Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty today met with Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher in Canberra to discuss ongoing change in Ireland, economic opportunities and deepening the relationship between Ireland and Australia.
Speaking from Canberra Pearse Doherty said:
“I was delighted to meet with Minister Gallagher. Australia is an important international ally to Ireland, politically, economically and socially and it is important the relationship between our two countries is strengthened.
“Today’s meeting with Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher was an opportunity to discuss how stronger, fairer economies can be built to deliver for ordinary workers and families in Ireland and in Australia.
“We discussed the Australian government’s plans to deliver high quality jobs and a better quality of life for its people. We also discussed how they are dealing with challenges such as climate change, health and large-scale affordable housing.
“We also discussed the growing conversation around constitutional change in Ireland and the huge economic potential that would be unlocked by Irish unity. Recent elections in the north saw seismic change. We now need to see the Executive get back up and running to work for all, to attract investment, to create jobs and harness economic opportunities.
“There is a long history and deep friendship between Ireland and Australia and now is the time to deepen these relationships in the interests of our people and to deliver stronger, fairer economies.”
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said an unprecedented data breach affecting up to 10,000 police officers and staff could put lives in danger.
The party’s policing spokesperson said:
“This was an unprecedented data breach which could have put the lives of many police officers, staff and their families in danger.
“While no addresses were given surnames, ranks and locations were provided in a table and a spreadsheet.
“We need to know how this breach occurred.
“There is an emergency Policing Board meeting on Thursday. I will be asking why safeguards were not in place to prevent such a breach happening and how quickly measures can be put in place to ensure it won’t happen again.
“In circumstances where the level of threat is at severe after the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell there will be huge concern among members of the PSNI and their families and the wider community at this revelation.”
Sinn Féin MLAs Pádraig Delargy and Caoimhe Archibald, alongside John Finucane MP and Mairéad Farrell TD, have written to the Minister of Further and Higher Education Simon Harris regarding the conversion of the A Level Results during the CAO process.
The current model makes the access of university courses by students from the north incredibly difficult, the Minister must act to change this process.
Pádraig Delargy MLA, spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, said:
"The current model of admissions does not place A-Level Qualifications on an equal footing to the leaving cert. As a result this has made it difficult if not impossible for students who have studied less than four A-Levels to access University in the south. This must change and qualifications north and south must be placed on a more equal footing by the CAO so that northern students can have greater access to courses in the south."
Caoimhe Archibald MLA stated:
"This year we saw the highest intake ever of students from the south to universities in the north, as the housing crisis in the south makes student accommodation increasingly unaffordable. However, it is positive that more students from the south are taking the opportunity to study in the north and equally we believe students from the north who want to study at universities in the south should be able to do so on the same basis."
John Finucane MP added:
"This is an issue that we have been raising for some time. I first wrote to the Minister in relation to this last October. In advance of results and impending CAO offers in just a few weeks I had hoped and expected there would have been engagement on this issue by now, reflecting the concern that is growing on a yearly basis.”
Mairéad Farrell TD, spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said:
“It is imperative that the Minister tackle this issue as it is a matter of equity of access and fairness. We have fantastic universities which offer so much to our student population. It is essential that these opportunities can be availed of by all those who wish to do so on this island. Our future will be the better for it.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Louise O’Reilly, has said new research from the Economic and Social Research Institute on minimum wage and lower quality jobs underlines the need for statutory collective bargaining and a living wage.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“New research carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), and funded by the Low Pay Commission, has found that workers receiving the minimum wage are often in lower quality jobs.
“The comprehensive research also found that these workers have high levels of job insecurity and are less likely to be members of a trade union.
“While the analysis from the ESRI has only confirmed what trade unions and politicians on the left have been saying for many years, it is an exceptionally important piece of research, especially in the run up to Budget 2024.
“Interestingly, the ‘Job Quality of Minimum Wage Workers in Ireland’ report highlights that minimum wage workers are more likely to work longer shifts (more than 10 hours), that coincide with more unsocial time, than higher paid workers.
“Furthermore, these workers are also more likely to want to work more hours than they currently do, underlying the need for strengthening banded hours contracts legislation.
“The evidence based provided by the ESRI through this research underscores the need for brave changes by government – legislating for collective bargaining by a workers’ recognised trade union, strengthening banded hours contracts legislation, and granting, or bettering, the Low Pay Commission recommendation on the minimum wage increase in Budget 2024.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has said that ‘the housing crisis is set to continue as Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien sets out status-quo budget asks’.
The Dublin Mid west TD was responding to an interview with the Housing Minister in today's Irish Independent.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“Darragh O’Brien has been Minister for Housing for three years. He and his party have been propping Fine Gael up for seven years. During all of that time, the housing crisis has deepened. House prices and rents at all-time highs, homelessness increasing every single month, and social and affordable housing deliver below target.
“Today, Minister O’Brien has set out his main Budget 2024 asks. He wants to expand both the so-called Help to Buy Scheme and controversial Shared Equity Scheme. The result of this will be to further push up house prices. Extending the shared equity loan to second hand homes would be particularly dangerous.
“His proposed changes to the renter’s tax credit are misguided. The credit should be based on a full month's rent paid back to every private renter, rather than the same flat rate paid to all. More significantly, the Minister has not addressed the fact that half of renters did not claim the credit in 2022 and, to date, only 10% have claimed it in 2023.
“Once again, the Minister is also floating the idea of a lower rate of income tax for landlords. He proposed this last year only to have it rejected by his cabinet colleagues. Sinn Féin does not believe that this approach will reduce the flow of single property landlords from the market.
“Budget 2024 must be radical. It must address the growing need for social and affordable homes. It must include new measures to reduce homelessness and help people to exit emergency accommodation more quickly. And it must focus on bringing house prices down, not saddling working people with increased debt.
“In September, Sinn Féin will set out our alternative housing budget. A status-quo budget will only see the housing crisis deepen. Minister O’Brien’s interview today demonstrates yet again that this government is out of ideas and out of time.
“Only a change of government and a change of housing policy will allow us to start cleaning up the mess of 12 years of Fine Gael and seven years of Fianna Fáil’s bad housing policies.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has condemned a ‘vicious attack’ on a young man in North Belfast in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The North Belfast MLA said:
“I condemn the attack on an 18-year-old man that took place on the Limestone Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“This is disgraceful and a young man has now been left with serious injuries as a result of this vicious attack.
“This is now being treated as a sectarian hate crime, and I would urge anyone with information on this attack should bring it forward to the police.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has said news that fresh inquests will be held into the murder of five men by the UVF is a positive step in the campaign for truth and justice.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“I welcome the Attorney General’s announcement of fresh inquests into the murders of Sean Anderson, Thomas Armstrong, Dwayne O'Donnell, Thomas Casey and Phelim McNally.
“This is a positive step in the campaign for truth and justice into a series of loyalist attacks that also claimed the lives of John Quinn and Malcolm Nugent at Boyle’s Bar in Cappagh over 30 years ago.
“All of these families deserve to know what happened to their loved ones and access justice through the courts.
“The Attorney General’s ruling today has again laid bare the need for the British Government to scrap its cruel and heartless legacy bill that is simply about cover-up and closing door on families ever getting truth.”
Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has welcomed news that fresh inquests are to be held into the UVF murders of five Catholic men in Mid-Ulster more than 30 years ago.
Speaking after a ruling by the Attorney General today, the Mid Ulster MP said:
“Today’s announcement that new inquests will finally be held into the murders of Sean Anderson, Thomas Armstrong, Dwayne O'Donnell, Thomas Casey and Phelim McNally is welcome news for the families.
“Two other local men John Quinn and Malcolm Nugent were also killed in the incident at Boyle’s Bar in Cappagh which claimed the lives of Dwayne O’Donnell and Thomas Armstrong.
“The Attorney General ordered the new inquests after citing ‘deficiencies’ in the original investigations and inquests stating there was new information not considered at the first inquests which intelligence 'as to whether state agents/bodies played a role in the deaths' and 'wider evidence suggestive of collusion'.
"Today’s ruling is further evidence that the British government should scrap its flawed legacy bill which is a cynical and cruel attempt to close the door on families who have a right to truth and justice through access to coronial inquests and Article 2 compliant investigations.
“The legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the two governments and political parties in 2014 should be implemented in a human rights' compliant manner."
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty and Foreign Affairs spokesperson Matt Carthy began their weeklong trip to Australia in Brisbane with a meeting with Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman MP.
They also received briefings on Queensland’s energy and jobs plan and transitioning their energy grid, and visited two government social and affordable housing projects. They met with business and trade union leaders and finished the day at a community event with young Irish people who have recently emigrated to Australia.
Speaking from Brisbane, Pearse Doherty said:
“We were delighted to begin our trip to Australia meeting with Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman MP to discuss change that is happening in Ireland including growing support for Irish unity and to look at how Australia is delivering in key areas such as health, affordable housing and climate change. We also got a briefing on Queensland energy and jobs plan and transitioning their energy grid and met with the Electrical Trades Union on their plan for transition.
“We met with Brisbane Housing Company which is delivering social and affordable housing in the city and QBuild which is the Queensland Government's building unit which is building and delivering prefab social and affordable housing while also training the next generation of tradespersons.
“We also attended a business roundtable event hosted by Irish Australia Chamber of Commerce where the focus was on jobs, tourism and renewable energy.
“Our first day concluded with a meeting with young Irish people who have recently emigrated to Australia- many because of the Irish government’s catastrophic failure in housing but who want to be able to return home. We assured them that Sinn Féin is working night and day to change things, so they can come home to a new Ireland.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has described the fact that Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, failed to hold any formal meetings with the board of the National Children’s Hospital for 15 months as astonishing and a dereliction of duty.
He accused the Minister of being asleep at the wheel and allowing the management and cost of the project to spiral out of control.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“Information I received following a Freedom of Information request shows that there are no records of any formal meetings between Minister Donnelly and the board of the National Children’s Hospital between January 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
“This represents a complete dereliction of duty, and an appalling lack of leadership for the Minister not to have any oversight of such an important and costly project.
“For several years now, there have been substantial and well-documented concerns regarding delays and the costs of this project spiralling completely out of control, yet the Minister sat on his hands and failed to hold any formal meetings with the board for 15 months.
“The Minister only met the board in July after I and others raised real concerns. We cannot afford to have a Minister for Health who is asleep at the wheel. His hands-off approach is extraordinary and beyond belief.
“The board is seeking significant additional expenditure from government that amounts to hundreds of millions of euro due to cost overruns, yet the cabinet is expected to sign off on that when its Minister for Health is clueless to what is going on.
“The Minister won’t give us the new completion date for the new hospital, which is perhaps no surprise because every single timeframe we have been given by the government on this project has come and gone.
“All we can see - and all taxpayers can see - is more cheques being written, more money being spent, more delays and more cost overruns.
“We need a real completion date, we need a real timeframe and we need to do everything possible to ensure this project is brought back on track.
“To do that, we need the Minister for Health to get off the sidelines and do his job.“
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has called for the introduction of temporary and targeted mortgage interest relief to support households struggling with the sharp and sudden spike in interest rates.
The Donegal TD warned that many mortgage holders are facing interest rates as high as 10 percent and risk falling into arrears and financial distress.
Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said:
“In the past year the ECB raised its key interest rate nine times.
“As a result, hundreds of thousands of households have seen a massive increase in their mortgage interest costs.
“This is a massive income shock for households.
“The Central Bank estimates that one in five households will see their annual mortgage costs spiral by more than €5,700 as a result of these rate hikes.
“With two in five seeing their annual mortgage costs rise by more than €3,000.
“For so many workers and families, the spike in interest costs is too much to bear as they deal with a wider cost-of-living crisis.
“Households who had their mortgage loans sold to vulture funds without their consent, but with the support of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, are now facing interest rates as high as 10 percent.
“As vulture funds send another letter in the post informing them of another interest rate hike, many risk being pushed over the edge and into arrears.
“The Minister for Finance cannot stand idly by.
“Sinn Féin have called for the introduction of temporary and targeted mortgage interest relief, providing support to households with 30 percent of their increased interest costs.
“But it is clear that wider action is required.
“Banks should never have sold the mortgage loans of customers to vulture funds without their consent.
“This was something that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Donohoe supported, with dire consequences for households.
“The Central Bank and retail banks must act to free households from the clutches of vulture funds.
“They have a moral obligation to provide a clear pathway for these borrowers to re-enter the mainstream mortgage market.
“For borrowers who have no option to fix their rates and are paying higher mortgage repayments than they would be if their loans were held by retail banks.
“It is time to right this wrong and for the Minister for Finance to convene a meeting with the Central Bank and retail banks and chart a way forward.”
Local MLA Declan Kearney has said that Sinn Féin remains resolute in its opposition to the proposed Hightown Incinerator and has once again pledged his support for the people of the Hightown and Mallusk area in their campaign.
Speaking after leading a cross party and community delegation to meet with senior Department for Infrastructure officials, the South Antrim representative said:
“In May this year, a court ruling led to the Hightown Incinerator planning application going back to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for consideration. Understandably, this news was met with shock and disbelief by the people of greater Hightown and Mallusk.
“Local residents have consistently voiced concerns about the serious repercussions which would flow from such a facility, including the negative consequences for community health and wellbeing, and the natural habitat and ecosystem of the surrounding countryside. Years later, they continue to live with the uncertainty of this incinerator emerging in the immediate vicinity of their homes and local amenities. The case has also been consistently made by the local campaign group No-ARC21 that there is no economic argument justifying this proposal as well as a very dubious business case.
“I said at the time of the most recent court decision that I would seek a meeting with senior DfI officials to pursue clarification on their position following this court ruling.
“I was therefore pleased to lead a cross-party and community delegation, which included representatives of No-ARC21 and all main political parties, to meet with senior officials at their offices in Clarence Court, Belfast.
“All political and community representatives conveyed to the Department the now heightened fears regarding the latest developments concerning the Hightown Incinerator proposal. We voiced our collective resolve to continue fully supporting the local residents’ opposition to this planning application.
“The delegation also highlighted the flawed economic case promoted by supporters of the proposed incinerator. The campaign representatives presented evidence that it would be counterproductive to waste management, environmental targets and value for money.
“We sought assurances that the application would be discontinued, and called for previous ministerial rulings to be upheld. I repeated my conviction that this proposal is not in the public interest.
“All political colleagues asserted that the Hightown Incinerator application cannot be viewed as a free-standing planning issue, given that the proposal involves a variety of cross-cutting factors, and should require input from other public agencies and government departments. As a result, I will now be requesting the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Infrastructure convenes a follow up meeting with our delegation, which includes all relevant stakeholders to discuss this matter with due regard to all its dimensions.
“I and my political colleagues remain resolute in our opposition to the proposed Hightown Incinerator and will continue to support local the No-ARC21 campaign, and the wider community of Hightown and Mallusk.”
Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has said the government must act on its promise to create a single Shannon River Management Agency to protect homes and livelihoods.
Deputy Clarke renewed her call following protests by the Save Our Shannon organisation following yet more flooding along the Shannon.
Teachta Clarke said:
“It is nearly three years since I, along with colleagues from Sinn Féin, introduced a Bill that would have paved the way to create a single Shannon River Management Agency.
“The government told us at the time that they agreed with the need to create such an agency.
“Our bill in 2020 was a follow-up to a bill that the then Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams introduced in 2016.
“Yet here we are, nine years on from that, and the Save Our Shannon organisation are once again forced to protest because of astonishing levels of government inaction.
“Once again, people throughout the Shannon region are impacted by flooding - agricultural lands are unusable in many areas, roads are impassable, and people fear for the safety of their homes and livelihoods.
“The government needs to start listening. This region has experienced serious flooding before and residents are justifiably extremely angry and frustrated that plans to alleviate the risks of flooding have not been put in place.
“Sinn Féin has for a long time proposed a standalone body to manage the Shannon and its surroundings. Residents, farmers and business owners are exhausted that this still has not happened.
“The government needs to act now. There can be no more delays, and no more broken promises - the government must create a single Shannon River Management Agency now, and protect people’s homes and livelihoods."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD has accused the government of talking out of both sides of its mouth when it comes to addressing the mental health crisis in the state.
Information Deputy Ward received in response to a Parliamentary Question stated that Mental Health National Clinical Programmes did not receive any funding for new posts to expand clinical programme services in 2023.
The National Clinical Programmes affected were for self-harm and suicide-related ideation, eating disorders services, early intervention in psychosis and ADHD in adults.
The Dublin Mid-West TD said:
“I cannot fathom why Mental Health National Clinical Programmes did not receive any funding for new posts in 2023.
“It is like the government has thrown in the towel and admitted that they just cannot fix the problems that they have created in mental health services.
“When I look at the National Clinical Programmes that have received no new funding this year, I am incredibly concerned.
“There is no new funding to expand the programme for self-harm and suicide-related ideation.
“Last year, I highlighted how figures released to me in response to a parliamentary question showed that 23,000 people presented to 25 hospitals with suicidal ideation between 2018 and 2021 - an average of 15 presentations per day.
“Suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts are regarded as an indicator of serious mental and emotional distress, and repeated episodes may lead to self-harm.
“There is also no new funding to expand the programme for eating disorders services in 2023.
“Specialist eating disorder teams have been associated with faster recovery, higher patient satisfaction, lower costs, lower rates of inpatient admission and better case identification and to find out there is no additional funding this year is very concerning.
“Eating disorders have the highest mortality of any psychiatric diagnosis.
“The government’s failure to resources early intervention psychosis is a blatant disregard of their duty of care to those experiencing mental health difficulties.
“Each year in this state, an estimated 1,500 people develop a psychotic disorder for the first time.
“Psychosis is associated with the most serious and disabling conditions treated in mental health services. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, drug-induced psychosis, and severe depression are the key diagnoses seen in early intervention psychosis services.
“Psychosis is a serious mental illness. However, early intervention in psychosis research internationally has demonstrated that people recover with the right specialist help.
“The adult ADHD teams accept referrals from both adult and child community mental health teams.
“There is a modified pathway for young adults transitioning from Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
“We heard from the Mental Health Commission's report into CAMHS that young people are falling off a cliff edge when they transition from CAMHS to adult mental health services, and many are lost to follow-up.
“Having no new funding for Adult ADHD services in 2023 means that even more of our young people could fall through the cracks.
“We are approaching Budget 2024 and if the budget for this year is anything to go by, then we can expect the same smoke and mirrors approach to mental health funding.
“The government says mental health is a priority, but Ministers are speaking out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to the provision of mental health care.”
Sinn Féin Chief Whip and spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD, has today written to the Taoiseach and Minister for Agriculture in advance of negotiations between the EU Commission and the Nordic States outside the EU (Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands) on proposals for fishing opportunities for 2024, which are due to commence shortly.
These negotiations will result in allocation of fishing quotas to countries for 2024 at EU council meetings in October and December this year.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:
“I have written today to An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie Mc Conalogue TD, outlining that the Irish fishing industry must be defended in these negotiations.
“I note with interest and welcome a recent meeting between An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey and representatives of the Irish fishing industry where this topic was a priority on the agenda.
“Colm Markey MEP, who was present at the meeting, has since said in a press statement that 'Ireland must stand its ground during negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities, which get underway shortly, and Ireland must stand firm and ensure we don’t lose out'.
“I welcome this strong intervention from Colm Markey MEP and it is now over to The Taoiseach, Minister for Agriculture and Marine and their department officials to negotiate the best possible outcome for Ireland.
“We cannot have a situation like in previous years where unfettered access to Irish fishing waters is being offered to non-EU member states, particularly at a time when Ireland is still trying to recover its industry after the devastating losses and the decommissioning of 41 vessels, due to Brexit.
“I strongly reiterate that Ireland must not be left behind again on the back of a bad fishing deal agreed by the Irish Government in Europe.”
(Leagan Gaeilge thíos)
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, today issued a plea to the Government to consider purchasing the land for sale at An Chonair, also known as the Conor Pass.
The Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and Irish Speaking Community said:
“It is not often that almost 1,400 acres of outstanding natural beauty come up for sale.
“The Conor Pass is a gem of the West Kerry Gaeltacht in terms of both cultural and natural heritage as the gateway to Corca Dhuibhne. The land in question encompasses three lakes, significant forestry, agricultural and mountain grazing, as well as valleys, waterfalls and breath-taking views.
“There will, no doubt, be significant interest from overseas and from private interests to take up possession from the current American owner.
“However, it would be remiss of the Irish State not to examine the possibility of obtaining the land for the people, to safeguard this unique landscape for future generations.
“Not only is the site of national importance in terms of tourism and as an amenity for the local community of Corca Dhuibhne and County Kerry.
“The opportunity also presents itself as a prime location for developing a new national park and engaging in the type of rewilding and nature conservation that is often discussed but rarely put into practice by Government.
“It is 25 years since we established our last national park at Nephin in County Mayo, and it is a disappointment that despite being in Government for 6 and a half of those years, the Green Party have shown no interest in developing new national parks elsewhere in the State.
“We now have a perfect chance at showing a bit of ambition and securing ownership of the Conor Pass and its surrounds for the people of Ireland.
“Sinn Féin is calling on the responsible Ministers – Darragh O’Brien as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Catherine Martin as Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – to work together and engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the local community in Corca Dhuibhne to gage their needs and examine if the State could step in and buy the land.”
Ba chóir don Rialtas smaoineamh faoin talamh ag Barr Conarach a cheannacht - Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD
Mhol urlabhraí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, Ealaíon agus Cultúir Shinn Féin, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, inniu don Rialtas macnamh a dhéanamh ar an talamh atá ar díol ag an gConair a cheannacht.
Dúirt Cathaoirleach an Chomhchoiste Oireachtais don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge:
“Ní minic a thagann 1,400 acra sáráilleachta nádúrtha ar an margadh.
“Seod is ea An Chonair i nGaeltacht Iarthar Chiarraí, ó thaobh na hoidhreachta cultúir agus nádúrtha maraon agus é mar thairseach Chorca Dhuibhne. San áireamh sa talamh atá ar dhíol tá trí locha, coillte suntasacha, féarach talmhaíochta agus sléibhe, chomh maith le gleannta, easanna agus radharcanna den scoth.
“Níl aon amhras faoi ach beidh suim suntasach ann ó thar lear agus ó fhoinsí príobháideach i seilbh a ghlacadh ón úinéir reatha Meiriceánach.
“Bheadh sé faillitheach ag an Stát Éireannach gan iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar féadarthachtaí an talamh a fháil don phobal, chun an tírdhreac aonarach seo a chosaint do na glúnta amach romhainn.
“Ní hamháin go bhfuil tábhacht náisiúnta ag baint leis an suíomh ó thaobh na turasóireachta de, nó mar áis don phobal áitiúil i gCorca Dhuibhne agus i gContae Chiarraí.
“Tá deis ann freisin mar láithreán foirfe chun páirc náisiúnta nua a fhorbairt agus tabhairt faoin gcineál athbhunú fhiántais agus caomhnú dúlra atá pléite go minic gan a bheith curtha i bhfeidhm ag an Rialtas.
“Tá 25 bliain caite ó bhunaíomar an páirc náisiúnta deireanach ag Néifinn i gContae Mhaigh Eo, agus is mór an díomá é in ainneoin iad a bheith i Rialtais ar feadh 6 bliain go leith den tréimhse sin nach bhfuil suim dá laghad léirithe ag an gComhaontas Glas i bpáirceanna nua náisiúnta a fhorbairt áiteanna eile sa Stát.
“Tá seans iontach againn anois beagáinín uailmhian a léiriú agus úinéireacht a shocrú ar an gConair agus an gceantar máguaird do mhuintir na hÉireann.
“Tá Sinn Féin ag impiú ar na hAirí freagrach – Darragh O’Brien mar Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, agus Catherine Martin mar Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltacht, Spóirt agus Meán – obair as lámha a chéile agus dul i mbun comhairle leis an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus leis an bpobal áitiúil i gCorca Dhuibhne chun a gcuid riachtanais a thabhairt san áireamh agus chun oibriú amach an bhféadfadh leis an Stát seasamh isteach agus an talamh a cheannacht.”
Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, has today slammed Cork City Council for failing to act on a report, which highlighted serious issues with Noonan’s Road flats complex in Cork City.
This report was completed in December 2022 yet, less than two weeks ago, Council officials visited Noonan’s Road and claimed they were unaware of the extent of the issues.
Teachta Gould said:
“This report is a shocking indictment of Cork City Council’s failure to resolve issues for residents at Noonan’s Road. The report clearly highlights the poor conditions of these units and the need for urgent long-term solutions. It found serious issues with the units and the long-term recommendation was to rebuild from the ground up.
“The serious structural issues found in this report, with roofs and walls, are deeply concerning. We agree with the recommendation that the most credible and reasonable long-term alternative is to demolish these units and rebuild from the ground up.
“That Cork City Council have sat on this report for over eight months now and failed to move forward with a plan or inform residents of the findings of the report is scandalous. Sinn Féin Cllr Fiona Kerins has raised this issue multiple times over the past number of years but her calls, and the calls of residents, have fallen on deaf ears.
“There are serious questions to answer now. Who had seen this report? Why wasn’t it actioned? Why weren’t Councillors informed? Had Council presented this report to central government? Are there other similar reports into similarly designed flat complexes in Cork City? Where is the plan that should have come from this report? How much did this report cost? Why is another report needed? How much will that report cost?
“At the heart of this issue, there is a strong and vibrant community in Noonan’s Road. They deserve answers and they deserve a plan to resolve these issues.
“Myself and the Sinn Féin Council team - Kenneth Collins, Fiona Kerins, Mick Nugent and Eolan Ryng – will continue to stand up for these residents and for those living in similar situations across the city.”
