Emer Higgins, TD

Minister for Housing and TD for Waterford, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, that €15,000 has been allocated for Waterford Spraoi in 2016. This is part of Fáilte Ireland‘s national funding of just over €1.8 million for 23 key national festivals and events.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that the government has announced a series of additional supports for flood affected areas. Minister Coffey said that that the government are responding to the flooding by rolling out financial and other supports for communities affected by the floods.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that he has welcomed the positive progress that has been made with the Dunmore East and Ardmore Waste Water Treatment facilities that have been completed and are now fully operational. Minister Coffey said the delivery of these facilities is part of a €33 million investment package in County Waterford and will go a long way to ensuring that the both areas receive blue flag status for their beaches.

“Students wishing to travel to the USA this summer to participate in the J1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) Programme should be aware of an important policy change this year”, says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton.

Government Chief Whip in the Seanad, Paul Coghlan, has said that the approval of funding for works on the N86 marks a final end to ongoing legal challenges and a chance to develop one of Kerry’s most important routes.

Damien English, Fine Gael TD for Meath West and Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has said that Enterprise Ireland figures released today (Tuesday) show that the Government’s job creation plan is working.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that unemployment continued to fall in December and showed that the national unemployment rate now stands at 8.8%; the lowest level in 7 years. Minister Coffey said that this was a sign of real progress in the economy and it was backed up the publication of the 2015 exchequer returns that showed the Country had run a balanced budget for the year; for the first time in 8 years.

Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Brendan Griffin, has said that the confirmation today (Monday), by the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, that €3.8m is to be invested in the N86 will provide a major boost for the economy in West Kerry.

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has said that the Taoiseach’s initiative to bring all state agencies together to address the issue of flooding will tackle the problems in the most comprehensive way.

“Decreased motor taxes for road hauliers in 2016 will mean savings for businesses across the country and will help to create jobs”, says Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins.