Mercosur trade deal
The Mercosur trade deal can be concluded by the European Commission, by-passing the people in member states and their parliaments, the Taoiseach suggested today (insofar as he answered my question).
Pay rates for PhD students
Despite lip service to the importance of science in the Dáil last night, poor funding of PhD students in Ireland continues.
Retained fire fighters
I called for the ongoing crisis in the Retained Fire Service in rural communities across Ireland to be addressed.
Funding boost for Kilrush
I am delighted to learn that €3.5m has been allocated for the redevelopment of a vacant building on the marina in Kilrush into a new Maritime Training Centre.
I have raised this project repeatedly with the Minister for Rural and Community Development and her officials, and I have engaged locally with Cllr Ian Lynch and Clare County Council project officer Brian McCarthy. This project will establish Kilrush and West Clare as an important maritime centre on the west coast of Ireland.
Maternity Benefit in Ireland
The low rate of Maternity Benefit in Ireland, which I raised today and previously in the Dáil, looks set to be increased substantially so that it will be linked to a woman’s pay before going on leave.
Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience
Since the closure of the youth hostel in Mountshannon, the village and East Clare more broadly has fallen far behind the growth in tourism on Clare’s west coast. A new project, centred on the iconic Inis Cealtra / Holy Island and led by Clare County Council, seeks to put Lough Derg back on the tourism map.
The ACRES Co-operation Project
The Taoiseach confirmed that farmers in places such as the Burren or the hen harrier areas of Slieve Aughty should not be paid less under the new agri-environment scheme, ACRES, than under its predecessor. The question remains whether anything will be done to remedy this.
The effect of the moratorium on notices to terminate will be to preclude unintended/one-off landlords from renting out their homes in future. They will leave their properties vacant instead, making a bad situation worse.
Wind energy
The Government needs to answer the questions that investors are asking in order to develop offshore wind energy in Ireland.
Eviction Ban
I addressed the Dáil this evening on the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Bill 2022.
Action on derelict sites
The Derelict Sites Act is under-utilised by local authorities to bring such sites back into use. Only 1,415 derelict sites were on the Register on 1st January, 2022. Key instruments at the State’s disposal are not being used to end the housing crisis.
Irish energy sector
Government policy is hindering our ability to develop our energy sector and meet our needs.
Government Did Not Apply To EU Biomethane Fund
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan has confirmed that the Government did not apply to a European fund aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels through the sustainable development of biomethane production.
Doonbeg Watermains Replacement
The long awaited replacement of 1,300m of watermains in Doonbeg village will commence next week and form part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.
Read MoreClearance of agricultural cargo at Shannon Airport
I asked the Agriculture about the Department of Agriculture’s recent insistence that all agricultural cargo coming in to Dublin for Shannon Airport is cleared and inspected in Dublin instead of Shannon as heretofore.
Energy Security
It was confirmed to me today that the Government did not even bother applying for a multi-billion euro EU scheme to fund biomethane production despite Ireland being ideally suited to its production, our agricultural sector seeking help to produce it and our dire need to replace increasingly expensive and scarce imported gas.
Jury is out on annual GP check – Tánaiste
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has questioned the benefits of annual GP checks.
Read MoreOne free GP visit per year
I suggested that the Government consider providing one free GP and dental visit to all instead of providing unlimited free GP visit cards to some and was told “the jury’s out” on the benefits.
O’Hare service a “huge win” for tourism and business – McNamara
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has described the announcement by United Airlines of daily flights to and from Shannon Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport as a “huge win” for tourism and business in Shannon, County Clare and the wider region.
Read MoreNo Irish application to EC energy fund
I asked why Ireland is one of just two European states which failed to apply for a €36bn EU funding initiative, aimed at ensuring continuity of energy supply.
Shannon Heritage funding
Contrary to what the Taoiseach told me yesterday about the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council: “the Minister is working on this with all the stakeholders to try to get this resolved”, Councillors were told this morning that the Council was informed on Budget Day that the required funding was being refused. This is no way to treat the workers there.
Transfer of Shannon Heritage Clare assets to Clare County Council
Unfortunately, there is still no update from the Taoiseach on the future of the Shannon Heritage sites in Clare.
Concrete levy
I have repeatedly called on the Government to pursue those who supplied defective concrete products for profit. Tonight, they will have to explain why they are instead shifting the burden to people building or buying a home.
Affordable Housing in Clare
No affordable home being constructed, or even currently planned, in Clare under Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
Budget 2023 introduces levy on concrete products
In the budget, the Government is introducing a levy on all concrete products, which will be passed on to those already struggling to build a home. The Government failed to recoup any of the cost of the mica redress from the quarry owners who caused the problem. It didn’t even try.
1m electric vehicles on Irish roads
This government’s plan to have one million electric vehicles on our roads by 2030 is disconnected from today’s reality.
Ireland’s energy security
I pointed out the difference between what Government says and what it is doing regarding developing offshore wind energy in Ireland.
Education Minister Commits To Resolving Whitegate School Transport Places
Education Minister Norma Foley has said she will examine a situation whereby secondary school students in parts of Northeast Clare have missed out on securing public school transport for the current academic year.
Government must intervene over Standing Charges – McNamara
Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara says the Government needs to step in to prevent electricity and gas providers from imposing significant increases in standing charges during the ongoing energy crisis.
Read MoreGovt Shuts Down Calls For Windfarm On Clare/Galway Border To Be Retained
The Government has shut down calls for a windfarm on the Clare / Galway border to be retained.
Responding on behalf of the Environment Minister to a query from Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara, Minister Hildegarde Naughton explains that the site is now ‘unathorised’.
The Sunday Independent – Subsidies are just a finger in the dyke — Ireland needs energy sovereignty
How we are going to meet our energy needs? And how long we can continue to provide financial compensation for our high energy costs over which we have no control due to our reliance on imports? I wrote about the issue in today’s Sunday Independent.
Ireland’s energy security
Energy security was and should be a fundamental part of Ireland’s independence.
Decommissioning the Derrybrien wind farm
In the midst of an energy crisis, we are decommissioning the 70-turbine Derrybrien wind farm. Rather than looking at ways to mitigate the damage, a State agency is instead seeking to build another wind farm on a bog atop the nearby Slieve Bearnagh.
Bank branch closures in Clare
I raised the appalling treatment by Bank of Ireland of its customers in Miltown Malbay, Kilkee and Tulla with the Interim CEO of Bank of Ireland at the Oireachtas Finance Committee.
Former KBC customers charged lower rate than existing BOI customers
The interim CEO of Bank of Ireland admitted to me at the Oireachtas Finance Committee that KBC’s former customers will be charged a lower variable rate than the bank’s own customers.
Ibec Mid-West holds pre-Budget meeting
Ibec Mid-West Regional Executive Committee held a pre-Budget 2023 meeting at Edward Lifesciences in Limerick on Monday.
Read MoreAgricultural Emissions Cuts
The vilification of farmers by those who could not keep a hen or grow a potato is not sustainable environmentally, socially, or economically.
Increase in attendances at Ennis MAU
The number of attendances at the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) in Ennis Hospital increased by 52% in the two years to 2021 with a further 8% increase recorded during the first five months of this year, according to figures released by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question from Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara.
Read MoreUHL and Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach
The Tánaiste today accepted that UHL will require increased bed capacity and greater involvement from government to address the overcrowding crisis.
Ramming legislation through the Dáil
This government is depriving the Oireachtas of any opportunity to scrutinise the laws it is ramming through. This is not just undemocratic, it results in flawed laws that come before the Courts, costing lots of taxpayers’ money, and come back to the Oireachtas again.
Takeover of Shannon Heritage
The Government appears to be no closer to a decision on the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council and it doesn’t appear to be a priority.
No-confidence motion
I will not be supporting the Government in the upcoming no-confidence motion for the reasons I outlined to Clare FM this morning.
Pursuing quarry operators
Quarries that made huge profits from selling defective concrete blocks will be let off the hook by the Government today. A law will be rammed through by Government party TDs transferring the remedial cost to taxpayers, without even considering amendments that will ensure those quarries that provided defective blocks are pursued.
Remediation of Dwellings Damaged By the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill
The priorities are, firstly, that crumbling homes are fully remedied and, secondly, that taxpayers are not be left footing all the cost. This Government Bill does neither. It should ensure those who made defective concrete blocks for profit are legally pursued.
Two new sites identified for proposed Shannon NCT centre
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has expressed his optimism that a proposed NCT centre for Shannon will be developed in the near future.
Read MoreFunding for Early Childhood Care and Education
Today, I called on the government to review the funding for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) providers, which threaten small local childcare services throughout Ireland.
Motion on Emergency Budget
An emergency budget, at least on its own without other measures, will not help people deal with the rapidly rising cost of living for long.
Clare childcare service providers at Leinster House
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has highlighted his concerns around funding for the childcare sector and the impact on smaller community-based childcare providers.
Read MoreQuarry operators who sold deficient concrete blocks and foundations
The Government has lacked urgency in pursuing quarry operators who sold deficient concrete blocks and foundations. Taxpayers and those building a home in the future should not be left footing all the bill to help the victims.
Clare Pyrite Action Group at Oireachtas Committee
Members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group were among those addressing the Oireachtas Housing Committee today.
Burren and Inis Cealtra heritage list announcement due in July
Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara says a decision on the inclusion of the Cultural Landscape of the Burren Uplands and Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) on a new Tentative List of potential World Heritage Properties for Ireland will be made next month.
Read MoreHIQA report into UHL overcrowding
Despite a devastating report into overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, it appears neither the Taoiseach nor his government has a plan to deal with the issues raised and he is looking to pass responsibility to the HSE, his creation.
Green light for preschool service at Clooney NS
The Department of Education’s approval of the provision of a preschool at Clooney National School has been welcomed by Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara.
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20% of farmland in Clare excluded from Fodder Scheme
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has criticised the Government for excluding up to 20% of farmland in County Clare from the €55m Fodder Support Scheme.
Read MoreFood and energy inflation
The government needs to put measures in place now that will limit further increases in energy and food costs this winter.
HIQA report into UHL overcrowding
The HIQA report into overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick points to completely inadequate capacity in the Midwest and a failure to manage existing capacity.
Carbon Budget
In seeking to reduce our carbon emissions, the Government needs to provide affordable alternatives rather than merely penalising people with no alternative.
Energy Security
Energy security was and should be a fundamental part of Ireland’s independence. We need to have a national conversation about the nuclear option.
Irish banking sector
I questioned the Minister for Finance on the emerging duopoly in the Irish banking sector.
Cost of driving for work
As the cost of driving to work becomes prohibitive, for those who drive their own vehicle as part of their work, the rate at which they’re reimbursed hasn’t changed since 1 April 2017.
105 people on trolleys at UHL
Clare TD Michael McNamara today raised the issue of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil today.
Speaking after the debate, Deputy McNamara said, “It is very disappointing that the Taoiseach tried to wash his hands of overcrowding in UHL today, having previously told me he’d “come back” to me with details of the expert group sent there and their terms of reference.”
NEWSTALK – Could we see a return to working from home?
Before reintroducing working from home across the public sector, the Government needs to put the systems in place to ensure the public still gets a service.
https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-hard-shoulder/could-we-see-a-return-to-working-from-home
The Sunday Independent – Carbon budget is specifically designed to circumvent the democratic process
In today’s Sunday Independent, I wrote about why a Dáil debate and vote on who shoulders the burden of reducing carbon emissions is as important as on the financial budget. Instead, it will be decided by the Environment Minister alone after consultation with any other Ministers he considers appropriate.
Transport Minister urged to improve services on direct Limerick to Dublin line
In Dáil Éireann today, Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara highlighted the need to improve services on the direct Limerick to Dublin rail line, which passes through Castleconnell (Limerick) Birdhill, Nenagh, Cloughjordan, Roscrea (Tipperary) and Ballybrophy (Laois).
Read MoreLimerick to Dublin rail service
If the Government wants to get people out of cars and on to trains, a significant improvement in rail services is required.
RTÉ Drivetime – Greater balance in our aviation policy
Speaking to RTÉ Drivetime, I called for greater balance in our aviation policy and for the Government to intervene to bring that about.
Temporary Changes To GLAS To Avoid Fodder Shortage Declined by Minister
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has called on the Minister for Agriculture to allow temporary adjustments to the conditions of the GLAS scheme which would enable farmers with low-input permanent pasture and traditional hay meadows to cut more hay and silage.
Read MoreBringing derelict properties back into use
Plans to help people to buy derelict properties to renovate and live in are welcome, but if not launched soon will be overtaken by an increase in construction costs.
Rising food production costs
I asked the Agriculture Minister what he is doing to tackle rising input costs in agriculture, especially fertiliser, which will inevitably result in food inflation next spring.
Public service delivery
I spoke in the Dáil this evening about the need to manage changing work practices brought about by the pandemic to ensure the adequate delivery of public services.
Shannon Airport hinterland
I welcoI welcome the appointment of Conal Henry as the new Chair of Shannon Group, and I particularly welcome his ambition for Shannon Airport to be promoted as a travel option for everyone outside of the M50 and south of the N5.
Apprenticeship delays
8,208 apprentices, including 5,720 undertaking electrical, plumbing, carpentry and stone/brick laying apprenticeships, are currently awaiting off-the-job-training. This backlog needs to be cleared for their sake and ours.
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has called on the Government to publish the terms of reference for an expert team that is being deployed by the HSE to review the issues surrounding chronic overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
Shannon NCT centre will not go ahead
A proposed second NCT centre for County Clare that was due open in Shannon will now not be developed.
Read MoreUHL overcrowding
I raised the issue of ongoing overcrowding at University of Limerick with Taoiseach Micheál Martin today.
Apprenticeships
In the Dáil today, I called for ‘temporary extraordinary measures’ to tackle a backlog in apprenticeships across the country. The Taoiseach said he would be open to seeing ‘what more we can do to accelerate without diluting the quality’.
Limerick Northern Distributor Road
Without announcing a sustainable transport alternative, the Government’s decision to abandon the second phase of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road is short-sighted.
Fuel Ban
Restrictions on burning turf, coal and briquettes will only work if people have an affordable alternative, but the Government is not providing such an alternative.
NEWSTALK – UHL Overcrowding
I spoke to Newstalk this evening about University Hospital Limerick, the most consistently overcrowded hospital in the country, and the need to develop a strategy to deliver an acceptable level of health services in the Midwest now and in the immediate future.
Northern Distributor Road
The Government’s decision not to proceed with the second phase of the Northern Distributor Road lacks strategic vision. The Clare side of the University of Limerick campus needs to be developed for the benefit of the university, Clare, Limerick and the wider region, and sustainable travel links should be central to that development. The Government has sadly neglected these imperatives.
Dáil Vote on Turf Cutting
I voted against the Government last night. Like most TDs, I believe that we need to move towards a more environmentally sustainable way of heating our homes. But until those alternatives are put in place, we cannot penalise sections of our population who rely on turf to heat their homes.
McNamara Urges Government To Seek VAT Reduction On Home Heating Oil
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has urged the Irish government to make a fresh appeal to Brussels for approval to reduce VAT on home heating oil during the war in Ukraine, which is driving price increases.
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Burren Businesses Recognised for Sustainable Tourism Practices
Great energy at the Falls Hotel & Spa in Ennistymon last night where 58 Burren Ecotourism members were honoured for fulfilling their commitments under the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism. A brilliant project which shows the way forward for sustainable tourism not just in Clare, but also across Ireland.
Read MoreInsurance Issue Threatens Ireland’s Oldest Fair At Spancilhill
Difficulties obtaining insurance pose a threat to the world-renowned Spancilhill Horse Fair in County Clare, according to Independent Deputy Michael McNamara.
Read MoreTrinity professorship for Dr. Holohan
The creation of a new professorship especially for Dr. Holohan is not a secondment within the public service when he is leaving the public sector for Trinity, a private, well-endowed institution. This abuse of taxpayers’ money needs to be reconsidered.
Proposed approval of Carbon Budget
Imagine a budget that didn’t detail where spending was to be reduced or taxation increased. It wouldn’t constitute a budget. Similarly, a “Carbon Budget” that doesn’t set out which sectors will be impacted and by how much cannot be called a “budget.”
€9.95m Approved For Theatre Upgrade At Ennis Hospital
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has received confirmation from the HSE that a €9.95m capital budget allocation has been approved for a theatre upgrade at Ennis Hospital and that the project has already progressed to design stage.
Read MoreWastewater Upgrade Delivers Economic And Environmental Benefits To Kilmihil
Irish Water’s confirmation that the wastewater treatment plant in Kilmihil is to be upgraded will have significant environmental, social and economic benefits for the village, according to Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara.
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New Chronic Disease specialist roles to be created in Midwest
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has received confirmation from the HSE that a number of additional Clinical and Diagnostic Chronic Disease posts are being recruited for the Midwest region through the University Hospital Limerick Group.
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Chronic Disease Team to be established in Clare
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has received confirmation from the HSE that a new Chronic Disease Management Hub delivering services to patients with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and Type II Diabetes is being rolled out in County Clare.
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Council urged to prioritise Ennis North Inner Relief Road project
Congestion during peak traffic periods on the Tulla Road and Gort Road areas of Ennis could be significantly eased with the completion of the Ennis North Inner Relief Road, according to Independent Clare T.D Michael McNamara.
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June opening date for Raheen Community Hospital extension
Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara says he has received confirmation from the HSE that the new ward extension at Raheen Community Hospital in East Clare will be fully operational by the end of June.
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Scariff Market Square Enhancement
Scariff Town Team, in partnership with Scariff Community Council, has commissioned a design team led by Helena McElmeel Architects to prepare proposals for the enhancement of the Market Square, known locally as the Green.
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Shannon to Girona service postponed
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara, while welcoming Ryanair’s confirmation that the new service would go ahead in early May, said the cancellation of flights was unfair on passengers who were due to travel in less than two weeks’ time in some instances.
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McNamara seeks protection for Roadbridge subcontractors and suppliers
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has called for Government intervention to prevent the loss of hundreds of jobs amongst subcontractors and suppliers, in addition to those directly employed by Roadbridge, in the event that the company is liquidated.
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No new hospital beds for Midwest in 2022
No new acute, sub-acute or ICU beds will be opened in the Midwest in 2022, according to HSE figures released to Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara.
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McNamara calls for refugee reception centre at Shannon Airport
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has urged Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to consider the establishment of a reception centre for refugees at Shannon Airport.
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