No more delays for rural sewerage provision

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  • Decision looming on Broadford & Cooraclare schemes
  • Final consideration being given to applications

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling for no further delays to issuing a decision on applications for rural sewerage schemes for unsewered villages in Co. Clare.

The villages of Broadford and Cooraclare are both awaiting a decision on their applications to be included in the pilot scheme, after decades of having sewerage issues.

“I am confident that Minister Darragh O’Brien will follow through on his promise to deliver a national pilot scheme for unsewered villages in the coming weeks,” said Deputy Crowe.

“County Clare currently has two applications before the Minister for this scheme – the county council has submitted applications for sewerage schemes in Broadford and Cooraclare.

“Both villages have waited many decades for such infrastructure and local action groups in both areas feel that their villages are hampered by the lack of progression.

“Without a sewerage scheme, these villages can’t grow, housing cannot be provided and there’s also the ongoing environmental hazard of raw sewerage being discharged into drains and watercourses that has the potential of contaminating drinking waters.

“When Fianna Fáil entered government back in 2020, backbenchers were invited to bring forward suggestions of policy areas they would like to see included in the Programme for Government.

“As Clare’s FF TD, I made the provision of rural sewerage schemes like this a red-line issue and I intend to see this through.

“I was adamant the government needed to provide for unsewered villages, and I’m glad a budgetary element of €50m was committed to by the government for the provision of the same.

“More than a year has passed since the submission of the Broadford and Cooraclare applications and officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have been considering these, along with other applications nationally for some time now.

“Minister O’Brien and his officials are now casting a final eye on these applications and I’m hopeful an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

“Whilst the dezoning of land is indeed frustrating, I am confident that it can be rectified when a sewerage scheme is being prepared for Broadford.

“I want to acknowledge the immense effort of the Broadford Action Group led by PJ Mason and the elected representatives of the district who have worked hard to achieve the end goal here.

“I also want to commend the work of the local action committee and elected representatives in Cooraclare, and I’ll be doing everything I can in these final few weeks to try to ensure that there is a maximum benefit for Co. Clare.

“Moreover, I hope that this scheme will become more than a pilot scheme and will become a multi-annual fully funded programme.

“If we deliver for Broadford and Cooraclare, there are many more Clare villages in a queue who need this essential infrastructure.”

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Works approved to replace old water mains in Clonlara

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  • Work to be completed by mid-September
  • Will improve frequency of leakages/outages

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation that Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) will commence work on replacing 300 metres of aged water mains in Clonlara next week.

The project will see the existing old and damaged pipes replaced, with a view to addressing the frequency of leakages and burst mains in the area.

“This is very welcome work and will be of significant relief to a great many residents in Clonlara,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Clonlara village has grown quite over the past two decades – particularly with the development of the Church Fields housing estate and new social housing developments adjacent to Derryvinna – but the water infrastructure hasn’t been upgraded to meet these new developments, and indeed developments that’ll hopefully happen into the future.

“Approximately 10 years ago, there was a major water upgrade from O’Connor’s Cross, Parteen to Decourcy’s Bridge, Clonlara.

“This was to deal with frequent outages experienced by people in Clonlara but the works now planned will hep to further improve supply and deal with any outage problems people in the village have.

“I’ve been communicating recently with Uisce Éireann on the need to further upgrade the water mains in this locality.

“In particular, I am pushing them to replace old asbestos pipes between Larkin’s Cross, Parteen and O’Connor’s Cross, Parteen.

“Residents here have endured more than a dozen water outages in the past 12 months.

“Also, I’ve asked them to upgrade water pipes in the Kildoorus area of Clonlara and the nearby village of Bridgetown.

“Residents here have ongoing issues with water pressure and when there are outages in the locality it can often taken them several days to have their own domestic supplies replenished.

“Whilst fixing water leaks if an important part of Uisce Éireann’s work, it is vital that work to replace old decrepit mains that are no longer fit for purpose proceed with haste.”

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€7 million Liscannor wastewater treatment plant officially opened

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  • Will end discharge of raw sewerage
  • Two more similar projects to go for planning soon

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the official opening of the Liscannor wastewater treatment plant, which will end the discharge of raw sewerage into Liscannor Bay.

The new facility was officially opened this morning by the Mayor of Clare, after significant work by Clare County Council and Uisce Éireann, made possible with a €7 million funding allocation from the government.

“This new state-of-the-art facility will ensure that the discharge of raw sewerage into beautiful Liscannor Bay will finally end, after many, many years,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Not only is this good for the environment – and indeed for tourism – but it also means the village now has space to grow and play a role in terms of providing housing for all, meaning there’s a vital role for Liscannor to play down the line.

“I want to acknowledge the work that all organisations put in to bringing this over the line and in particular, commend my party colleagues, Councillors Shane Talty and Joe Killeen for their consistent advocating for this project.

“I was also pleased today to learn that similar treatment plants in Ballyvaughan and Kilkee will also soon go for planning permission.

“The Liscannor build took a little less than two years so I’d be hopeful that Ballyvaughan and Kilkee’s builds could commence by 2024 or 2025.”

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International Protection Integration Funding for Clare

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  • €1.2 million nationally for 70 support projects
  • Three projects in Clare to benefit

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of funding for three projects in Clare, under the International Protection Integration Fund 2023.

Grants of up to €20,000 are being allocated to successful organisations to assist in the integration of International Protection Applicants, via a range of projects designed to provide additional services and capacity to those in the International Protection system.

€1.2 million nationally will be distributed to 70 projects around the country.

“As a county, Clare is more than playing its part in welcoming those seeking refuge in our country and it’s vital that funding like this is rolled out, to ensure that communities that have international protection seekers living here now can cater for that increase in population,” said Deputy Crowe.

“There are three successful projects in Clare that have been awarded funding – most significantly, €20,000 has been allocated to the Clare Immigration Support Network, to help support them in reaching out to international protection applicants.

“In addition, Clare will share two funds with neighbouring counties.

“€6,040 has been allocated to ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services in Clare and Limerick, for psychosocial support for female international protection applicants.

“Midwest Migrant Community Network across counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary has also been allocated €20,000 – which will be used for health and wellbeing services for migrant women.

“This fund is a significant tool to assist civil society organisations with their invaluable work on helping to integrate people who come to Ireland seeking International Protection.

“The importance of this work with people who are at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives is crucial and every day we see the positive impact that civil society organisations make in helping to foster diverse and vibrant communities whilst supporting individuals.

“It’s also critically important that Clare continues to receive more funding to assist these communities, given the amount of international protection applicants that have arrived here, if we are to provide the necessary services.”

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Increased Sports Capital Grant 2023 to open for applications

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  • Applications open July 17th
  • Significant interest expected

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement that the 2023 Sports Capital & Equipment Programme will open for applications on Monday, July 17th.

Thresholds have been increased across the board, with the local project maximum grant now €200,000 (up from €150,000), while regional project maximum grants are now €500,000 (up from €300,000).

“The Sports Capital Grant scheme is hugely popular in Co. Clare so I know clubs across the county will be excited to see it open for applications once again,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Last year, clubs in Clare received €4.6 million and I hope to engage with many clubs over the coming weeks and support them in their applications for their share this time around.

“I know many clubs who applied were left disappointed not to receive funding so this is a fresh chance to do so.

“The importance of participation in sport cannot be understated and the Sports Capital Grant is inclusive of all types of sports.

“This year, there is specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality and it’s vital that our sporting model is inclusive of people of all genders, backgrounds and ages.

“I look forward to a positive announcement for Clare clubs in the coming months when the grants are unveiled.”

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€2.5 million allocated to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Clare

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Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €2.5 million in funding to Clare County Council, to tackle vacancy and dereliction across the county.

The funding is being allocated to Clare County Council in Call Three of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a €150 million fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in our towns and cities.

“This funding is of huge importance in light of the current housing and supply crisis we are experiencing,” said Deputy Crowe.

“To see properties lying idle in the centre of our towns and villages at a time when so many people can’t access a home is heartbreaking, so this funding will make a significant difference.

“This will work whereby local authorities will acquire vacant or derelict properties which are either not on the market for sale or to which the market has not responded.

“They will then offer these properties for private sale to individuals who in return will commit to bringing the property into use as a home.

“This also has the added benefit of allowing people to live and participate in their village and town centres – a trend which was one so common but in recent decades, has lessened significantly.

“I welcome my colleague, Minister O’Brien’s commitment to tackling vacancy and look forward to more positive announcements in the future.”

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Minister signs off on regulations to approve redress for Clare pyrite homeowners

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  • Homeowners can apply in coming weeks
  • Major relief for those impacted

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the new this afternoon that Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien has signed off on regulations that will lead to the approval of redress for pyrite-impacted homeowners.

The long-awaited move will be of significant relief to those in Clare, who have been waiting on this news.

“This now paves the way for applications for redress for homeowners going live over the coming weeks,” said Deputy Crowe.

“I recently met with a number of Clare homeowners effected by pyrite in their properties at the Templegate Hotel and they expressed frustration that the signing of this regulation had been delayed.

“This delay related to some last minute issues that homeowners in Donegal were having with the redress scheme, but homeowners in Clare were anxious that everything would proceed as quickly as possible.

“I’ve been over and back with Minister O’Brien in recent weeks urging that these regulations would be signed off on so that redress can begin in earnest.

“I’m also hopeful that Clare County Council will be approved to have a facilitator employed within their staffing cohort so that there will be an expert individual working within the council to advise homeowners at each step of the application process and on what happens thereafter.

“I’ve met with homeowners on many occasions since being elected as a TD and I’ve also called in person to many of the affected households.

“I’ve been struck by how stressed these homeowners are and some of them have grappled with very serious health problems which I’ve no doubt have been exacerbated by the stress and anxiety caused by having pyrite in their homes.

“When redress gets underway, I think it’s important that the government accelerate plans to take a landmark legal case against the manufacturers and suppliers of defective blocks.

“It is right that the state should now foot the bill for redress but ultimately those who manufactured and sold these blocks must be held responsible.”

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€2.9 million for Clare County Council under the Community Recognition Fund

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  • Funding to support communities welcoming Ukrainians
  • 78 projects awarded funding

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €2,925,549 in Community Recognition Fund grants to Clare County Council, to support communities who have welcomed Ukrainian refugees.

A total of 78 applicants have been successful in their bids for funding, after the local authority shortlisted them.

“A massive well done to all of the successful groups who have today been awarded grants for a variety of projects under the Community Recognition Fund,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Clare has a sizeable Ukrainian population since the onset of the war with Russia last year and our towns and villages have been extremely welcoming and generous to them since their arrival here.

“Of course, with a population change of this size – 3% of our entire county population is now Ukrainian – there comes challenges and this is where this funding is vitally important.

“The funding will go to sports clubs, transport infrastructure, community organisations and local groups and these new facilities will be used by all members of the community.

“There was enormous interest in this scheme when it was announced and I know a huge number of applications were received, having personally worked with a number of the community groups and organisations to assist in their applications.

“Clare County Council created a shortlist from the pool of applicants and sent this to the department for approval, with 78 successful bids for funding being revealed today.

“I know a large number of applicants will be disappointed not to have received a grant in this scheme but I hope further funding streams will be made available that they can express interest in and I will assist in any way possible.”

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€4.6m in funding for Shannon Airport – Crowe

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  • Largest portion of funding for airfield rehabilitation
  • Two sustainability projects also funded

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Aviation and Tourism Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €4,623,486 in capital funding to Shannon Airport.

Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers has confirmed the funding today, as part of his visit to the Midwest airport.

“This is a hugely welcome announcement for Shannon, for Clare and the Midwest region as a whole,” said Deputy Crowe.

“The largest portion of funding will go towards airfield restoration, which will build on a five-year upgrade to the airfield completed last week.

“This is the most essential part of the announcement as it ensures that Shannon is capable of taking in aircraft safely and effectively.

“There is also further investment of €396,000 in the security screening section for equipment upgrades.

“This, combined with the extensive new screening system rolled out 18 months ago, means Shannon has one of the most up to date systems available.

“Last summer, Shannon Airport announced plans to spend €22m on three new airbridges and this project will be enabled to continue, with an investment of €1.3m for these works.

“Finally, over €600,000 has been ringfenced for two sustainability projects – €450,000 to continue the upgrade of water supply system, and €158,736 for electric vehicles to replace some of the existing airport vehicles.

“It is, I believe, particularly welcome to see a positive development for Shannon in light of Vueling’s recent decision not to maintain its Shannon to Paris Orly route that launched last year.

“An investment of €4.6m in improving facilities at Shannon can only encourage other airlines to look to our airport for future route planning.

“The future is bright for Shannon Airport and this investment is indicative of that.”

Grant details

No. Project Sustainability

Yes/No

 Scheme Proposed Grant

€
1. Airfield Rehabilitation Project No CAPEX 2,250,000
2. Continuation airbridge replacement programme No CAPEX 1,368,750
3. Continuation water supply system upgrade Yes CAPEX 450,000
4. Replacement of 4 airport vehicles with Electric Vehicles Yes CAPEX 158,736
5. Security Screening Equipment Upgrades No PPR-C 396,000
  Total     4,623,486

 

Huge relief as Kaftrio approved for 35 children who were locked out

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  • Life-changing drug to be issued to all 6-11 year old CF sufferers
  • Brings to end a lengthy campaign

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation that the HSE has approved the Kaftrio drug for children with cystic fibrosis between the ages of 6 and 11, who previously fell outside the eligibility criteria.

After lengthy engagements with the drug manufacturer Vertex, the HSE has confirmed that the cohort of children who were missing out can finally access the drug.

“This is a monumental day for the children and families impacted by CF that heretofore have been unable to access this life-changing medicine,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Just 35 children across the country were locked out of this drug and the battle fought in particular by their parents must be hugely commended.

“Their frustration, rightly so, was grounded in the fact that 140 children in the same age bracket but with a different genotype were entitled to avail of the drug, while their kids – who are heterozygous for the F508del mutation and either a minimal function mutation, or an unknown mutation, were not.

“I have no doubt that the 35 children who can now utilise this drug will have a much better quality of life as a result.

“It’s vital that we do all we do all we can to improve the outcomes for people suffering from cystic fibrosis.

“Ireland has the highest incidence of this condition in the entire world, with one in every 1,353 suffering from it so those living with the condition, and their families, need to see unequivocal support from the HSE and the government to improve their lives.”

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