Works approved to replace old water mains in Clonlara

  • 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

  • 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

  • €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

  • 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

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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Almost €38.8 million allocation to Clare for regional and local road works – Crowe

  • €15m ringfenced for Killaloe Bypass/Shannon River Crossing Project
  • Adds to €600,000 announced this week for LIS

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €38,784,600 for Clare County Council under the 2023 investment programme for regional and local roads.

The money has been announced as part of a total €626m nationwide investment in the country’s roads, which will see 3,100km of local and regional roads maintained and 2,500km strengthened.

“A county like Clare is extremely reliant on a decent road network and without capital investment like this, it would not be possible to address issues on our roads,” said Deputy Crowe.

“We’re a mainly rural county and the vast majority of these regional and local roads lead to remote extremities of Clare that rely on proper links to the urban centres for basic services.

“Over €12.8m has been allocated to restoration improvement works in the county; while €1.8m will go towards maintenance works.

“It’s fantastic to see a sum of €15 million ringfenced specifically for the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme, which includes 12.4km of foot and cycleways and would potentially provide access to the proposed Limerick to Scariff Greenway.

“In addition, €739,000 has been allocated to climate change adaptation and resilience works which includes key drainage and road stabilisation works in many parts of the county.

“€612,000 will be spent on upgrading 22 bridges around the county, while €530,000 is going towards safety improvement works.

“A segment of €500,000, meanwhile, is to be spent on rehabilitation works on the R458 – formerly the N85.

“All of this funding comes in addition to the almost €600,000 announced by Minister Heather Humphreys yesterday for the Local Improvement Scheme in Clare, which will target smaller boreens and laneways not maintained by the council.

“It’s extremely welcome to see an investment of this scale in our county’s roads.”

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