Archive for 2014

Nenagh Water System to be Upgraded as Part of Gas Project

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Alan Kelly

Nenagh Gas
Nenagh Gas

Nenagh's water supply is set for a major  upgrade which will be completed alongside the gas project for Nenagh.

Ervia, which is the company that now oversees gas and water supply, are combining both the gas and water projects as part of an estimated ten million euro investment.


Bord Gáis Éireann, now called  Ervia, plans to provide a gas connection to Arrabawn Co-Operative and Nenagh town, by the middle of 2015, and it will then roll out the gas distribution network to businesses and residents, allowing them to avail the clean and efficient energy source for the first time.

At the same time, through Ervia’s other subsidiary - Irish Water, Ervia will also carry out a water rehabilitation project in Nenagh to improve water and waste water systems in the town as a combined project with the gas distribution works.

This is the first time that Ervia; as a multi-utility company; will take a combined approach to deliver water and gas infrastructure in Ireland. Integrating both projects under the Ervia umbrella will increase efficiencies and deliver direct cost savings to customers, while minimising disruption to businesses and the local community.

The project will highlight the benefits of Ervia’s multi-utility model and the skills and expertise of both businesses and in tandem will deliver modern utility services and support the development of the local economy in North Tipperary in the future. 

This will be first combined utility project of gas and water in the country. When you are already digging up roadways to provide gas - it makes sense to upgrade the water infrastructure as well. This will deliver major savings and provide better water infrastructure for the people of Nenagh. Along with the gas, this is a key economic investment into Nenagh.

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Apply for Grants being made available under the new Farm Safety Scheme

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Alan Kelly

I am urging farmers in Tipperary to apply for grants being made available under the new Farm Safety Scheme.

Concerns over the issue of farm safety are at an all-time high following a number of accidents across the country recently. I am glad that the Department of Agriculture has responded to these concerns quickly by making the Farm Safety Scheme a reality, so that we can all work to reduce the number of farm-related accidents and deaths.

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Funding for 54 Tipperary Projects Under the 2014 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Alan Kelly

Today I  announced the recipients of grant funding under the 2014 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. This grant scheme promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at a local level. A total of 54 projects received €15,700 from my Department and a similar amount from Tipperary County Council. The projects are being co-funded by the Department and local authorities; with close to €400,000 being provided by the Department and a similar amount by the local authorities. In total €796,000 is being provided under this year’s scheme to 697 projects throughout the country.

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Funding Annouced for Lakeside Villages

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Alan Kelly

www.discoverloughderg.ie
www.discoverloughderg.ie

I have announced funding under the Lough Derg Marketing Strategy Group. I am delighted to annouce that funding has been allocated to a number of projects under the Lough Derg Marketing Strategy Group. I am particularly happy with this as I made sure that the Lough Derg Strategy was launched and I announced €2 million for it in May this year.

€25,000 has been allocated for the Millennium Cross Car Park & Walkway Surfacing. The car park is used by visitors who walk to the cross to see the panoramic views of Lough Derg. Improvement works are required at the car park. Walking surface to improve access along the Lough Derg Way from the Millennium Cross to Tountinna.

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200 New Recruits for the Training College in Templemore

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Alan Kelly

I welcome the announcement in the budget of an additional 200 Garda recruits for the training college in Templemore.

This is great news for the town of Templemore, particularly businesses in the area with the extra revenue in the town as well as the potential for tourism. 100 recruits will start in December and 100 more will start in January.

I also welcome the investment of €10 million for the Garda Fleet.  The  increased  investment  in  An  Garda  Síochána  marks a positive step forward  for policing in Ireland. New vehicles and ongoing recruitment will help  ensure a strong, visible policing presence is provided in communities right across the country, helping to reduce crime

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FRS Recruitment the Preferred Bidder to Deliver the Jobpath Programme

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Alan Kelly

FRS
FRS

I am delighted to announce that a Tipperary company is among the preferred bidders to deliver the Government’s Jobpath programme.

The company, FRS Recruitment, who are based in Roscrea form part of the Turas Nua Ltd Consortium who have been selected to deliver the Jobpath programme in the Southern half of the country for the Department of Social Protection.

Subject to the final contract being signed, this is likely to result in Roscrea being the head office for the southern region bringing up to 500 employees with their head office expected to be located in North Tipperary.

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Review of Planning System

Posted on October 07, 2014 by Alan Kelly

I have announced major reforms of the planning system as part of the forthcoming Planning No.1 Bill which was approved by Government this week. The general scheme of the Bill will be published in the coming weeks.

The new reforms include new Part V requirements for developers, the introduction of a vacant site levy and ‘Use it or Lose it’ clauses with planning permissions.

The new Part V proposals will require developers to provide up to 10% of their housing units for social housing and the legislation will remove the ability of developers to account for their social housing commitments through cash payments to local authorities. The proposals will furthermore ensure that the social housing units will be located predominantly on the site of the original developments.

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Revie of An Bord Pleanala

Posted on October 06, 2014 by Alan Kelly

I am initiating an in-depth operational review of state planning body, An Bord Pleanala.

An Bord Pleanala (ABP) is an independent body established initially under the Planning and Development Act 1976 which is responsible for the determination of planning appeals and certain other matters under planning legislation, including the assessment and determination of applications for strategic infrastructure development such as major roads, railways, electricity transmission lines etc, as well as proposals for the development of Strategic Development Zones (SDZs).

 

It is also responsible for dealing with proposals for the compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities and others under various enactments.

 

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Simon Community

Posted on October 05, 2014 by Alan Kelly

Simon
Simon

I was delighted to support the Simon Community Sleepover in Semple Stadium this weekend.  I am with David Morgan Semple Stadium Director, Jackie Bonfield Manager Mid West Simon Community and Denis Quinn Principal Colaiste Mhuire Co Ed Thurles.

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Ploughing Championship

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Alan Kelly

The Cottage Loughmore
The Cottage Loughmore

I was delighted to attend the Ploughing Championship last week, which was a massive success and was attended by huge crowds, congratulations to all involved in the organisation.  The Labour Party had a tent and had a large number of visitors over the three days.  I was delighted to meet Mary Fogarty and Maeve O'Hair of the Cottage in Loughmore. which is a community co-operative shop and tearoom.  The village hadn't a shop for a number of years, so I have no doubt this is a welcome addition.  This is a unique venture and is the first one in the country.

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