I told Foreign Minister Simon Coveney that planes that flew from Shannon to North America were now based in Manchester and explained why the proposed reopening of the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland must be accompanied by transatlantic flights to and from Ireland.
No one measure will provide a magic bullet to the housing problem. We need to get people back living in the streets of our cities, towns and villages and local authorities building houses.
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says Doonbeg wastewater treatment plant has been selected for upgrade as part of Irish Water’s Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme.
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Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says Clare County Council and Irish Water have committed to fully restoring the road surface between Mullagh and Miltown Malbay following the completion of pipe laying works.
Read More140,000 workers in the Irish aviation sector cannot live on hope alone. An aviation recovery plan is urgently needed. I raised the matter with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar during Leader’s Questions today.
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara is accusing the Government of engaging in a “cynical PR exercise” by today announcing €6.3 million in funding for Shannon Airport, an announcement already made last November.
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Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has said the proposed development of a 270km2 flagship floating offshore wind development project off the coast of counties Clare and Kerry could place Moneypoint at the centre of Ireland’s offshore energy strategy.
Read MoreRural Ireland needs more than vague plans without any funding or targets. “Our Rural Future” is a misnomer in the absence of the maintenance and development of services like broadband, banks, post offices and wastewater treatment.
I asked the Taoiseach if the Health Minister would correct the record of the Dáil where he wrongly said there is no penal provision relating to religious services.
A recruitment process for new staff and the expansion of the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) in Ennis Hospital is underway, according to Michael McNamara, T.D.
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Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says the commencement of work on a new ward extension to Raheen Community Hospital is “badly needed” and will restore confidence locally in East Clare around the future of the East Clare facility.
Read MoreClare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has received confirmation from Clare County Council that it will consider the provision of a pedestrian crossing in Ruan village.
Read MoreBank of Ireland informed me today it will continue to provide an ATM service in Kilkee after the local branch closes. I have asked bank officials to reconsider their decision to close the ATM in Miltown Malbay.
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has received confirmation from the Bank of Ireland that it will continue to provide an ATM service in Kilkee after the local branch closes.
Read MoreIreland’s efforts to green global historic sites such as the Sydney Opera House, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pyramids of Giza for St Patrick’s Day is in marked contrast to “lacklustre efforts to win recognition for historic sites in our own country”, according to Deputy Michael McNamara.
Read MoreIreland’s efforts to green global historic sites such as the Sydney Opera House, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pyramids of Giza for St Patrick’s Day is in marked contrast to lacklustre efforts to win recognition for historic sites in our own country.
The Government must develop a nationwide strategy to bring derelict buildings in our towns and villages back into use.
Bank of Ireland has let down customers and communities across Clare and across Ireland.
I sought clarification from the Minister for Education Norma Foley about the text used on the Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Form that parents had to sign before their children returned to school.
I asked the Minister for Education if school transport ticket refunds will be issued to parents in light of the school closures.
I asked the Minister for Education if school transport ticket refunds will be issued to parents in light of the school closures.
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says Bank of Ireland’s decision to close its branches in Kilkee, Miltown Malbay and Tulla and at 85 other locations throughout the Republic of Ireland underpins the financial sector’s push towards online banking at the expense of many people in rural Ireland.
Read MoreClare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has requested the Government to ensure that accessibility is listed as one of the primary criteria in future contracts being tendered in relation to rural transport services.
Read MoreGlad to receive confirmation that the Government will examine the cost of the online “immersive Gaeltacht course” required by the Teaching Council.
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has said the announcement by Clare County Council of plans to develop an Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) visitor centre in Mountshannon presents significant potential for the tourism sector and wider economy of East Clare.
Read MoreFollowing the appointment and resignation yesterday of a Chair of Shannon Group plc, I asked the Agriculture Minister how it was deemed that the same candidate had the expertise required to be appointed to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (Irish Sea Fisheries Board) despite having no obvious background in fisheries.
fter the fiasco appointing a new Chair of Shannon Group, the Government must urgently appoint someone with the experience to provide strategic direction to its aviation, tourism and property businesses.
The incoming Chair of Shannon Group must immediately provide a strategy to develop Shannon Airport and aviation in the Midwest, as well as a strategy for the development of Shannon Heritage sites within or without the Group.
Government needs to plan for all eventualities because an indefinite lockdown throughout 2021 is not sustainable nor is any future return to lockdown.
Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara has been informed by eir that the mobile coverage issues experienced in West Clare have been resolved.
Read MoreClare 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.
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Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has received confirmation from Clare County Council that Church Street in Miltown Malbay will be included in this year’s Roadworks Programme, subject to the approval of Councillors.
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The widespread network outages being experienced by eir customers across Ireland today are being branded as “unacceptable” by Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara.
Read MoreClare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says the Government has commenced a process of engagement with Clare County Council over the potential extension of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme to affected homes in Clare.
Read MoreI requested the Minister for Finance to include adventure / outdoor activity tourism providers and events companies under the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). The Minister said he will review the matter.
Plans to extract water from the River Shannon and pipe it to Dublin are prompted by the capital’s leaking water infrastructure system and reluctance to fix it due to the disruption that’d be caused to commercial activity. With little commercial activity at present, it’s time to repair Dublin’s leaking water infrastructure.
I cannot say for sure that Irish telecoms providers have the worst customer service in the world. But, to paraphrase Brian Clough, they are in the top one.
I questioned the Health Minister about prioritising the vaccination of persons in receipt of home care and their carers; the winter flu; and rapid antigen detection tests.
I raised the future of Shannon Group, Shannon Airport, tourism in the region and Shannon Heritage with the Taoiseach and will continue to press him and his Government to deliver.
Instead of importing offshore energy from Denmark, we should be developing our own offshore energy sector utilising the existing transmission network from Moneypoint.
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara is asking the Government to place ESB Moneypoint in County Clare at the centre of any future plans by Government to develop offshore energy in Ireland.
Read MoreHaving launched the Sage Advocacy ‘Choice Matters’ report this morning, I questioned the Taoiseach about the lack of support available to older people at home or in the community which is leading to people with little choice but to go into congregated settings.
Clare Independent T.D., Michael McNamara, has received confirmation from the UL Hospitals Group that a business case for a major expansion in the level of services provided at Ennis Hospital has been approved.
Read MoreBanks are refusing mortgages to persons employed under Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme. Up to now, the Government has insisted that these were sustainable jobs, temporarily affected, but now it seems this is no longer the Government’s position. Many of these jobs are in sectors shut down by the Government.
Michael McNamara, Independent TD for Clare, has received confirmation from the Minister for Education that updated guidance has been issued to schools in relation to ventilation practices in the classroom.
Read MoreThe proposed practice of allowing only one visitor per week for those in nursing homes and hospitals needs to be reviewed, particularly given the possibility of screening to mitigate risk.
I raised the extension of the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme to Clare and welcomed confirmation that the Department is in communication with Clare County Council regarding the requirements.
Today in the Dáil, I asked whether the Government would cancel the annual registration fee for nurses and midwives this year in recognition of their ongoing service.
Clare T.D. Michael McNamara has slammed the Government’s lack of strategic direction for Shannon Heritage.
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Clare T.D. Michael McNamara has confirmed that the preliminary design of a Greenway linking Limerick City with Clonlara, O’Briensbridge, Killaloe and Scariff will go to tender next week.
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Works to replace the old watermain from Miltown Malbay to Mullagh have commenced, according to Michael McNamara, T.D.
Read MoreThe short-term funding for airports announced by Government is welcome but more needs to be done given the state’s long-term reliance on aviation.
I raised the issue of testing at airports and NPHET’s insistence that only PCR testing is acceptable. Airports in other EU countries are using rapid antigen testing.
Michael McNamara, Independent TD for Clare, has received confirmation from Clare County Council that it is proceeding to the design stage of the proposed Doolin Pier and Village Masterplan ahead of submitting a Planning Application.
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Clare T.D. Michael McNamara has expressed his disappointment at the “frustratingly slow” roll out of a high speed and future proofed broadband network across County Clare as part of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention.
Read MoreThe great natural resource that is the Shannon fishery must be protected and enhanced as part of the remit of the proposed River Shannon Management Agency.
I spoke against the lockdown and the power to lockdown again and again until June at least.
Closing marts and moving cattle sales online is counterproductive and ill-considered.
In four months nothing has changed. Now we’re told nothing will will change for another four months. Lockdowns must end.
A strategy of indefinitely going in and out of lockdown will not work.
Reacting to the news that Ryanair is to close its bases in Cork and Shannon for the winter, Independent TD Michael McNamara has said the Government needs to introduce a system of rapid testing at airports in the short term and must also develop a new State aviation policy to ensure international transit carriers do not fly exclusively into Dublin.
Read MoreExpectant mothers require the support of their partners at key moments of their pregnancy. Humanity must be retained in maternity hospitals restrictions.
I questioned the Tanaiste about why a trolley in a hospital corridor is considered to be a “multi occupancy room” and costs €813 per night.
Read MoreIn response to the news that Ryanair is to close its bases in Cork Airport and Shannon Airport for the winter, I am requesting Government to introduce a system of rapid testing at airports in the short term and also develop a new State aviation policy to ensure international transit carriers do not fly exclusively into Dublin Airport.
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Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says the €10m allocated to Cork and Shannon in Budget 2021 is “utterly inadequate” to compensate the airports for the Government’s decision to shut down the Irish aviation sector.
Read MoreReacting to Budget 2021 this evening, I spoke about mental health services, the childcare sector, family carers and broadband, amongst other issues.
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara says works to replace the old watermain from Miltown Malbay to Mullagh are scheduled to commence in early November.
Read MoreMichael McNamara, T.D., has today received confirmation from Irish Water that a series of infrastructure upgrades will be delivered in Clare to end the discharge of raw sewage in Kilrush, Clarecastle, Liscannor, Ballyvaughan and Kilkee.
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Clare Independent TD, Michael McNamara has received confirmation from the HSE that a business case has been submitted for further expansion of the level of services provided at Ennis Hospital.
Read MoreFour months on from former Health Minister, Simon Harris, T.D., admitting that the Mid West has been failed for decades in terms of bed numbers, I sought an update from the HSE on hospital capacity in the region.
80 people on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick on a day when we learn that only 23 additional critical care beds have been delivered nationally since March and publication of the HSE Winter Plan is delayed for a further week. The State must step up, not just individual citizens.
I raised Coillte’s treatment of the environment with the new Minister responsible for Forestry and I invited her to Sliabh Aughty to see for herself.
I spoke on The Tonight Show last night about Shannon Airport and the Irish aviation sector.
We must increase healthcare capacity instead of shutting down aviation, sporting and cultural events, pubs etc, to deal with the threat posed by COVID-19.
There is a short window to let communities breathe before a long winter.
I spoke on Clare FM this morning about the impact of ongoing restrictions on society and the wider economy, and I also proposed that Government should consider seeking an equity share in Aer Lingus (as Germany has done in Lufthansa) in return for a guarantee of regional connectivity.
The Finsa site in Scariff, Co. Clare, is being utilised by the HSE as a PPE storage facilty, one of two such large-scale storage facilities in the country. I spoke about this on Clare FM and also questioned the HSE’s Paul Reid on the procurement and storage of PPE during yesterday’s COVID-19 Committee meeting.
I questioned the HSE today on the reasons for the low number of confirmed COVID cases in hospitals despite rising cases nationally. I also asked the HSE to outline its plans to ease overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick by expanding services at Tier 2 Hospitals such as Ennis, St Johns and Nenagh.
surrounds are now proceeding, having raised it with the previous Taoiseach as well as the previous Minister responsible for Irish Water, Eoghan Murphy TD and, on Sunday, with current Taoiseach’s officials and Minister, Darragh O’Brien TD, leading to him bringing forward the works yesterday.
The current Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence. I discussed the matter with Pat Flynn on Clare FM.
On RTÉ This Week’s Programme, I called on Government to urgently outline its response to the news that Aer Lingus is considering compulsory redundancies as well as closing its base at Shannon Airport.
On RTÉ This Week’s Programme, I called on Government to urgently outline its response to the news that Aer Lingus is considering compulsory redundancies as well as closing its base at Shannon Airport.
I spoke to Philip Boucher-Hayes on RTÉ Drivetime this evening about the news that Aer Lingus is considering compulsory redundancies and is reviewing its operations at Shannon Airport.
Independent TD Michael McNamara has welcomed the allocation of funding to separate Greenway projects in West and East Clare but has warned that both will require the buy-in of the local community, particularly landowners, to ensure their successful delivery.
Read MoreReacting on Clare FM to yesterday’s COVID Committee session in relation to Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage.
This government like the previous government simply doesn’t understand how the economy works in rural Ireland and how the seasonal hospitality sector works.
In the Dáil COVID Committee today, I questioned Neil McGowan of SIPTU and Capt Evan Cullen, Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association president, about Aer Lingus’ decision to abandon Shannon in recent months.
I asked Taoiseach Micheal Martin today what will be done for people out of pocket as a result of foregoing holidays due to Covid-19. Ordinary people should not have to bear the brunt of everything. Aer Lingus and Ryanair will be appearing before the Dáil COVID Committee, which I Chair, next Tuesday.
Keeping pressure on the Government to deliver for Shannon Airport, Shannon Heritage, their staff and the many businesses, both big and small, across the Mid-West that rely on them.
The impact of COVID-19 and the soaring cost of insurance is having a devastating impact on many businesses. Tuamgraney’s Sean Kilkenny, who runs a vintage carriage business operating out of the grounds of Dromoland Castle, last week took his horse-drawn carriage all the way to the Dáil. I spoke to him during yesterday’s ‘Save Our Heritage’ protest in Shannon.
I received confirmation from the HSE today that it is considering proposals to expand the level of services delivered from Tier 2 hospitals such as Ennis and Nenagh during the coming months.
I today asked Taoiseach Michael Martin when Government intends providing guidance to pub/nightclub workers and owners around the proposed reopening date of July 20th. I was informed that a decision will be issued following a Cabinet meeting at 5.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday).
This evening in the Dáil, I questioned the Taoiseach on his plans to re-balance aviation policy and to support Shannon Heritage sites.
