Fine Gael Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has said that we should harness the potential of drones, but look to regulate some of their negative uses. Speaking in advance of a debate in the European Parliament on drone technology, Deirdre Clune said that drones could revolutionise rural Ireland.

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, has said that unused upper floor commercial space in Dublin could help to reduce the numbers of people currently in emergency accommodation. Senator Keane was speaking after figures released today (Thursday) by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive show that the rough sleeper figures for Dublin are down 38% but the numbers in emergency accommodation is not decreasing.

“Clarification on the rules for land eligibility under the Direct Payment Schemes will protect farmers’ payments”, says Tony McLoughlin, Fine Gael TD for Sligo Leitrim. Deputy McLoughlin was speaking ahead of an information meeting to take place in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon tomorrow (Thursday 30th April) at 8pm.

“Sinn Féin is talking out of both sides of its mouth about the future of a sugar beet processing in Carlow,” according to Fine Gael TD for Carlow- Kilkenny, Pat Deering.

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, says that Sinn Féin has absolutely no credibility or record on supporting communities in Co. Offaly.

Fine Gael Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for immediate action to reduce packaging on the products we are buying every day. Speaking as the European Parliament voted on a Directive on packaging and packaging waste in Strasbourg, MEP Clune said we need more action on excessive and wasteful packaging.

“Work is underway to address the problems caused by historic underinvestment at Front Strand Beach in Youghal”, says Tom Barry, Fine Gael TD for Cork East.

“Work is underway to address the problems in bathing water quality caused by historic underinvestment in Clifden”, says Sean Kyne, Fine Gael TD for Galway West.

“Work is underway to address the problems caused by historic underinvestment at Waste Water Treatment facilities in Rush”, says Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said today’s announcement that Bausch & Lomb are to create an additional 125 jobs in Waterford is a clear sign that they and Waterford City are bouncing back. Minister Coffey said this is yet another indication of the improving economic environment we in Waterford find ourselves in and it is based on new investments in a variety of sectors.