Offshore wind energy
Developers need a concrete plan rather than the vague aspirations of this government if this state is to benefit from its offshore wind energy potential.
Wind energy
The Government needs to answer the questions that investors are asking in order to develop offshore wind energy in Ireland.
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.
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.
Govt 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’.
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.
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.
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.
Read MoreProposed 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.”
Minister Eamon Ryan comments on Shannon Heritage assets transfer
Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, has said the Government is committed to getting the proposed takeover by Clare County Council of Clare-based Shannon Heritage tourism assets “over the line”.
Government extends derogation for burning of green waste
Following calls from Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara last week, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has introduced a further one-year extension to the derogation allowing for the burning of green waste.
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McNamara highlights lack of EV Charge points in Clare
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has urged Clare County Council to play a leading role in expanding and modernising the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network in County Clare.
Read MoreStop blaming the public
It’s time for the Government to stop blaming the public, and instead start implementing measures to enable people to live more safely alongside Covid.
Moneypoint Power Station
Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan confirmed that Moneypoint Power Station will close as scheduled in 2025 despite Ireland’s energy shortage and the concerns I raised that we would end up importing coal-generated electricity thereafter.
McNamara seeks clarity on Moneypoint as blackouts loom this winter
“This week must have been a bewildering week for the workers in Moneypoint power station,” Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara told the Dáil this week.
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New Chair of Shannon Group plc to be announced shortly
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara says the appointment of a new Chair of Shannon Group plc has reached its final stages.
In response to Deputy McNamara’s Parliamentary Question on the role, which has remained unfilled since August 2020, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan confirmed that he and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton met with the candidates shortlisted via the Public Appointments Service (PAS) process last week.
“In line with normal arrangements for the appointment of Chairs to State Boards, the Chair designate will be required to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications before being formally appointed as Chair of Shannon Group,” added Minister Ryan.
Deputy McNamara has urged the Department to “proceed without delay” due to the significance of the role.
“It is critically important that the successful candidate be someone with the experience to provide strategic direction to Shannon Group plc’s aviation and property businesses, as well as the proposed transfer of Clare-based Shannon Heritage tourism assets to Clare County Council,” added Deputy McNamara.
Pillar 2 environmental measures
I asked the Minister for the Environment and Climate whether Government would fully co-fund Pillar 2 environmental measures and whether farmers who were already farming in a sustainable way would be required to reduce herd numbers by the same percentage who were not.
Wasting taxpayers money on Convention Centre sittings
€1.8 million in taxpayers money has already been wasted sitting in the Convention Centre. I today called for the Dáil to be returned to Leinster House.
McNamara welcomes transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has welcomed the news that the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage’s portfolio of visitor attractions in County Clare from Shannon Group plc to Clare County Council is to be brought to Cabinet for approval this afternoon.
Read MoreClimate Action Bill debate
It is a pity that the Dáil couldn’t have a proper debate on an appropriate response to the climate emergency.
McNamara receives update on Shannon Heritage and new Shannon Group Chair
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says a new Chair of Shannon Group will be appointed imminently while Government also plans to review Shannon Heritage’s position with the Group.
Read MoreRapid Turnaround Testing at Irish airports
I asked Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to provide an update on the progress made by Government on the introduction of a testing protocol at Irish airports and about what type of test system would be used.
