McNamara supports development of world-class visitor attraction at Ardnacrusha
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara is pledging his full support for the proposed development a world class visitor attraction at Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare.
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Funds sought for Shannon riverbank walk upgrade
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says he is hopeful funding can be secured to upgrade a section of the popular riverbank walk in Shannon town, which has become impassable in recent months.
Read MoreIreland out of sync with EU on antigen testing advice
I asked Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton why the medical advice being obtained by the Department of Transport is so clearly different from the medical advice being given to the European Commission and other member states.
Climate Action Bill debate
It is a pity that the Dáil couldn’t have a proper debate on an appropriate response to the climate emergency.
Statement on the ongoing CAP negotiations
I made a statement in the Dáil today on the ongoing CAP negotiations.
Antigen testing and air travel
Given the establishment of another task force on Shannon and the failure to implement previous reports on aviation and on antigen testing, I asked the Taoiseach who’s running the country and for whose benefit.
NPHET and Rapid Antigen Testing
NPHET’s confirmation that it hasn’t even discussed the Government-commissioned Report of the Covid Rapid Testing Group and its reluctance to accept the EU Commission’s common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests demonstrate an intent to maintain Ireland’s outlier position on international travel and antigen testing compared to other EU states.
Two Council estates potentially affected by Pyrite issue
Clare people were among thousands to descend on the capital yesterday in protest over what they say are inadequate state supports under the scheme.
Read MoreVirgin Media News coverage of Lufthansa Technik
The pandemic has negatively affected the international aircraft servicing sector, but the challenges faced by companies in Ireland have been compounded by the Irish Government’s outlier aviation policies.
Mica and Pyrite defective blocks in Clare
In the Dáil this evening, I expressed my concern that the number of Clare homes compromised by Pyrite defective blocks is much greater than previously anticipated.
Read MoreUnsustainable borrowing by Ireland
I fear our borrowing levels are as unsustainable as our GDP, which is reliant on corporate tax structures that are being targeted by our EU and US allies.
Opposing the extension of Government’s emergency powers
I spoke against the Government’s bill to allow for the restrictions and lockdowns to be introduced until at least November with the possibility of a further extension thereafter.
Covid financial supports for nursing homes to end in late June
The Government’s response to the pandemic has been blunderbuss and one of the few targeted measures is being removed. None of the Covid-19 Committee or Expert Panel recommendations regarding nursing homes and care of the elderly have been implemented.
Vote on emergency pandemic powers
Given the Government’s proposal to extend far reaching and extraordinary emergency pandemic powers, the least we could do is allow for it to be fully debated.
Opposing Mandatory Hotel Quarantining
Speaking against Mandatory Hotel Quarantining today, I acknowledged the threat posed by variants. However, the current system does little to combat that threat.
Shannon Group chairperson
I asked the Tánaiste to intervene to ensure the speedy appointment of a Chairperson to give strategic direction to Shannon Group, including its aviation and heritage businesses.
McNamara warns Holy Island could be dropped from UNESCO List
Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) in East Clare will fall off Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites unless Clare County Council pulls out the stops now, according to Deputy Michael McNamara.
Read MoreIreland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Site status
The Department is seeking applications from Local Authorities, State Bodies, community organisations and individuals, for sites or properties of natural and/or cultural heritage which are considered to be of outstanding universal value, for inclusion on Ireland’s new Tentative List for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Read MoreThe power of the beef processors
Beef farmers are being screwed by processors who control the market, aided and abetted by Department of Agriculture practice and policy over the years.
Aer Lingus cabin crew base at Shannon Airport
Aer Lingus workers’ representatives told me how Government measures, like those introduced across the EU, could have prevented the closure of the airline’s cabin crew base at Shannon Airport.
Opposing emergency legislation
I am voting against the proposed extension of emergency legislation because it allows for the restrictions to basic human rights and ordinary human activities to be rolled over indefinitely.
Clare FM – Voting against extension of Covid legislation
I will be voting in the Dáil against the proposal to further extend the extraordinary Government powers to shut down sections, or all , of our society and economy. The use and abuse of these powers has been particularly ruinous to our tourism and aviation sectors, including Shannon Airport.
Shannon-Heathrow connectivity
The Aer Lingus announcement will cast serious doubts over the retention of early morning and late evening flights to Heathrow which are essential to business connectivity.
Aer Lingus to permanently close Shannon base
Disastrous news for Aer Lingus workers in Shannon Airport and the Mid-West region today. The pandemic has done huge damage to the aviation sector. The Irish government’s response to Covid has been unique in Europe at least, in making a bad situation worse.
McNamara seeks clarity on transatlantic air travel
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has told Government that the proposed reopening of the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland must be accompanied by the resumption of transatlantic flights to and from Ireland.
Read MoreTransatlantic Air Travel
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.
Uighurs in China
The Irish Government must use the UN system and its position on the Security Council to address the plight of Uighurs in China’s Xinjiang province and the systematic destruction of their culture.
RTÉ – Housing Crisis
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.
RTÉ – Irish agri-food sector
Increasing intensification has been the only option for Irish farmers for decades. It has suited some but not all. The Department of Agriculture needs to promote a broader range of options in food production.
Doonbeg wastewater treatment plant selected for upgrade
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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Upgrade for Mullagh to Miltown road following watermain works
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 MoreRecovery Plan for Irish Aviation Sector
140,000 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.
Maternity benefit
Pregnant women who receive €350 through the pandemic unemployment payment currently face a reduction to the maternity benefit of €245. Maternity benefit must be increased so that women are not financially penalised for giving birth.
Shannon Airport rehashed funding announcement a cynical PR exercise
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.
Read MoreTaoiseach on Mandatory Hotel Quarantine
How can the Government defend a policy of mandatory hotel quarantine – to the European Commission or before the Courts – that it stated to be impossible to enforce here and not proportionate?
Tánaiste on Mandatory Hotel Quarantine
When a Government knowingly breaches citizens’ rights because it’s politically expedient to do so, it loses the moral authority to compel people to adhere to the measures it adopts.
New offshore wind energy project will power 1.5m homes
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 MoreMcNamara critical of Government’s Mandatory Hotel Quarantine strategy
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has criticised the Government’s Mandatory Hotel Quarantine strategy, which he described as “a half-baked exercise in optics” and a “flawed measure” in the context of an unchecked border with Northern Ireland and when the majority of persons arriving in the state whether by air, sea or over land are not tested for variants of Covid-19.
Read MoreRural Ireland needs more than vague plans
Rural 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.
Penal provision relating to religious services
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.
Vaccination Programme
Given that vaccine demand greatly exceeds current supply I questioned why the Government is prioritising people who, according to HIQA, the US CDC and scientists across the world, have an immunity from infection arising from having contracted and recovered from Covid (which can be verified with an antibody test).
Continued expansion of Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis
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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Ward extension works underway at Raheen Community Hospital
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 MoreQuarantining and opposition stance
Opposition parties complain about the obvious consequences of policies they advocate. Speaking on the Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 on 25th February, I warned that making Belfast Airport the busiest airport on the island would be only thing the Bill would achieve.
Pedestrian crossing for Ruan village
Clare 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 MoreGovernment’s restriction of rights
The Government’s restriction of rights, including the right to freely practice one’s religion, in response to Covid is unparalleled in Europe, and puritanical in its willingness to impose great social and economic damage in pursuit of the unattainable ideal of Covid elimination.
ATM to be retained in Kilkee
Bank 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.
Central Bank and Bank of Ireland
I am shocked to learn the Central Bank Governor did not request a meeting with the Bank of Ireland CEO following BOI’s notification to the Central Bank of its plans to close 88 branches, given its impact on banking on Ireland and banking services in the affected communities.
Kilkee ATM to be maintained following bank branch closure
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 MoreClare FM – The State’s response to Covid
The State’s response to Covid-19 must be less about arbitrary interference with people’s fundamental rights, and more focused on promoting public health and trusting people.
Penal provisions relating to religious services
Did Stephen Donnelly even read the regulations that he signed into law, which contained penal provisions relating to religious services? Now that priests are being fined, I am calling on him to correct the record of the Dáil.
Newstalk – Government abdicating decision-making to its advisers and civil servants
The problem is not the Deputy Chief Medical Officer – public health doctors worldwide are advising caution. The problem is a “government” abdicating decision-making to its advisers and civil servants, pushed out for daily press conferences instead of developing options to feed into a real strategy.
Read MoreRTÉ – We need a strategy to enable us to live with Covid
We need a strategy to enable us to live with Covid.
Interview on RTÉ Primetime – Tuesday, 16 March 2020.
St. Patrick’s Day greening of World Heritage sites puts Ireland in the shade
Ireland’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 MoreRTÉ – St. Patrick’s Day greening of World Heritage sites puts Ireland in the shade
Ireland’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.
Derelict buildings in towns and villages
The Government must develop a nationwide strategy to bring derelict buildings in our towns and villages back into use.
Concerns over Land Development Agency Bill 2021
We need to make sure that the powers proposed for the Land Development Agency cannot be abused.
Tonight Show – Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland has let down customers and communities across Clare and across Ireland.
Ryanair routes announced at Belfast International
The Government, supported by most of the Opposition, is strangling the aviation and tourism sector in this State, and driving business to Northern Ireland. We’re told the virus doesn’t recognise borders. Neither does the Government or most of the Opposition. Businesses have to.
Significant increase in domestic abuse incidents in 2020
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has expressed “alarm” at new figures showing a significant increase in domestic abuse incidents across Ireland during 2020.
Read MoreTonight Show – Get back to living
Young people will have to be allowed to congregate safely this summer unlike last. Equally, older people will be seeking to get back to living once they’re vaccinated.
Return To Education Declaration Form
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.
School Transport Ticket Refunds
I asked the Minister for Education if school transport ticket refunds will be issued to parents in light of the school closures.
School Transport Ticket Refunds
I asked the Minister for Education if school transport ticket refunds will be issued to parents in light of the school closures.
McNamara criticises Bank of Ireland 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 MoreAccessibility should be a key criteria for rural transport tenders – McNamara
Clare 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 MoreExcessive cost of Gaeltacht teacher training course
Glad to receive confirmation that the Government will examine the cost of the online “immersive Gaeltacht course” required by the Teaching Council.
Today FM – Living with Covid cannot be reduced to a Health v Wealth argument
Living with Covid cannot be reduced to a health versus wealth argument.
The rushed Health (Amendment) Bill
The Health (Amendment) Bill is being rushed to avoid scrutiny. We have been told that quarantine facilities will not be up and running for weeks regardless of whether the legislation is passed tomorrow or given more time for adequate scrutiny.
Read MoreNewstalk – Exiting Lockdown
We now know the UK Government’s strategy for exiting lockdown. In Ireland, we only have vague aspirations and no criteria for reopening any part of normal society.
East Clare needs landmark attraction – McNamara
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 MoreBroadband network
In tandem the National Broadband Plan the Government needs to develop a strategy, in conjunction with existing telecom providers, to ensure they expand their broadband network.
Antigen Testing in Ireland
Antigen testing will be a key tool when Ireland begins to reopen, and the EU Commission, EU Health Committee and U.S. CDC have already promoted the useful role of such testing.
Board appointments
Following 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.
Beef Taskforce
I asked the Minister for Agriculture why the Beef Taskforce, a talking shop set up to end the beef protests in 2019, isn’t meeting.
Appointment of Shannon Group Chair
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.
Clare FM – Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage
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.
Clare FM – Lockdown Level 5
Government needs to plan for all eventualities because an indefinite lockdown throughout 2021 is not sustainable nor is any future return to lockdown.
Review of Offences Against the State Acts
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has received confirmation of a review the Offences Against the State Acts, which he described as “black mark on the Irish justice system in their current operation.”
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New site to improve West Clare mobile coverage
Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara has been informed by eir that the mobile coverage issues experienced in West Clare have been resolved.
Read MoreMcNamara receives update on Shannon Heritage and new Shannon Group Chair
Clare 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.
Read MoreMainstream media coverage of Covid and impact on mental health
Some mainstream media coverage in Ireland is adding to the high levels of stress and anxiety amongst the population.
Church Street works on 2021 Roadworks Programme
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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Nationwide eir outages ‘unacceptable’
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 MoreRapid antigen tests
The Government must expand the use of rapid antigen tests, which can detect when people with COVID-19 are infectious as opposed to the detection of persons who are no longer infectious.
Role of Vitamin D in the fight against Covid
I am glad to note that over the past fortnight the Tánaiste has appraised himself of the considerable scientific research concerning the benefits of Vitamin D in the fight against Covid. Hopefully, this will lead to the government following the example of other European states in providing Vitamin D supplementation to vulnerable persons.
Submission on possible inclusion of Clare in pyrite scheme
Clare 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 MoreChallenging Department decisions in the courts
I spoke about the prohibitive cost of challenging administrative decisions by Government Departments in the courts which puts it beyond the reach of most homeowners and farmers in Ireland.
Inclusion of tourism providers and events companies under CRSS
I 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.
Extracting Water from the River Shannon and Piping to Dublin
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.