ON VISIT BY EDUCATION MINISTER TO HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL
Zenon Clancy greets Minister for Education Norma Foley as she arrives at the Holy Family School in Cootehill on Thursday to tour the new state of the art facility.
The accommodation in the new school complex is extremely impressive and finished to a high standard. Great credit is due to the Design Team and all who contributed to that essential preparatory work and also all the tradespeople who delivered this building to these high standards.
Over the years I have been glad to strongly support the work of the Principal and her staff colleagues, successive Boards of Management, Parents’ Associations and the wider school community in their efforts to get this much needed new school building. Well done to all who worked to bring us to this day to ensure that the students and staff will have the most modern educational facilities. I had highlighted to successive Education Ministers the need to provide modern and adequate permanent accommodation for the Holy Family School and to ensure that the school would have the facilities to cater for a consistent increase in enrolment, which has been experienced over the years.
The Holy Family School has provided great educational services for children from all over Cavan and Monaghan and every good wish to all for the future. Delighted that my former good Dáil colleague and friend Dr. Rory O’Hanlon was present today as he was a founding member of the Holy Family School and has been such a good friend to the school for well over 40 years.
Pictured above – Minister for Education, Ms Norma Foley TD., Marie Brady Deputy Principal, Alma Leonard Principal and Deputy Brendan Smith.
St Clare’s Primary School, Cavan Town hosted the first official visit of the Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD., to Co. Cavan.
“I was glad to arrange Minister Foley’s visit to St. Clare’s, which she described as a school of excellence. Minister Foley paid tribute to the work of Alma Leonard Principal, Marie Brady Deputy Principal and all their staff colleagues on their leadership, work and commitment in St. Clare’s. She referred to the importance of a strong school community and she knew from her Department that this is truly present in St. Clare’s. The Kerry TD and former teacher paid glowing tributes to the entertainment provided by the pupils and also to the staff members involved in preparing for the visit and she appreciated the very warm welcome.
I was delighted that my colleague, Minister Foley, confirmed that the tender process is being progressed for the major building project at St. Clare’s. She also referred to the state of the art accommodation that will be provided with the new buildings and it will be an exciting and positive time for this school community”, stated Brendan Smith TD.
Brendan Smith TD and Councillor Clifford Kelly welcome the decision by the Minister for Education, Ms Norma Foley TD to approve the specific accommodation for the major building project at Cólaiste Dún an Rí.
Both Councillor Clifford Kelly and I had made strong representations to Minister Foley in relation to the need to progress this application submitted by Cavan Monaghan ETB. The proposed extension is needed due to increasing enrolments in the school and the accommodation will consist of Phase 2 – 23 Classrooms, 2 Classroom SEN base, 5x SET room, 1x DCG room, 3x Science lab/2 Prep area, 1x Home Econ room, 1x Art room, 1x Const Studies room, 1x Engineering room, 1x Tech Prep room, 1x Project store, 1x staff room, 1x GP/Dining room.
This is a very welcome development for the school community in the Kingscourt area. Great credit is due to the ETB, the Principal and all his staff colleagues, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association. Councillor Clifford Kelly, as Chairman of the Board of Management, is a powerful advocate for this School which is experiencing huge growth in enrolment. This new accommodation along with the existing school will cater for the projected population growth in the area for many years to come.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has warmly welcomed the approval of the Shannon Pot and Cavan Burren Park project with a total investment value of €6.4 Million.
“This project will be a key tourism attraction, not just for Co Cavan, but for the Upper Shannon and border region and it will add considerably to the tourism product in our area. This is right in the heart of the UNESCO-recognised Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and the Cavan Burren.
The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “Cavan County Council did excellent work in preparing this application. Councillor John Paul Feeley has strongly advocated for the development of such facilities, and I am very glad to have supported his work on this project.
The overall cost of the project is €6.4 million, with Cavan County Council providing €1.6 million of the cost and €4.8 million grant aid from Fáilte Ireland. This Discovery/Interpretative Centre will promote the history and culture and, notably, the importance of the River Shannon, our country’s longest river at 360 km.
Visitor displays, walking trails through the forest and a major viewing point will all dovetail very well with the amenities developed already as part of Cavan Burren Park.
These new facilities will be developed at this unique location, the source of the River Shannon, a river that is central to so much of our national tourism industry. Building on the natural attractions of the area under the shadow of the Cuilcagh Mountain will generate economic activity, business and much needed jobs”, concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
Fianna Fail TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed the opening of a funding scheme to help businesses with fixed costs.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) opened for a second round of applications from both SMEs and microenterprises today. Businesses that received the grant in the first round can receive a second grant provided they are still eligible.
From today SMEs and microenterprises can apply for a grant of €4,000 for those with turnover above €50,000 and €1,000 for microenterprises with a turnover of between €20,000 and €49,999, via a new streamlined application process through their Local Authority or Local Enterprise Office.
Following on from a recent Government decision, businesses operating from non-rateable premises, such as a home office or hot-desk are also eligible to apply.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “This scheme can be a huge help for smaller businesses to get back up and running again following the pandemic restrictions. I encourage all eligible businesses to avail of the support by contacting their Local Enterprise Office and should they need any additional help in applying please contact me or my office.”
The Cavan and Monaghan TD added: “I hope this will be the start of better days ahead for businesses that have endured so much hardship in the past year. Small businesses, in particular, are the cornerstone of our economy and need as much support as can be mustered.”
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is for businesses which are not eligible for CRSS or other sector specific grants, that are down 75% or more of turnover.
Those who applied under Phase 1 are still eligible to apply for a second payment of €4,000 or €1,000 if they continue to meet the criteria. Interested businesses should contact their Local Authority or LEO. Closing date for Phase 2 applications is the 21st of July.
Businesses in receipt of the Employment Wage Subsidy can apply for and receive this grant without it affecting their claim. It is a grant, not a loan or tax credit and is not re-payable.
These schemes are in addition to the comprehensive package the Government has put in place to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
Deputy Smith’s party colleague, Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy T.D. added: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and their recovery will be central to our jobs-led recovery. As we gradually reopen society, the expansion and streamlining of SBASC for Q2 applications to assist both small and micro enterprises will help address some of their fixed costs as they get back to business. While modest, Government is committed to supporting their long-term viability, particularly as we move into the early stages of recovery.
“Through the various policies, financial support schemes available and regulatory responses currently underway we hope to rebuild a better, more resilient economy. Engagement will continue to ensure we are responsive to the needs of business and I encourage small businesses to ensure they are aware of the supports available to them.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith is calling on the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to fully support the Post Office Network so that the service can be utilised to provide important additional services to the public.
In a question to the Minister in the Dáil, Deputy Brendan Smith stated: “What measures is the Minister planning to implement to support the post office network in view of the particular challenges facing that sector at present?”
Deputy Smith added: “The Post Office Network has a strong role to play in providing state services to the public and it is vitally important that it is supported fully to ensure it can both continue and increase its role in providing additional new services.”
In response to the Cavan and Monaghan TD’s question, the Minister stated that the Government is fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas, adding that the Government “continues to provide significant business to An Post through the Department of Social Protection’s Social Welfare contract and National Treasury Management Agency business”.
Deputy Smith concluded: “Now is the time to get behind and fully support the Post Office Network in this transition period. The service is in a perfect position to play a key role in providing new services – now and into the future – to the public, in both rural and urban areas. With the right support, the Post Office Network has the opportunity become not just a sustainable service, but a thriving one.”
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith welcomes the approval by his colleague, Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Sport of funding for a number of projects in Cavan and Monaghan under the Dormant Account Fund Action Plan 2021.
“Mullagh Community Hub will receive €63 680, Belturbet Activity Hub €21 955 and Kilnaleck Activity Hub €21 955.
This is the first grant aid under this Scheme for Mullagh Community Hub and I wish the Mullagh community every success with this project. The strong community spirit in Mullagh is very evident with their Sports Centre and Community Park. The new pitch development and bio-diversity walk and wetland development are all projects which will be of great benefit to the local community. Sports Community Hubs, which have been a welcome addition in Belturbet and Kilnaleck and credit to all personnel involved in developing these facilities are dedicated to ensuring a greater participation in sports and embracing the theme of sports for all.
I also welcome the specific grant aid of €28,000 to Cavan Sports Partnership which will support different projects including capital support to reduce barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through infrastructure development and the provision of equipment. These programmes will also assist local communities, through youth leadership and volunteer training, to provide additional capacity to strengthen participation in sports in their area.
I also welcome the approval by Minister Chambers of €63,680 for Kilmore/Drumsnat Community Sports Hub in Threemilehouse Village. Ballybay Community Sports Hub will also be a grant beneficiary with the Monaghan Local Sports Partnership being awarded €33,680. I wish Cavan and Monaghan Sports Partnerships every success in delivering these programmes which are important for communities in both counties”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the approval of funding by the Minister for Children to enable the upgrading and refurbishment of playgrounds in Ballyjamesduff and O’Neill Park Natural Playground in Clones.
This funding is being allocated through the local authorities and playgrounds are an important and necessary resource for children to enable play and recreation.
For many decades Ireland and the United States have had close bilateral relations. President Biden has reassured us of his special interest in Irish affairs.
Both Members of the US House of Representatives and the Senate have repeatedly outlined their continued support for the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I believe that the early appointment by President Biden of an Ambassador to Ireland and also the appointment of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland would build on the close relations between both countries.
Below are replies by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to further Parliamentary Questions I tabled in Dáil Éireann on this issue –
______________________________________________ For Written Answer on :20/05/2021 Question Number(s): 259Question Reference(s): 27435/21 Department:Foreign Affairs Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the need to appoint an ambassador to Ireland as soon as possible with the US Administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The appointment of Ambassadors by the United States is solely a matter for the US authorities. However, during their meeting on St. Patrick’s Day, President Biden assured the Taoiseach that the matter is under active consideration by the White House.
Pending the nomination of a new US Ambassador to Ireland by President Biden and the subsequent confirmation of the appointment by the US Senate, we continue to engage closely with the US Embassy in Dublin on the whole range of issues pertaining to the Ireland-US relationship.
We have a very strong and positive working relationship with the US Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Alex McKnight, and her team. I know that this will continue to be the case until, and indeed after, a new Ambassador is appointed. I am particularly grateful for the ongoing cooperation during the COVID 19 pandemic and for the work of the previous US Ambassador, Edward Crawford, during his time in Ireland.
We do of course look forward to the arrival of a new US Ambassador in due course. Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the United States, and through the US Embassy in Dublin.
______________________________________________ For Written Answer on :20/05/2021 Question Number(s): 260Question Reference(s): 27436/21 Department:Foreign Affairs Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the US Administration the appointment of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that recently senior members of the US Congress have written to President Biden in relation to the merit of such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Government is working closely with President Biden and the US Administration on our bilateral agenda, including in relation to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.
A longstanding commitment to peace on the island of Ireland continues to be felt strongly in the US. The Good Friday Agreement and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland are not simply an achievement of the Irish and British Governments and the political representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, but one to which successive US Administrations and Members of Congress have also contributed.
The role of the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland has been greatly valued by the Irish Government over many years. The appointment of a Special Envoy would be warmly welcomed by the Government. In any circumstances, the US will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in supporting peace, stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland.
I am grateful that President Biden continues to make an important contribution to this ongoing effort, as he has done consistently throughout his career to date, and that the US continues to stand in support of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government greatly values the continued support, friendship and engagement of the US on the Peace Process, and for the stability and prosperity of Northern Ireland. I know these messages were reiterated by the Taoiseach during his St. Patrick’s Day engagements in the US in March.
I also met virtually with the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the US Congress in March. This meeting, as well as the recent statements from President Biden’s Administration, underline once again the bipartisan support from America’s most senior political figures for stability in Northern Ireland and safeguarding the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith welcomes the decision by his colleague, Darragh O’Brien T.D., Minister for Housing to allocate €1.297 Million to Cavan County Council and €712,000 to Monaghan County Council for the 2021 housing voids programme.
“This funding will enable Cavan County Council to carry out improvement works to 86 vacant housing units and Monaghan County Council to upgrade 47 vacant units. The necessary refurbishment to be undertaken with this funding will enable these 133 houses to be allocated to people on the Councils’ housing lists.
It is wrong to have so many houses vacant when there is such a housing shortage and this programme will be very beneficial in both Cavan and Monaghan. The need to bring back to habitable condition vacant council houses is an issue I have raised with successive Housing Ministers and I am very glad that Minister O’Brien in less than a year has made substantial funding available to local authorities to make necessary progress in this area. This year’s significant programme of work along with last year’s successful scheme will make a real difference,” stated Brendan Smith TD.
