Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has been informed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, T.D., that a contract for refurbishment and upgrading works to facilitate the re-opening of Bawnboy Garda Station will be placed shortly.
The Minister in his reply to Deputy Brendan Smith stated that the programme for the works will take about 12 weeks to complete.
“For some-time I had called on the Minster for Justice & Equality to have this Station reopened and I asked the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to ensure that there are no undue delays in having this Station re-opened”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.
Reply to my Parliamentary Question below –
______________________________________________ For Written Answer on :28/04/2021 Question Number(s): 319Question Reference(s): 21894/21 Department:Public Expenditure and Reform Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projected timeline for the commencement and completion of refurbishment and upgrading of Bawnboy Garda station, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
It is expected that a contract for works to facilitate the re-opening of Bawnboy Garda Station will be placed shortly. The programme for the works will take about 12 weeks to complete.
The Shannon Pot – part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith is calling on the Minister for Tourism to prioritise funding for the development of a Shannon Pot Discovery Centre at the source of the River Shannon at Derrylahan, near Glangevlin.
Speaking to Minister Catherine Martin, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “This project, when delivered, will be a key tourism attraction for the Upper Shannon region. I am very anxious for this project to be advanced without delay as it will add considerably to the tourism product in the Upper Shannon region.
“This is right in the heart of the UNESCO-recognised Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and in the Cavan Burren area”.
The project is currently being considered under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth programme. Deputy Smith was informed by the Minister that Fáilte Ireland is evaluating applications which made it through to stage 3 of the five-stage overall assessment process and the successful projects are likely to be notified of a decision before June.
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 glad to have supported his work on this project.
“The overall cost of the project is €6.6 million, with the Council providing €1.7 million of that cost. This Discovery/Interpretative Centre will promote history and culture and, notably, the importance of the River Shannon, the 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”.
Deputy Smith concluded by urging the Tourism Minister to see the overwhelming merits in getting this project greenlit.
“The source of the River Shannon, a river that is central to so much of our national tourism industry, needs this amenity. I sincerely hope the Martin will be able to speak to the officials in Fáilte Ireland, who are assessing the application, about its merits and the need for such investment in this part of the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland”.
Up to date position regarding the Help-to-buy scheme per reply to my Parliamentary Question in Dáil Éireann
______________________________________________ For Written Answer on :22/04/2021 Question Number(s): 23Question Reference(s): 21071/21 Department:Finance Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Finance if the timeframe for applicants to meet the conditions for the help-to-buy scheme will be extended by the number of weeks that construction was closed down; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with obtaining the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The scheme gives a refund on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation. Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the scheme.
In summary, the process for a first-time buyer to claim HTB involves two stages, application stage and claim stage. At the application stage, the claimant notifies Revenue of his/her intention to make a HTB claim and checks are carried out to ensure the applicant satisfies certain conditions of the scheme. Once confirmed Revenue notifies the applicant with the potential HTB refund available.
An application for HTB will remain valid until one or more of the following occurs:
(a) if it is discovered that the individual did not satisfy a condition of HTB,
(b) an individual’s tax clearance is rescinded, or
(c) 31 December (in the tax year in which the application is made).
In respect to point (c) above, for example where an application is made during the period 1 October to 31 December 2021, and a claim is made on foot of such an application in the period 1 January to 31 March 2022, the claim will be deemed to have been made in 2021.
With regard to the claim stage, Section 477C(3) TCA provides that a first time purchaser may make a claim for a HTB refund following the signing of a contract to purchase a home or, in the case of a self-build, following the drawdown of the first tranche of the relevant mortgage.
Revenue Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-46 outlines further guidance on the conditions and operation of the HTB scheme.
More generally, the future of the HTB scheme, beyond its current sunset date of 31 December 2021, is a matter that will fall to be considered in the context of Budget 2022 and the subsequent Finance Bill.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith welcomes the allocation of substantial government funding towards the restoration of the Ulster Canal. This particular funding gives this project much needed impetus and enables Phase 2 to be undertaken and also preparatory work on Phase 3.
“€5.57 million from the Government’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund and €6 million from the recently announced Shared Island Fund has been allocated for Phase 2 and a further €1 million from the Shared Island Fund is being provided towards preparatory work on Phase 3.
The restoration of the Ulster Canal is a major cross border project which will enhance considerably our tourism product at a local level, providing a new amenity for local residents and visitors, will generate economic activity and assist in job creation. This waterway will also be an integral part of our All Ireland navigable inland waterways network which is a powerful natural resource and such a key part of our national tourism infrastructure and attraction.
In this area we have all seen the benefits of developing the Erne/Shannon Waterway and linking up these waterways will be a further welcome tourism attraction bringing benefits to many parts of our island. This funding being allocated under the Shared Island Fund, recently announced by An Taoiseach, demonstrates clearly the potential of this initiative to develop cross-border and all Ireland projects for the benefit of all the people of this country. The border region can be a major beneficiary of such projects”, stated Brendan Smith TD.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has called for strong state financial support for small and medium enterprises as they emerge from the uncertainty of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “We need to ensure we help maintain viable business and employment and provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible.
“The Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, is a good and essential support to businesses that have witnessed a major reduction in their turnover. Again, the EWSS supports employment and supports employers to maintain the link with the employee.”
The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “I welcome the fact the small business assistance scheme, SBAS, was introduced last month. In quarter 1, that will allow a maximum payment of €4,000 to companies, the self-employed, sole traders and partnerships. I have raised a number of queries with regard to this particular scheme.
“I am aware of a number of business owners who were deemed ineligible for this new scheme due to having claimed under the CRSS. The amount received was much lower than what they would receive under the SBAS.”
Deputy Smith added: “I would like the Minister to look at this again with his colleagues across Government. Such businesses, which will struggle to remain open in the future, should be allowed to avail of the SBAS. Some of the applicants availing of a very small CRSS payment were not aware of the small businesses assistance scheme when claiming under the other schemes. They are small traders and one-person enterprises. Those are the types of business that populate the main streets in our smaller towns and villages.
“I appeal for Government to place a particular emphasis on and give particular assistance to the smaller-scale businesses in order that they can develop an online presence and help in protecting employment,” concluded Deputy Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed a commitment by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to advance the Peace Plus Programme which will bring further investment to communities North and South.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Minister McGrath confirmed to me in Dáil Éireann that the public consultation on the draft Peace Plus Programme is nearing a conclusion and it is intended to bring the draft programme for approval by both the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive and then submit it to the European Commission for final approval.
“I have consistently outlined in Dáil Éireann and through parliamentary committees the need to have a well-funded Peace Plus Programme to build upon the good work of the PEACE and INTERREG Programmes. Those programmes brought much needed investment in social and economic terms to many disadvantaged communities in the border region and in Northern Ireland.”
The Cavan Monaghan TD continued: “We need well-resourced and robust programmes to deal with social and economic deprivation in different communities. Such investment benefits society and provides educational and employment opportunities particularly for young people.”
Deputy Brendan Smith added: “Recent weeks demonstrated to us again the absolute need to build on the great progress achieved through the Good Friday Agreement. I have also asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the British Government to resolve outstanding issues arising from Brexit and to implement in full the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol. Disruptions to trade and business in any part of our island impacts negatively on all of the country.
“Communities and businesses will also have the opportunity to avail of funding through the recently announced Shared Island initiative. We need to continue to build the all-island economy which has the potential to bring further benefits and a much stronger economy both North and South,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed the launch of a new five-year Apprenticeship Action Plan.
The Action Plan sets out a five-year strategy to deliver on the programme for Government commitment of reaching 10,000 new apprentice registrations per year by 2025.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “As we know, everyone learns in different ways and this plan provides a roadmap to a single apprenticeship system and new supports for both employers and apprentices.”
The plan will also:
· Create a new National Apprenticeship Office to drive reforms;
· A new grant for employers, with a top-up grant for areas of identified national skills needs and/or targeted recruitment of underrepresented groups such as female apprentices, or lone-parents, people with disabilities, or members of the Travelling community;
· Non-financial supports targeted to SMEs in areas such as recruitment and supervision of apprentices;
· Set targets for the public sector to take on apprentices and to create cross-sector apprentices;
· Examine the potential development of new cross-border apprentice programmes and support apprentice engagement in international programmes such as Erasmus.
Deputy Smith added: “Having equal access to apprenticeships is a big part of this action plan. So irrespective of background, gender or age, apprenticeships should be an option for all.
“This action plan has the opportunity to transform this area of our third level education system and will benefit the learner and the employer.”
Speaking today, party colleague and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins said: “This action plan is based on feedback from enterprise, the education and training sector and apprentices themselves.
“It builds on the apprenticeship system in Ireland, including the strong relationships between employers and the education and training sector and the established collaborative approach between the further and higher education sectors in managing and delivering apprenticeship.
“This Plan will make it easier for employers and apprentices to engage with apprenticeship, supporting and driving innovation in the workplace through responsive and topical programmes.”
The Plan also requires public sector employers to increase the level of apprentice recruitment to the public sector to reach 750 new apprentice registrations per annum by 2025.
I welcome the allocation of substantial funding for local projects in Cavan and Monaghan under the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
This funding will enable –
Development of tourism facilities and a remote working hub at the Market House Ballyconnell with grant aid of €794,700
Development of a Visitor Centre in Bailieborough including remote working and youth facilities with grant aid of €1.4million
Development of Enterprise Hub in Carrickmacross with grant aid of €3.1 million
Development of Enterprise Hub in Newbliss with grant aid of €1.39million.
These approvals are very welcome and will enhance considerably local infrastructure and assist in much needed job creation. Renovating and modernising old buildings will bring worthwhile benefits to town centres. Some years ago I was very glad that the then Minister for Defence responded positively to my representations to hand over the Market House in Ballyconnell to Cavan County Council and we will see this strategic building put to good use again.
These decisions reflect the commitments outlined in the government’s recently published rural development policy. I compliment our local authorities and Community Groups in advancing these projects to this stage, ” stated Brendan Smith TD.
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the allocation of government funding for the Leader Programme.
“Funding of €2.5 million has been allocated to Cavan and €2.24 million for Monaghan. LEADER funding represents an opportunity for rural businesses and communities that are in need of investment. There is a need for this programme to continue and it has made a real difference for rural Ireland. Over the years both Cavan and Monaghan have had successful Leader Programmes.
Decisions are made at local level and right throughout both counties community groups have been able to drawdown, along with statutory agencies, substantial investment which has improved considerably local infrastructure including facilities for local residents and also the development of tourism attractions. It has also been key to the development of many parish resource and community centres.
This new programme is now open for applications and communities and local enterprises who wish to apply for funding should make contact with their Local Development Company to discuss how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans. I wish both Cavan and Monaghan Local Action Groups continued success with their important work in delivering the Leader Programme”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith is calling on individual tourism and hospitality businesses to avail of the new €17m Outdoor Dining Scheme in partnership with local authorities.
The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme comprises two parts and will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country.
Part One of the Scheme will provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity.
Funding allocated under Part Two will enable Local Authorities to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres, similar to those that exist in various European cities.
Deputy Smith commented, “The aim of this scheme is to support jobs and businesses and to transform appropriate outdoor spaces within our cities and towns as welcoming, vibrant places that will help support economic recovery.
“This scheme will help create outdoor dining experiences around our towns and villages that not only benefit locals but are also attractive to domestic and overseas visitors when the sector re-opens.”
Speaking today, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, added: “I want to thank Minister Martin for securing this funding and the CCMA for its support with designing and administering it. Part One of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme relates to Outdoor Seating and Accessories to help tourism and hospitality businesses offset some of the costs incurred in upgrading premises for outdoor dining and seating.
“Part Two of the Scheme relates to Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure which focuses on the development of medium to large scale permanent public dining spaces in towns and centres in preparation for welcoming back visitors when it is safe to do so. Each Local Authority can apply for up to €200,000 under this element of the scheme. We have been working closely with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on behalf of the Local Authorities to design a scheme that will be efficient and practical. We look forward to seeing the results across the country.”
ENDS
Note for Editor:
Part One of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme covers Outdoor Seating and Accessories.
This is open to individual tourism and hospitality businesses including hotels, cafes, restaurants and attractions where food is sold for consumption on the premises. Local Authorities will administer the Scheme through their internal business perspective and processes. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative and other compliance requirements. The Scheme aims to expand on the work done in 2020 by Local Authorities in supporting businesses and will support individual independent hospitality and tourism businesses towards the cost of equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and facilitate these businesses to increase their outdoor dining capacity for the summer of 2021. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 (up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed). Costs for outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands and wooden platforms will be covered under the Scheme. Expenditure must be incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021 and the scheme will open for applications on April 12th 2021 through Local Authority websites.
Part Two of the Schemecovers Weatherproofing & Outdoor Dining Infrastructure.
This will support Local Authorities to upgrade and enhance streets and public spaces and implement weather-proofing solutions which will facilitate year-round outdoor dining in urban tourism centres. This element of the Scheme will facilitate medium-large scale, weather-proofed dining areas for a collective of businesses in a single zone/street, similar to those that exist in various European cities. Each Local Authority can apply for up to €200,000 for a maximum of 2 locations. Additional funding may be made available subject to the quality and economic value of the proposals. Permanent robust and design appropriate weatherproofing structures, including parasols, electric heaters, wind breakers/screens and associated enabling works to accommodate these interventions on a long-term basis will be included. Roof structures and awnings will be considered subject to planning requirements being adhered to. Key is that these remedial works will increase the outdoor dining capacity within our cities and towns, whilst also ensuring the safety of diner and pedestrians.
