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.