Information Evening on the Stability Treaty, hosted by Fine Gael

DATE                         :Thursday 17^th May 2012

TIME                         :   7.30pm      

VENUE                      :Amber Springs,Hotel,Gorey

GUEST SPEAKERS  :Minister Simon Coveney

                                    Karl Whelan, UCD,economist

                                Jim Power, Friends First

                         Margaret Jeffers, Founder and Managing Director, Good Food Ireland

Fine Gael East Wicklow is hosting a Table Quiz in the Beehive Pub Friday 11^th May. Starts at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

Deputy Andrew Doyle, TD for Wicklow/East Carlow, has described the Heritage Council’s decision to back four Wicklow based projects as a great boost for Wicklow’s local economy.

 This year €14,600 has been awarded for a Biodiversity survey of bridges and culverts in County Wicklow. Wicklow Wetlands Survey has received €14,485 and the Restoration of Carnew Castle Wall has been awarded €7,000. The Ongoing Development of the Ballinastoe Collaborative Deer Management Group has been granted €4000 in funding.

 The Heritage Council is also providing core funding of €65,000 to the Wicklow Uplands Council.

 In 2012, the Heritage Council will allocate approx. 1.5 million under the Heritage Grant Scheme to 372 heritage projects across Ireland. 

Research of the 2010 and 2011 Grants Scheme found that every €1m spent on grants by the Heritage Council supported 70 jobs directly and 300 jobs across a range of related sectors. 

This research also shows that in 2010, Heritage Council funded projects attracted approximately 18,700 tourists, while every €1 spent by the Heritage Council generated €4.40 for the Irish tourism industry. 

‘The decision to grant funding to these Wicklow projects and especially €65,000 to the Uplands Council is fantastic news. It will support sustainable development and promote projects in several areas including Environment & Recreation, Economic & Tourism, Community & Property Owners.’ 

‘This research illustrates how beneficial Heritage Council funding can be for an area. This funding acts as a great support for local jobs and tourism. The fact that €1 spent by the Heritage Council equals €4.40 in tourism revenue means this funding will result in an increase of local jobs and an upsurge in tourism levels in Wicklow. It will be a great boost for the county.’

In County Wicklow projects which will receive funding in 2012 include;

Biodiversity survey of bridges and culverts in County Wicklow - to survey a selection of bridges and culverts in the county, focusing on those structures for which impediments to fish and animal passage occur, or are most likely to occur. Use the results to draw up biodiversity enhancement recommendations for individual sites.

Wicklow Wetlands Survey (Phase 2) - to carry out a Phase 2 Wetland survey of County Wicklow, compiling information about the extent, distribution and condition of sites.

The Ongoing Development of the Ballinastoe Collaborative Deer Management Group – the Wicklow Deer Management Group was successfully established in 2011 with the assistance of funding from the Heritage Council. The group has had a successful start and is currently collaboratively recording and sharing deer metrics relating to observations and actual cull information. This application seeks continued support from the Heritage Council for this important pioneering collaborative deer management project.

Restoration Carnew Castle Wall - built in the 1200s, Carnew Castle is surrounded by a wall which was built in the early 18th century. This wall partially collapsed in the winter of 2009 and has remained unrepaired since that date. This project is being undertaken by Carnew Training & Development.

 ‘No’ vote advocates should listen to Irish businesses and international investors

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Andrew Doyle, has today (Sunday) said that those who are advocating a No vote in the upcoming referendum on the Stability Treaty should listen to Irish businesses and international investors, who understand the importance of being part of a single, strong currency.

“Since we joined the euro in January 2002, we have benefitted from being members of a single, strong currency. Irish businesses which engage in international trade understand the importance of having access to a market in a simple and straightforward way. I would urge those advocating a No vote in the Stability Treaty referendum to listen to these experts, and consider the implications a rejection of the Treaty would have for Ireland, which is the single biggest exporting country within the eurozone.

“It is in Ireland’s best interests to remain at the heart of the European economic and monetary union. The euro is still in its infancy. Mistakes have been made since the introduction of the single currency. By failing to take prudent, preventive measures to stop the debt burden arising, we have been left with a very difficult legacy. The Stability Treaty is about responsibility; it will ensure that governments across Europe make sound financial decisions. It will ensure that the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated.

“It amuses me to hear those who refer to the treaty as an ‘austerity treaty’ and claim that it will  hamstring us for the rest of our days. These are the same people who said reckless lending, borrowing and a lack of prudence led us into the current mess. But yet they are now objecting to sensible rules being put in place, which will prevent these decisions from being made again.

Anyone who runs a household budget knows that when you have a surplus, you save it, and when you have a deficit, you either use savings or seek a facility to borrow. That is what we are talking about; keeping our finances within wise parameters.

“It is also ludicrous to suggest that by voting No, we will strengthen our negotiating position in E

Our most valuable asset to the Chinese market is our expertise

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Andrew Doyle, has today (Saturday) said that our food production and agri-business expertise is our most valuable asset when it comes to the Chinese marketplace. Deputy Doyle was speaking as the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, concluded a week long trade mission to China, during which a number of significant investment developments were made.

“We are now embarking on a hugely promising relationship with Chinese investors, who have clearly signalled they are very interested in bringing Ireland’s expertise as a food producing nation to the Chinese marketplace. This is not just about selling our products, it’s about Ireland cementing our reputation as world leaders in agri-business.

“Knowledge is king. We have the skills and the know-how that the Chinese require to cope with the demands of increasing urbanisation and population growth. Ireland has a very good track record in selling our skills abroad. In the 1980s, the Irish company Masstock revolutionised agriculture in Saudi Arabia, by introducing irrigated dairy farms in the desert. This had led to three decades of sustained investment. Similarly, our reputation as experts in the bloodstock industry has brought major investment from several Gulf states.

“The signing this week of a memorandum of understanding between UCD and leading Chinese dairy producer, Dairy United, will allow for these types of relationships to be established with Irish agri-businesses, with the potential for multi-million euro contracts. The development of a demonstration farm in Inner Mongolia will be the first step in Irish companies providing a range of equipment, training and services to the region.

“By engaging at university and research level we are laying the foundations of a relationship that has far more long term potential that straight-forward contracts to sell products. We are clearly showing that Ireland is a good place to do business. And as our reputation builds and the relationship grows, the investment potential for Irish agri-businesses will expand exponentially.”

Over 2.5million funding shows Government commitment to foster economic growth and boost tourism

I welcome the provision of more than €2million in grants to local authorities nationwide to tackle litter and graffiti and has stated that this demonstrates this Governments commitment to promote economic growth and boost tourism figures.

County Wicklow has been allocated a total of €24,000 under the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Scheme.  Local authorities using this money can select projects that promote greater public awareness and education to litter and graffiti.  This includes voluntary initiatives run by community groups, which play such an important role in the upkeep of our towns and villages.

To ensure locations popular with tourists are kept clean, County Wicklow will receive €15,000 under the Tourist Anti-Litter Grant. This will help to maintain visitor locations such as beaches, scenic areas and approach roads to access points like airports and ferry ports.  This is of crucial importance in creating a good impression and has a huge impact on the overall visitor experience.

A further €750,000 is being made available nationally under the new Litter Enforcement Scheme, to help crack down on littering and illegal dumping.  Local authorities can use this money to deploy mobile CCTV cameras and other measures to identify those responsible for such activities.

This additional funding will help local authorities to tackle littering through awareness raising, enforcement and the maintenance of tourist areas.  Local authorities, community and voluntary groups all do excellent work to maintain the appearance of streets, roads and scenic areas. 

The onus is also on the individual to take personal responsibility and to be aware of how important it is to keep our communities litter free. The Leave no Trace programme is about promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation. This principle which depends more on attitude and awareness than rules and regulations can be applied in every aspect of daily life.”.

Vandalism of community garden must be stopped

Vandals who have targeted the community garden which is located close to Crinion Park in Wicklow town must be stopped.

This garden has been operational since its opening in 2006. It has been a valuable addition to the local community benefiting its members of all ages. There are 14 members approx with an age ranging from young to old and even a group of special needs teenagers.

Unfortunately, members of the community garden have been left devastated after vandals broke down and set seven fires in two weeks to the natural fence surrounding the area. This vandalism has occurred despite the best efforts of local Community Gardaí who done fantastic work in the area.

I would also urge these vandals to stop their actions which have ruined the hard work of others in the local area.

I have been in contact with Wicklow Town Council to organise some new fencing to try to keep vandals out to protect this community garden.

I will also support the community’s application to Wicklow Town Council & Wicklow County Council for funding to establish a kids gardening club and to buy the key materials required for this. This garden has a major role to play in the local community and we must ensure its future is secured.

You can watch it here: http://www.tv3.ie/videos.php?video=47113&locID=1.65.169&page=1

Glen of Imaal – Open Day for new Mountain Rescue Base

Following the Open Day at the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Base, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow Andrew Doyle has commended the commitment of the “Glen Team” in building Ireland’s first purpose built mountain rescue base achieved entirely through voluntary effort and dedication.

“The attendance at the Open Day demonstrated the level of awareness and appreciation of Mountain Rescue teams who perform a vital role in providing a professional mountain rescue service for those who find themselves in need of assistance in the Wicklow mountains.

With the increase in the use of mountainous areas for recreational use and the emphasis on tourism as a driver of economic recovery, the continued and improved provision of this service in Wicklow is hugely important. Rescue statistics confirm the increased popularity of walking and general outdoor pursuits and reflect to an extent also the numbers who venture out without adequate preparation.

In carrying out their duties, the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue team works in conjunction with a variety of agencies including the Irish Coast Guard, the Gardai, the Air Corps, Civil Defence, HSE ambulance service as well as the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue team; with all team members giving their time on a voluntary basis and relying on public generosity for their operations.

“The new base located at Trooperstown is a testament to the drive and commitment of the members of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team. It has taken almost 2 years of fundraising and construction and many more years in planning to bring this to reality. This dedicated facility will enhance and improve the ability of the team’s response to emergency situations and I wish them the best of luck in their continued endeavours.”

Ocean Energy Research Cooperation Agreement signed with US

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Natural Resources Andrew Doyle has welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on offshore renewable energy research cooperation with the United States Department of Energy.

“This new Irish American agreement will support the research programmes being undertaken by the Irish Marine Institute into coastal waters around Ireland. 

“We have the best wave energy potential in Europe but research and investment is required to get trial programmes into commercial application.

“As Minister Pat Rabbitte has stated, wave energy technology is still very much at the research, development and deployment stages and this Memorandum will build on an excellent working relationship fostered by previous joint marine renewable events held in Galway, Washington and Farmleigh over the last few years.

“Ireland’s maritime territory area is around 10 times the size of our land area and our location at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean ensures one of the best wind and wave resources in Europe.  The Agreement signed will bring technical expertise and funding to these programmes giving a welcome boost to the work being done at present on ocean energy development.

“This co-ordination of effort is a timely development to the Government’s work in progress in developing a marine policy (Ocean Wealth 2012) and will prove a significant contribution to the development of marine resources and to maximising the opportunity to present Ireland as a key contributor in terms of Europe’s clean energy needs.”