Belorussian political prisoners must be immediately released

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  • Deputy Crowe has ‘adopted’ 17-year-old prisoner
  • Just one of thousands of tragic cases

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is campaigning for the release of a teenager, who is among an estimated 32,000 Belorussian nationals who have been arrested as part of the political protests against the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko and the Belorussian government.

Siarhei Hatskevich was just 16 when he was arrested following a demonstration in the city of Brest last August.

Now aged 17, he has been behind bars since March of this year and has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for his participation in the protests.

“I was recently asked by Liberco, a non-governmental organisation, to consider supporting a campaign to have political prisoners in Belarus released,” said Deputy Crowe.

“They asked me if I would consider ‘adopting’ a prisoner and using my political position in Ireland to campaign and lobby for the release of these prisoners.

“I am happy to be declared the adopter of Siarhei Hatskevich. (PRON; Sir-ih-hi Hats-ka-vich)

“Siarhei was a high school pupil before his arrest and detention and the life he’s currently living is in sharp contrast with what teenagers of his age in Ireland are living.

“All freedom has been taken from him – he should be enjoying the liberation and exuberances of youth and yet he finds himself behind bars.

“My office team and I will be doing everything we can to highlight his situation and to seek his release.

“I have set up a Change.org petition and would encourage all who can to sign it.

“It’s hard to believe in the 21st century that Belarus, on the doorstep of the EU, still operates on a dictatorial basis.

“During recent Dáil debates on the European Council, I have spoken on the Belorussian situation.

“Co. Clare has a long-established link with Belarus, with many children who suffer from chronic illnesses arising from the Chernobyl tragedy coming here for holiday stays with Clare families each summer.

“Whilst all of Europe has embraced a western style of democracy, Belarus is definitely lagging behind and it still operates a regime back into what would have existed in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s.

“As a TD, I regularly attend local schools and speak to pupils and when I resume this activity in September, I hope to make Clare students aware of Siarhei’s struggle and they too can join me in fighting for his release.”

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Decision to scale back Bus Éireann Route 51 must be overturned

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  • Well-used by Clare students and others
  • Reduced evening services have been announced

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on Bus Éireann to immediately reinstate its full complement of services on the 51 and 51x Expressway routes it operates.

A recent announcement has seen the end of the provision of the 18.05, 19.05 and 20.05 services from Galway towards Limerick (facilitating Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Ardrahan, Kilcolgan, Labane, Gort, Crusheen, Ennis, Shannon and more).

Though temporary, Deputy Crowe believes it should return to full service in as swift a manner as possible.

“The decision to withdraw some of the evening services on Expressway route 51 and 51x is illogical and is happening at the worst possible time, when we need people to be able to travel safely and socially distanced on public transport,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the National Transport Authority has stepped in to fund some of the national public transport services that were seen as essential – Expressway services were one of those that came under this emergency contract with the NTA.

“They recently undertook a review of services which has resulted in the suspension of some of the lesser-used routes around the country.

“My understanding is that this is temporary measure but nonetheless it makes very little sense, when we are moving from a period of high Covid cases towards an overall reopening of the country.

“The announcement happened in the same week that inter-county travel was once again allowed so it would make sense to have a full complement of public transport services once again operational.

“In recent weeks, I have started to commute to the Dáil on the train, using my bike to cycle from my home to the station and again from the station to Leinster House.

“I have noticed a marked increase in the number of people travelling on the train over the past week now that intercounty travel is once again permissible and non-essential retail has reopened.

“A lot of pensioners, who have been vaccinated and stuck in their homes for over a year now, should be able to travel once again with their free travel passes.

“I have made contact with CEO of the NTA Anne Graham and senior Bus Éireann officials in the Midwest about this asking that they rethink their decision.

“This decision, though temporary, must be immediately overturned and the full service which benefits communities such as Ennis, Clarecastle, Crusheen, Shannon and Bunratty, must be immediately reinstated.”

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Aer Lingus withdrawal from Shannon Airport a devastating blow

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  • Up to 130 jobs to be lost
  • Huge loss for Clare and Midwest region

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe is calling for immediate state action to attempt to reverse Aer Lingus’ decision to pull out of Shannon Airport for good.

The airline has this afternoon confirmed its intentions to permanently close its base at Shannon, putting 130 workers’ jobs on the line.

The 81 cabin crew members based in Shannon are to be offered “enhanced” redundancy terms or, where possible, a transfer to Dublin Airport, while around 45 ground crew will be laid off.

“This news is beyond devastating for all of the Aer Lingus staff who work out of the Shannon Airport base and is equally devastating for Shannon Airport and the Midwest region overall,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Aer Lingus has a long and proud history spanning over seven decades in and out of Shannon Airport and today’s announcement by the airline puts an end to that.

“I don’t think this should be accepted as a fate a complete. I have asked the Taoiseach to intervene in the case and speak with the company directly, because even though the job losses are central to everyone’s thoughts, there are even wider ramifications for our region when one considers the loss of connectivity to the US, Heathrow and continental Europe.

“Without Aer Lingus flying out of Shannon, we are left with very little.

“The Digital Green Cert will be implemented in a matter of weeks and its final agreement and implementation is contingent on it being ratified by all EU member states – the fate of Irish aviation and the fate of Shannon Airport hugely depends on this deal being struck and international air travel resuming in the quickest possible time.

“In recent years, Aer Lingus’ commitment to Shannon has been questionable – at a whim they’ve moved aircraft to serve routes out of Dublin and more recently to Manchester.

“Shannon Airport, although an international airport, is very reliant on Aer Lingus and Ryanair in terms of regular outbound and inbound services – other airports are able to spread their offering over a broad spectrum of airlines so this withdrawal of commitment from Aer Lingus adds huge pressure on top of the existing pressure on Shannon.

“Whilst Covid has had a devastating impact on international aviation, it alone doesn’t account for the entirety of today’s decision by Aer Lingus.

“The decision is a commercial one but I hope that some eleventh hour interventions from government and other stakeholders in the region can avert this.

“As my party’s Aviation Spokesperson but moreover as a TD for Co. Clare, I recognise fully that the fate of our region lives and dies with Shannon and I pledge to the Aer Lingus workers and all who hold Shannon Airport close to their hearts that I will do everything possible, along with others, to try to save the airline’s Shannon base.”

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Community complaint to be lodged with Gardaí on Sixmilebridge playground vandalism

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  • Persistent anti-social behaviour taking place
  • Community risks losing playground for good

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is to front a formal complaint to An Garda Síochána in relation to the ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and vandalism at a community playground in Sixmilebridge.

A large number of local concerned citizens have been in contact with Deputy Crowe in recent weeks, pleading for action to be taken to bring this spate of activity to an end before the playground is lost for good.

“I’ve been up there a number of times in recent weeks to see first-hand the vandalism that has taken place at the playground,” said Deputy Crowe.

“I have seen large holes punctured into the plastic moulding of slides, which could very easily injure the children that they’re made for, I have seen where a fire was lit within a cubby house in the playground and on my most recent visit found traces of broken glass vodka bottles near the swings.

“I have met with some of the local committee that oversee it and have also spoken with many residents in Sixmilebridge who are upset, fearful and dismayed by the way a minority of troublemakers are holding the community to ransom.

“This playground was developed about 10 years and it includes some state-of-the-art equipment including a zip line, skateboard ramps and so much more – it really is a fantastic amenity when it’s not abused.

“But in recent months, children and young people have been deterred from playing there because of the extent of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“The perpetrators are definitely a minority in the wider community but nonetheless it’s important that the community stands strong and gives a message that this won’t be tolerated.

“If this behaviour persists, there’s a very real risk that this playground will be removed and lost forever.

“Having spoken with a number of residents, I’ve decided to front a formal complaint to An Garda Síochána to ensure that an investigation is triggered.

“I hope that many local residents will feed into this process and provide the Gardaí with any information they have to help in the course of this investigation.

“I believe that many children and adolescents in the community will have an idea who is behind it and parents should try to illicit this information from them to report to the authorities.

“Thousands of euro worth of damage has been caused so far and the place is no longer safe for usage.

“I’m engaging with the community of Sixmilebridge and with Clare County Council to see if a source of funding can be found to undertake remedial works at the playground but this is contingent on the cessation of the anti-social behaviour – there is no point spending more taxpayers money if it will once again be destroyed.

“As a father of three young kids, my heart goes out to the families in the community who, for many years have loved using this facility.

“They are the ones losing out most of all and it’s for that very reason that the community must stand strong and ensure that those causing this trouble are taken to task.”

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Almost €140,000 in funding for Clare community facilities

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  • 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.”

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Aer Lingus needs to clarify Shannon plans

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  • 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.”

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Ennis now officially a university town

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  • 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.”

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Education Minister to hear concerns on future of Ennis Educate Together

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  • 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.”

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

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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.”

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Two Clare facilities to benefit from Fáilte Ireland’s €19m investment in water activities

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  • Facilities in Kilkee and Ogonnelloe among those chosen
  • Funding targets outdoor water-based activities

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation that two facilities in Clare are to benefit from a new Fáilte Ireland fund, targeting outdoor water-based activities.

The €19 million investment is being issued to 22 projects nationwide, including the Ballycuggaran Sports Activity Facility in Ogonnelloe and Kilkee Waterworld Activity Facilities.

“As my party’s Tourism Spokesperson, I am delighted to see two locations in Clare chosen to benefit from this funding,” said Deputy Crowe.

“We’ve all seen the rise in popularity of water-based activities in recent years and for a county like Clare, this opens up a sizeable tourist market, once Covid allows for travel once again.

“This investment will significantly improve the overall visitor experience in both of the Clare locations chosen and, I hope, will play a part in providing new business and job opportunities in the communities, particularly in rural areas and allow for an extension of the traditional tourism season beyond the summer months.

“Our magnificent Atlantic coastline is widely known around Ireland and further afield for its beauty and potential for surfing, sailing, swimming and so on but it’s hugely encouraging to see massive efforts in East Clare to lure visitors to Lough Derg and the Shannon.

“With the rise in popularity of slow tourism, there’s huge potential in this part of the county for targeting a very specific type of tourist.

“For other water-adjacent communities in the county, there’s still plenty of scope for an injection of funding, as this is Phase 1 of this scheme, due to be completed by the summer of 2022, and Phase 2 will be announced next year.

“I’m on hand to work with any community group that would be interested in preparing for an application next year.

“I look forward to seeing the fruits of the labour in both Ogonnelloe and Kilkee once this funding is issued.”

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