t be able to give us a hand this year unfortunately.

“All of the rubbish collected will be taken away and disposed of, thanks to Clare County Council and the Shannon Municipal District office and as per pervious, years An Taisce will be on board to help with the supply of bin bags and other materials involved in collection of rubbish.

“Over the years there has been a marked increase in illegally dumped materials right around the county but as always, rural areas bear the brunt of this.

“I have seen a spike in my own locality in South Clare in particular and it can be particularly frustrating to see larger items such as fridges and mattresses thrown into hedgerows when they can easily be recycled at any one of the various sites around the county.

“Over the years, these clean ups have exposed some more alarming items dumped in the countryside including the carcasses of dead horses, bags full of soiled nappies and so on.

“These are items that should be disposed of in a much safer, sanitary way and when this isn’t done, they pose a serious health and environmental risk.

“Sadly, the perpetrators don’t seem to care too much and while I wish these clean ups were not needed, it’s heartening to see that there are so many people out there who do, in fact, care about their community and want to see it looking its best so they participate in these events.

“During the clean, people are advised to either stay well apart and be by themselves or else remain in their own bubble to ensure social distancing is complied with and that we all stay safe. Please also bring your masks and any other PPE you feel you may need and I look forward to joining you on April 1st to give the place a proper cleaning!”

-ENDS-