Emer Higgins, TD

“The Our World Irish Aid Awards give pupils from all over Ireland a great opportunity to gain insight into the lives of children in developing countries, and convey their understanding through projects which are both creative and educational. Pupils will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are aimed at eradicating poverty, addressing environmental degradation and climate change, and building a more peaceful, fair and sustainable world by the year 2030. It is so important that pupils in Ireland today learn about these Goals which are so vital for the creation of a better world and a better future for all.

“My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Education Richard Bruton, has confirmed to me that he is investing €30m in ICT infrastructure grants for primary and post-primary schools. “The funding will support the development and implementation of an eLearning Plan for each school to embed ICT in teaching and learning

“I want to see Donegal clubs and organisations benefit as much as possible from this funding and so I encourage all involved to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance. Donegal clubs and sports organisations looking to apply should register now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has welcomed a public consultation by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council over the future of the Fernhill Estate and Gardens on the Enniskerry Road in Stepaside. Richmond has said Fernhill could be a world class park.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Josepha Madigan, has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála to uphold the decision to refuse planning permission for the Union Café development in Mount Merrion.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West, Colm Brophy, has said that a new rapid delivery social housing project will help to ease housing waiting lists in Tallaght, with 85 new units being provided.

Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Tony McLoughlin, has today (Friday) received confirmation from Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney, that an additional €1 million has been approved by Government for Sligo County Council’s budget for this year.

“I welcome confirmation this morning from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., that 233,500 tonnes of quotas was been secured, worth €280 million for Irish fishermen for 2017, which will undoubtedly help the fishing sector significantly here in Donegal.”

Fine Gael Limerick Senator, Maria Byrne, has welcomed the announcement of a new Post Graduate Qualification in School Leadership to the University of Limerick. The programme is aimed at those aspiring to senior school leadership positions.

Fine Gael Cork Senator, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the new flood relief project for Cork city aims to defend and protect over 2,000 properties.