Funding approved for new facilities at St Joseph’s Spanish Point

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  • Funding approved under Additional Accommodation Scheme
  • Two new state-of-the-art classrooms

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement of funding for St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2021.

Minister Norma Foley has signed off on a new science lab, to include a prep area, a new technical graphics/Design and Communication Graphics room and ancillary works.

“Today’s announcement will be very welcome news for students and staff alike at St Joseph’s, Spanish Point,” said Deputy Crowe.

“This school is known throughout West Clare as being a fantastic one that for many decades has offered a top-class education to the youth of the area.

“These state-of-the-art facilities will help in the modern delivery of science and DCG lessons.

“Since the government took office last summer, I’m glad to say there have been a number of school projects which had been in the doldrums for some time and are now moving along with speed – the biggest locally being the Ennistymon schools amalgamation, which is expected to go to construction in the coming weeks.

“As a teacher, now serving as a government backbencher, I will continue to use my political voice to champion for better educational facilities throughout the county.

“We are fortunate that in Norma Foley we have an Education Minister that is a former secondary school teacher and knows all too well what issues are at play.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister to progress developments in Clare.”

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Inter-departmental group to examine post offices marks significant move

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  • Group will report back by end of July
  • Will examine directing state services to PO network

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement that an inter-departmental group co-chaired has been established to examine the feasibility of directing more Government business to the post office network.

The group will comprise of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will report back to the government by the end of July.

“I hope that the inter-departmental group will examine ways in which the nationwide network of more than 900 post offices can be sustained and protected,” said Deputy Crowe.

“I see the introduction of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) as being key to plugging the annual €17 million funding shortfall the network faces.

“Measures, including the establishment of a community banking system to be operated by An Post must also be considered as a means of bringing a regular income to post masters.

“As has been well documented now, the Kiwi Bank, operational in New Zealand’s post offices, has had a transformational impact.

“A community banking system differs from the agency banking being suggested by Bank of Ireland in post offices, in that it would ensure that profits would be channelled within the local community as opposed to bank shareholders.

“The sale of postage stamps alone won’t save or sustain post offices like Broadford.

“We need to grasp the issue of post office decline once and for all and I see the establishment of this inter-departmental group as being significant in terms of offering solutions but it must get to work quickly and implement revolutionary changes if this is to be a success.”

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Local Link bus services for East Clare will play major role in rejuvenation

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  • Additional routes part of €76m tourism investment
  • Will be beneficial to locals and visitors alike

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe says a planned investment in Local Link bus services in East Clare will play a major role in rejuvenating the entire east of the county.

Additional routes will be added as part of the Fáilte Ireland backed Shannon Tourism Masterplan for the Lower Shannon Region, which includes Lough Derg, Killaloe and many more communities along the east of Clare.

“There is huge untapped potential in terms of Lough Derg and East Clare’s tourism product,” said Deputy Crowe.”

“For many decades, the entire focus has been on developing the Cliffs of Moher and West Clare’s tourism offering and while this has been great, it has led to an imbalance of tourism development within our county and there has been a neglect of the Lough Derg-Lower Shannon area for too long.

“In recent years, it has been a focal point for Clare County Council with plans now well advanced to develop Inis Cealtra and attract visitors to the historic Lough Derg island and now, over €70m of public money being channelled into developing tourism products for the region.

“Senior Fáilte Ireland figures have told me that they intend to have an approved Local Link bus service in the area, which would enable both tourists and locals to travel on an orbital basis around Lough Derg, taking in Killaloe-Ballina and the fantastic communities of East Clare including Tuamgraney, Oggonnelloe, Scariff, Mountshannon and Whitegate.

“It also provides the opportunity to take in the eastern shore of Lough Derg in Tipperary, with northerly links to Portumna in south Galway.

“I think it goes without saying that this would be of immense benefit to those living in the region but also far easier on tourists descending into East Clare and the Lough Derg region to move freely between communities and stay in different areas.

“East Clare will be specifically targeting slow tourism which is cyclists, walkers and trekkers – public transport will be a major added bonus to those looking at East Clare for their trip.”

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Moneypoint’s key role must be acknowledged in EirGrid consultations

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  • Public consultation process underway on clean energy
  • Moneypoint Power Station must not be left to flounder

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on EirGrid to recognise the importance of West Clare’s Moneypoint Power Station to Ireland’s clean energy goals.

EirGrid is currently hosting a 14 week public consultation process regarding the ‘best way for Ireland to move from reliance on fossil fuels to cleaner energy’.

This is an opportunity, Deputy Crowe believes, to highlight the strategic value of Moneypoint.

“As Ireland continues its move from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy, there is a key role for Moneypoint to play in this,” said Deputy Crowe.

“In the late 1980s, two 400kv power lines were laid at Moneypoint, running right across Ireland to Leinster and the Greater Dublin Area.

“These are the highest spec of power lines in the country and are an integral part of the EirGrid infrastructure in terms of generating electricity – Moneypoint is capable of providing 25% of the nation’s electric output.

“I’ve been speaking with senior officials in EirGrid and saying that whilst Moneypoint is on a slow wind-down insofar as its coal burning operations, the power station and its high capacity power lines need to be urgently repurposed to carry renewable energy across the country.

“There is colossal offshore potential for wind energy generation along the Atlantic coastline and in recent weeks I’ve been speaking with a number of individuals in the wind energy sector about this untapped potential.

“The development of offshore wind along the Atlantic coast is definitely progressing but it’s anticipated that wind turbines will first be developed off of the southern and eastern coasts, where the water channel is more shallow and wind turbines can be anchored in seabed.

“The ones that would be ultimately developed off of the coasts of Clare, Galway and Mayo will most likely require floatation infrastructure to keep them upright.

“Whilst Ireland is ahead of many countries in terms of onshore wind energy, it lags behind the likes of the UK, Denmark and the Nordic states with offshore wind generation.

“It’s now believed offshore is up to three times more efficient than onshore and in Dáil Éireann we hope to pass new legislation which will make it far easier for offshore projects to be delivered.

“At present, they are limited by legislation dating back to the 1930s but this will shortly be overhauled paving way for 21st century, hi-tech projects to be delivered in coastal waters.

“It also goes without saying that offshore turbines are much less obtrusive than onshore ones and the recent high-profile contentious cases surrounding wind turbines in Clare shows public appetite to address this.

“Finally, the midland counties of Ireland already have their Just Transition Plan, which will help them realise new potential in post fossil fuel Ireland but we still don’t have effective plan for Moneypoint.

“Because of the really valuable 400kv lines that go from Moneypoint across the country, this component of national infrastructure cannot be ignored neglected and I believe it positions Moneypoint to be the most ideal setting in the country for processing offshore wind energy and transmitting it onto the national grid.

“The realisation of this would be a huge boost to west Clare and the whole western coast.”

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HIQA report into Cahercalla Community Hospital will lead to better care

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  • Report highlights number of shortcomings
  • Work has taken place to address issues arising

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the recommendations of a HIQA report into Cahercalla Community Hospital, which will improve the level of care provided at the facility.

A number of non-compliances have been identified in the report which has just been published, and steps have already been taken to address some of the issues that arose.

“Over the past number of weeks, I’ve been in contact with HIQA personally on this matter and I was aware there were a number of inspections taking place at the facility and that this report was being compiled,” said Deputy Crowe.

“This report found a number of shortcomings, some of which I understand have already been addressed, but the remainder of those will be addressed by a new management team contracted by HSE.

“What I’m particularly glad to hear is that from a patient point of view, nothing will change in that there will be no closure or winding down of this facility, which has offered a vital healthcare service for generations – that will continue as always.

“From a workers’ perspective there will also be a continuation in that there will be no job losses; there are changes in how the facility is being managed and an external company now leading up management, as appointed by the HSE.

“I have every faith and belief that they will address any final aspects identified in inspection report that are yet to be acted on but I also have full confidence that every step has been and will be taken to implement the recommendations.

“It’s important to note that HIQA is a regulatory body to ensure that the care offered in such facilities is at the highest standards and I think that the outcomes here should all be seen in positive light.

“Most especially, this is about improving things for the patients and I know that is at the heart of what everybody involved in the running of Cahercalla Community Hospital from the ground up.”

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Signage for EuroVelo goes up around Clare

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  • Huge opportunity to showcase county
  • Part of 11,000km cycling route

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the erection of signage for the European-wide EuroVelo cycle route network in Co. Clare.

Ireland forms part of Route 1 of the network, which begins in the northern regions of Norway, travels down through Scotland and the Atlantic coastline in Ireland, before moving on to Wales, southern England, France, Spain and finally Portugal.

“How wonderful to see the EuroVelo signs up around our county, to point cyclists from near and far along our breath-taking coastline as part of their route,” said Deputy Crowe.

“I might be biased but I firmly believe that Route 1 of the EuroVelo network will have some of the best views for cyclists who undertake various sections of this initiative, beginning with the majestic fjords of Norway, to our own rugged Atlantic coastline to the beautiful beaches of Portugal.

“It was a wonderful moment to see a sign marking the route at Brennan’s Cross in my home village of Meelick.

“It’s incredible to think that, if you follow one of the longest cycling routes in the world, you could begin pedalling in Meelick or Kilkishen or the dozens of other villages on the Clare section and end up in coastal Portugal, just by following these little signs.

“I am also delighted that the signage has been erected to coincide with the launch of the River Shannon Masterplan, which was presented to us by Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland this week.

“We’ve heard how much potential for slow tourism there is in East Clare – I believe the EuroVelo and East Clare can work hand in hand by attracting in cyclists who want to take part in the route but also stop, eat and stay in the likes of Killaloe or further up the eastern border of the county.”

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Aer Lingus temporary lay-offs mark significant blow for Shannon Airport

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  • Three-month layoffs for inflight and ground staff
  • No pay for duration of layoff

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Aviation Cathal Crowe says the announcement from Aer Lingus that it will lay off its Shannon Airport staff for three months is a real blow for the region.

The airline has confirmed that it will be laying off all 129 Inflight Service and Ground Operations staff in Shannon Airport from next Monday, March 8th, until June 7th.

The workers will not receive a wage for the duration of this layoff.

“Aer Lingus’s announcement is majorly disappointing and a real blow for its Shannon workers, who have faced almost a year of stress and anxiety about their jobs,” said Deputy Crowe.

“For most of the last year, the state has heavily subsidised the Aer Lingus wage bill first with the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and more recently, the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.

“Whilst the airline is facing significant losses, it has also been well supported – in the last number of weeks, Aer Lingus received a €150m state loan from Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.

“As Fianna Fáil’s Aviation Spokesperson, I have engaged with the airline and colleagues in government to see if further supports can be put in place so that the Shannon-based workers aren’t left on the breadline.

“More broadly, we need to find a pathway back to flights at the earliest possible opportunity.

“As people continue to be vaccinated on an accelerated basis, we need to examine the possibility of a Covid passport, so that those who have been immunised can take to the skies again.

“I would also question if Aer Lingus should still be continuing to advertise flights from Shannon.

“I’ve been made aware of a number of people who have booked flights for down the line under the illusion that they would be flying from Shannon, only to receive an automated email to say that they will in fact be flying from Dublin instead.

“This, at a time when aviation is at its lowest ebb, builds false hope in consumers and is misleading.

“If they’re flying from Dublin only – which, let me stress, nobody likes – then they need to be honest with customer base at this time.

“Right now, though, my thoughts are with the Aer Lingus workers and their families.

“These next few weeks will be even more difficult for them. I know many of them personally and I’ll do everything I can to help in this situation.”

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Bank of Ireland closures mark the death knell for rural Clare

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  • Three branches to close in Co. Clare
  • Confirms worst fears of local residents

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe says Bank of Ireland’s decision to shut 103 of its branches, including three in Co. Clare, is a sign of waning commitment to smaller and rural communities.

Following the publication of the bank’s annual report, it was confirmed that Miltown Malbay, Kilkee and Tulla will all be losing their banks – which have already seen reduced hours in recent months.

“Bank of Ireland’s announcement signals a real death knell for a lot of small towns and their surrounding communities in rural Ireland,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Some of these bank branches have been in situ for well over a century and offer a vital service to the locality.

“I think Bank of Ireland management are hugely misjudging their customer base because a very large cohort still rely on in-branch face to face banking and online banking is not something they’re able to engage with – be it due to lack of IT skills or in many cases poor internet infrastructure, so this is a very premature move on their part.

“Today’s news means that there’s only two banks going forward that will serve the county west of Ennis, which is a devastating statistic.

“In recent months, I have been in contact with Bank of Ireland HQ about these three branches in Clare – namely Miltown Malbay, Kilkee and Tulla.

“In particular, following engagements with members of the business community in Tulla, I sought enhanced ATM and lodgement facilities there.

“I received what can only be described as a lukewarm response.

“This is indicative that their commitment to improving the service offered in small towns has been on the wane for some time now and today’s unfortunate news confirms that.

“I hope that Bank of Ireland will reconsider some of the planned closures and it’s a point I hope to discuss with colleagues in Fianna Fáil and more widely in government.

“It also must be highlighted that the proposal to have a Bank of Ireland service in post offices isn’t a panacea because as we’ve seen in Clare, An Post is watery in terms of its commitment to rural Ireland too.

“A departure of both a post office and bank leaves communities at a total disadvantage and it’s something that must not be forgotten about by high flying businessmen and women in Dublin City.”

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Public Service Obligation must be used to sustain Post Office network

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  • Recommendation has been outlined in key report
  • Motion to be presented at Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on the government to introduce a Public Service Obligation to save the post office network from terminal decline.

Deputy Crowe has drafted a motion making the call, which has been co-signed as a joint motion by Senator Timmy Dooley and Deputies Jackie Cahill, Pádraig O’Sullivan and Joe Flaherty, and is to be presented at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting this evening.

It follows the recent confirmation that Broadford’s post office is to permanently close after 190 years in operation; marking a significant blow for rural Clare.

“I am asking colleagues in government to consider introducing a Public Services Obligation to help sustain the Irish post office network as a matter of urgency,” said Deputy Crowe.

“The post office network is facing an existential crisis and without a funding stream to rescue it from continued loss making we will, possibly within this year, see more than half of the post offices in the country facing possible closure.

“In Broadford, the community has enjoyed having a local post office for an unbroken 190 years and they’re completely devastated that An Post senior management is now using a national consolidation plan to shut the doors on this branch forever.

“Despite a mammoth effort put in by the community in terms of putting a case forward for keeping the branch open, An Post has responded to all of this research with a copy and paste answer – not even on letterhead, but by email.

“That’s treating the community with disdain and it’s not the way this should be playing out in its final hours.

“That said, there’s still a battle to be fought here and I’m more than up for the task of doing so, along with others in the county.

“The much-publicised Grant Thornton report into the future of the post office network recommended that a PSO costing in the region of €17m per annum could sustain the network in its current form.

“I think this amounts to small money when you consider the immense benefit of the post office network throughout the country, but particularly in rural areas which are constantly being left behind.

“As a country, we need to do some soul searching and ask ourselves a simple question – do we place value on this service that’s a backbone to rural life?

“Covid has reminded us that our dependency on our local services is as important as ever and for that reason it’s an absolutely retrograde step and short-sighted move to allow post offices to shut their doors for good.”

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Department of Transport outlines three options for Shannon Chair appointment

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  • Minister must engage with stakeholders in region
  • Critical to get it right this time around

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has received confirmation from Department of Transport officials that three options are on the table for how the process of appointing a new chair of Shannon Group will proceed.

Option 1 would see the second placed candidate appointed; option 2 would involve starting the entire process again while the third and final option would be to engage with stakeholders in the region before proceeding.

“I have strongly made the point to the Minister and to his officials at today’s Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting that we need to go down the route of the third option here,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Since last week’s fiasco, I’ve been contacted by a lot of stakeholders in Clare and right around the region, who are anxious that things slow down a little bit in terms of the appointment of a replacement.

“The role of Shannon Airport is pivotal and if we get this wrong again, it sets the airport back significantly when it is facing its greatest crisis.

“We desperately need somebody in place who understands the importance of Shannon, who gets aviation and who can drive on and promote the airport and get it back on an upward trajectory.

“It’s important too to remember that this individual will have a lot more responsibility than just managing the airport – this job will cover the siezeable commercial property portfolio that Shannon Group commands and also the heritage sites.

“I will again be encouraging Minister Eamon Ryan to consult with elected representatives, the business leaders in the region, our tourism experts and the chambers of commerce about how to proceed.

“All of these stakeholders have best interests of Shannon at heart and it would be good for him to do temperature check in the Midwest region as to what kind of individual those on the ground want to see appointed.”

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