€112,400 in funding for Clare Sports Partnership

/in /by
  • Grants allocated under Dormant Accounts Funding
  • Aims to promote inclusivity in sport

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €112,400 in funding for Clare Sports Partnership, under Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts Funding.

The fund is being issued under a number of headings, all of which aim to improve and promote inclusivity in sports.

The funding for Clare is as follows:

  • Round 3 Hub Funding Allocation – €30,000
  • Round 4 Hub Funding Allocation – €20,000
  • Youth Leadership – €14,900
  • Volunteer Supports – €20,000
  • Sports Inclusion Disability Projects – €27,500

“Today’s allocation to Co. Clare is part of an overall €6.1 million boost for sport and physical activity measures across the country,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Specifically, this investment aims to engage communities across the country, focusing on people living in disadvantaged communities, people with a disability, women and girls, and people who are educationally disadvantaged. Inclusion is a core value within sport, with sports inclusion disability projects also being prioritised within the funding.

“It’s essential, in my view, that sport is accessible to all regardless of circumstances.

“It’s one of the few things that can bring people of all backgrounds together and initiatives like this, which reach out to communities that for a variety of reasons are marginalised in sport, are so important.

“The allocation for Clare has specific funds ringfenced for targeting disability projects, as well as youth leadership, both of which are crucial.

“I look forward to working with Clare Sports Partnership and seeing what they do with this allocation of funding in the coming months and I also look forward to further tranches of the Dormant Accounts Funding being issued down the line.”

-ENDS-

€6.8 million in LEADER Funding for Clare

/in /by
  • Groups invited to apply to deliver 2023-2027 LEADER Programme
  • Targets positive impact for rural Ireland

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €6.8 million in funding for Clare under the LEADER Programme.

Minister Heather Humphreys has this morning announced a total of €180 million for the programme, from 2023 to 2027.

Interested groups are now being invited to apply for funding under the LEADER programme which will support thousands of locally-led rural development and enterprise projects over the next five years.

Encouraging groups from across Clare to apply, Deputy Crowe said, “I’m delighted to see this significant allocation of LEADER funding which will support local development and enterprise projects across the county over the next five years.

“Rural development and supporting rural enterprises is a core belief and value for myself and Fianna Fáil.

“Funding streams like LEADER are imperative to supporting rural communities and enterprises across Clare and I would encourage all interested groups to apply.

“Interested parties have between now and December 16th to submit their expression of interest and those who are successful at this stage will be provided with funding to assist in developing a local development strategy in Stage 2 of the process.

“We have seen that LEADER funding has been a very successful project for the county and I look forward to working with local groups in their applications for this funding.”

-ENDS-

Over €386,000 in funding for Clare Community Centres

/in /by
  • Funding announced under Community Centres Investment Fund
  • 17 successful applicants in Clare

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement of over €386,000 in funding for 17 community centres, parish halls, GAA clubhouses and community facilities across Clare today.

The funding has been allocated by Minister Heather Humphreys, with grants of up to €25,000 available for improvement and upgrade works.

“I’m a regular user of many of these facilities for my weekly clinics around the county so I’m delighted to see the hard work put in by these groups in attaining this funding pay off,” said Deputy Crowe.

“These grants, issued under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) will support groups to carry out refurbishments and improvements of their local community facility.

“This can include everything from energy retrofitting to disability access; from new windows and doors to improvements to the services provided such as Meals on Wheels.

“I know how difficult it is for many of these community groups to fundraise for necessary repairs and so forth on their premises so it’s particularly welcome at present, especially in light of the rising building costs.

“I look forward to visiting each of these facilities once again on my travels around Clare to hear what they intend on doing with their grants.

“In a county like Clare, the community centre or the parish hall or the GAA clubhouse – whatever it may be – is the heart of the community, particularly in rural areas.

“It’s vital that we support them in every way possible.

“I’m also aware that many community centres are struggling to make ends meet with rising energy bills and water tariffs – this is an issue I have raised directly with Minister Humphreys and I want to see strong action taken to ensure the survival of these facilities outside of remedial works.”

Full list of successful applicants

  • Ballyvaughan Hall CLG (€24,360.95)
  • Carrigoran House (€13,896.94)
  • Cill Mhuire Community Centre CLG (€23,137)
  • Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre (€25,000)
  • Crusheen Community Centre CLG (€25,000)
  • Doonbeg Community Development Co. (€24,085.86)
  • Feakle Muintir na Tire (€24,023.04)
  • Kilmurry McMahon Community Centre Committee (€11,747.25)
  • Loughgraney Community Development Association (€23,933)
  • Mike McTigue Community Centre (€25,000)
  • Miltown Malbay Development Company Ltd (€25,000)
  • Mná ag Gáire (€25,000)
  • Ogonnelloe Community Centre Ltd (€16,110)
  • Ruan Dysart Resource Group CLG (€25,000)
  • Sixmilebridge GAA Club (€24,947.47)
  • Tulach na Farraighe Community Hall (€25,000)
  • West Clare Family Resource Centre (€25,000)

Ryanair adds two new routes and new aircraft at Shannon Airport

/in /by
  • New routes to Newcastle and Beziers confirmed
  • Third aircraft to be based at Shannon Airport

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has welcomed today’s announcement of two new Ryanair routes from Shannon Airport – as well as the addition of a third aircraft at the airport.

The low-cost airline has today confirmed that a twice-weekly service from the Midwest airport to Beziers in the South of France will begin from the summer of 2023; while Newcastle in the UK will be served three times a week.

A third aircraft has also been confirmed as being based in the airport, creating up to 30 new jobs.

“This is hugely welcome news for our airport and our region,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Today’s announcement brings the total number of Ryanair routes from Shannon Airport to 24 routes and means more than 180 flights a week will be taking off and landing – a 60 percent increase on pre-pandemic levels.

“I spoke with CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary in recent weeks about the need for further investment in Shannon and I’m glad to say that today’s announcement shows his commitment to our airport and the Midwest region.

“The addition of a third aircraft at Shannon specifically is a point I strongly made to him – in addition to the existing two Boeing 737s based there, this means the possibility of future announcements has increased too.

“I would now encourage Clare residents in their droves to look to Shannon for their holidays, to ensure the continued growth of our airport post-pandemic.

“The economic success of our region is intrinsically linked to the flourishing of Shannon Airport.”

-ENDS-

Capacity to increase on Bus Éireann’s 343 service

/in /by
  • Double-decker buses to be rolled out
  • Route under extreme pressure in recent weeks

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation from Bus Éireann that capacity is to increase on the highly-utilised 343 service, which has been under severe pressure in recent weeks.

The route travels from Ennis to Limerick, stopping in Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Shannon town, Shannon Airport, Sixmilebridge and other intermediate stops.

“I’m delighted to announce that Bus Éireann will start running double decker buses on the 343 service from next week on,” said Deputy Crowe.

“This route operates between many of our county’s most significant towns and Limerick and is a very popular service for people trying to get to and from work or their place of education.

“In recent months, the route corridor has become home to approximately 1,000 Ukrainian refugees living in accommodation centres in Shannon, Bunratty and the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cratloe.

“Most of these have no independent way of travelling, so they to are reliant on the 343 bus service.

“The rising cost of petrol and diesel has also made more people switch from driving their car to work to travelling by bus.

“In recent weeks, the 343 service has been crammed at virtually all times of the day and very often, buses that are full to capacity have to drive past designated stops without being able to pick up any additional passengers.

“This has caused people to be late for work or miss days from school and quite a number of frustrated people have been in contact with me.

“I’ve been in over and back correspondence with the NTA and senior Bus Éireann management and I’m delighted to confirm that capacity on this route will be increased from next week onwards, with the current single-deck buses being replaced with double-deckers.

“Bus Éireann officials have risk-assessed the route, in terms of trees and objects higher than street level that could obstruct a double-decker service and this appraisal has confirmed that it will be fully safe and viable.”

-ENDS-

Increased Ryanair flights and addressing aviation tax key for Shannon

/in /by
  • Ryanair has briefed Oireachtas members on future plans
  • New routes for Shannon must be considered

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has raised the importance of new routes from Shannon Airport, as well as aviation tax, with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.

Ryanair held a briefing at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin this morning, highlighting the contributions the airline has made to the Irish economy since 1985, as well as its commitment investment and growth of operations in Ireland.

Deputy Crowe has insisted that Shannon Airport form a key part of those plans.

“Today’s briefing was a key opportunity to raise the case for increased investment from Ryanair in Shannon Airport,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Already, we’ve seen confirmation that they will formally open their new hangar in Shannon in November, bringing a €10 million investment and 200 highly skilled jobs.

“Now, the focus must be on new routes and increasing their presence in Shannon, for the benefit of the entire Midwest region.

“I spoke with Mr O’Leary about the possibility of adding additional routes from Shannon Airport and also the possibility of basing a third aircraft there.

“Currently, Ryanair has two Boeing 737 aircraft based in Shannon and I am hoping we’ll have some good news on these fronts in 2023.

“I also hope that the Irish government can address aviation environmental taxes, in conjunction with other European governments

“At the moment, airlines like Ryanair are penalised for their short-haul flights, with passengers arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol each paying €20 – but transit flights and long-haul flights from the same airports are not subject to the same charge.

“The Ryanair model of flying is low-cost based and in order to see it continue successfully we need to ensure that the taxation regime also promotes people to fly in and out of Ireland with relative ease and at low cost.

“Shannon Airport is still in recovery mode, but expectations are high for 2023 and I hope that Ryanair, Aer Lingus and the other airlines that fly to and from Shannon remain fully committed and look at expanding their presence at Shannon.”

-ENDS-

Almost €200,000 in CLÁR funding announced for Clare – Crowe

/in , /by
  • Four successful projects announced in latest tranche
  • Part of €2.75m nationwide announcement

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed today’s announcement of €197,754 in funding for four successful projects in Clare under the CLÁR programme.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced a total of €2.75 million to support 74 community projects nationwide in the latest tranche of funding under the scheme.

The successful projects in Clare are:

  • St Flannan’s NS Inagh – €50,000 (Inagh community car park – resurfacing car park, disabled parking and green school biodiversity)
  • Doonbeg Tidy Towns – €47,754 (Fair green community sensory garden)
  • Miltown Malbay NS – €50,000 (Multi-Use Games Area)
  • Cloonanaha NS – €50,000 (Develop community garden and outdoor recreation area)

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy Crowe said:

“I’m delighted to see these four projects be successful today in their bids for funding under the CLÁR programme.

“Not only do these grants benefit to schools and committees that they are allocated to, they also have a huge positive impact on these rural communities as a whole.

“Our sports clubs, schools and community groups are the lifeblood of out county and they’re where people of all ages and backgrounds come together as one community.

“The successful applicants in Clare in this round of funding have all looked at future-proofing their local facilities and making sure they are inclusive and widely available for use by all people living locally.

“There will be disappointed community groups around the county seeing today’s announcement but I would say to those groups that this isn’t the end of the road – we will see further announcements under the CLÁR programme coming up and there’s plenty of scope still for work to be done.

“I look forward to stopping to see works underway in Inagh, Doonbeg, Miltown Malbay and Cloonanaha on my travels around the county in the coming months.”

-ENDS-

Threshold for social housing in Clare to increase from October 1st

/in , /by
  • Clare to move from Band 3 to Band 2
  • Move approved by Housing Minister

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed a change in social housing thresholds in Clare, which will make housing more accessible to many more people.

From October 1st, Clare will move from Band 3 to Band 2 in terms of eligibility for housing, which will better reflect the housing costs across the county.

This means that the cut-off household will increase, meaning more people will be able to apply to Clare County Council for housing supports.

“We are in the middle of a housing crisis, coupled with a major cost of living crisis at present,” said Deputy Crowe.

“This has left a huge number of people struggling and desperately concerned about their housing prospects – living in fear of their rent being increased or their landlord evicting them, in order to sell their home.

“For many, they have heretofore not been eligible for social housing because their income has been too high for that; yet it is too low for a mortgage and they struggle to afford rising rents.

“This change from October 1st, which has been signed off by my colleague Minister Darragh O’Brien, means that a single person will now be eligible to apply for social housing on an income of up to €30,000, compared to €25,000 previously; while a family of two adults and two children will now be eligible on an income of €33,000 rather than the €27,500 cut-off.

“While this is by no means a magic fix, it certainly will mean that social housing will be an option and within reach for a great many who have been locked out of that system up until now.

“Nevertheless, there is still an issue with housing supply which remains one of my key focuses and one of the things I will continue to lobby my colleagues in Cabinet on.

“I hope that the move to make social housing more accessible in Clare is the first step in addressing the housing crisis currently facing our friends and neighbours in this county.

“As always, I stand ready to help anybody who needs assistance with their housing application.”

Shannon Airport now at mercy of Aer Lingus and IAG

/in , /by
  • Airline forced to axe services to Irish airports amid Heathrow cap
  • Lack of security for route going forward

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has labelled the lack of security around Shannon Airport’s Heathrow route as a political failure of the past.

It follows the move by Aer Lingus to cut one of its Heathrow to Shannon services per day this week, in order to meet the London airport’s cap on passenger numbers.

Over the weekend, the airline also cut flights to Dublin and to Cork on separate days to meet what it has called “the mandated flight cancellations”.

“Whilst Aer Lingus’ decision to axe one of its daily services from Shannon to Heathrow Airport is frustrating and disruptive to many intending passengers, this cancellation of flights potentially points to bigger problems for Shannon Airport and the Midwest region,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Over the past decade, the government has sold its entire stake in the Aer Lingus company and the airline has now been subsumed into IAG, which is largely based in Madrid and London.

“The landing slots which were once ringfenced for Aer Lingus on the Shannon-Heathrow service now belong to the IAG company and it’s now up to them on a commercial whim to decide where and how these slots should be used.

“In 2015, the government sold its last share of Aer Lingus and secured a guarantee from IAG that Shannon-Heathrow slots would remain protected until the autumn of 2022.

“We’re now only weeks out from this guarantee expiring and the government has no legal basis to secure a new guarantee.

“We’re now very much at the mercy of Aer Lingus and the IAG group overall.

“Commercially, the Shannon-Heathrow service has been very successful and prior to the onset of the Covid pandemic carried a large body of passengers.

“On this basis, I expect that the service will continue long into the future, but it will no longer enjoy guaranteed status.

“I think the people who work in the aviation sector, and indeed those in Co. Clare and the wider Midwest who have staunchly support Shannon Airport for years, can feel let down by politicians in the past who undersold the airport and ensured through their actions that its status would be diminished.

“While we all love to see Ryanair planes taking off to sun destinations, the core business of Shannon revolves around transatlantic services and the all-important link to the international hub that is Heathrow.

“The lack of security for this route is a political failure of the past and I don’t see a pathway for reinstating any guarantees at this time.

“Like many European airports, Shannon will now exist in a commercial bubble where its key routes are nailed down on a season-by-season basis.

“Notwithstanding the concerns I have regarding the Heathrow service, it must be acknowledged that Shannon is currently experiencing a recovery growth in the post-Covid period far greater than anyone would’ve expected.

“It’s now imperative that all political efforts are channelled towards securing an additional European hub, such as Frankfurt, to ensure that future reliance isn’t all concentrated on one hub airport, to the exclusion of others.”

-ENDS-

Hydrogen fuel farm would position Shannon Airport as sustainable aviation leader

/in , /by
  • Submission made to Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce on proposal
  • Potential already there with existing infrastructure

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Aviation Cathal Crowe is calling for strong consideration to be given to his proposal to establish a hydrogen fuel farm within the Shannon Airport complex.

This would see the airport establish itself as a world leader in terms of sustainable aviation, at a time of significant change in the sector.

“Today, I have written to the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, outlining my proposal to plan for a hydrogen fuel farm at Shannon Airport,” said Deputy Crowe.

“The Green Atlantic Windfarm planned off of the coast of Clare provides for a €50 million Synchronous Compensator, which will convert electricity generated via the wind turbine infrastructure to storable hydrogen fuel. All of this will happen on site at Moneypoint, just 65km west of Shannon Airport.

“Meanwhile, a fuel farm was developed at Shannon Airport in the 1973s and has the capacity to store 33,000 metric tonnes of aviation fuel.

“It would make perfect sense for the hydrogen generated at Moneypoint to be brought up the estuary to the large storage vats at Shannon Airport for usage by an array of aircraft companies and airliners.

“Right now, the large aircraft manufacturers of the world, including Boeing and Airbus, are at advanced stages of trialling hydrogen powered jet engines, which have the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

“Whilst we’re still a number of years away from a widescale conversion of aircraft to this new fuel, most with knowledge of the sector believe it to be inevitable and the next decade will be defining in this regard.

“Shannon Airport, therefore, has a unique opportunity to position itself as a world centre of excellence insofar as sustainable aviation is concerned.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Shannon and I hope that the taskforce’s strategy will position Shannon ahead of other airports and regions of Europe, in terms of being able to harness the potential of hydrogen.

“When global aviation makes the initial conversion to hydrogen fuels, it is expected that long-distance capacity of the aircraft will, at first, be in some way reduced meaning longhaul flights such as transatlantic routes will need to touch down to refuel.

“As Europe’s most westerly airport, it makes so much sense that Shannon would be the stop-off point for aircraft going both eastbound and westbound.

“In the past, great people in the Midwest like the late Brendan O’Regan had visions for Shannon far beyond putting planes in the sky.

“As we emerge from the Covid pandemic and strive to put Shannon back on an upward trajectory of growth, it’s important that this kind of vision once again comes to the fore.

“I hope that my submission can be given consideration by the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce and I stand ready to help out in any way I can.”

-ENDS-