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December 2016

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December 23, 2016 / Last updated : December 23, 2016 Brendan News

Kerry clubs should register now for Sports Capital Grants – Brendan Griffin　

Brendan Griffin Kerry 21/12/2016 Kerry clubs should register now for Sports Capital Grants – Brendan Griffin €30 million available in 2017 Fine Gael Kerry, TD, has confirmed that €30 million is available to develop sports infrastructure around the country, and has encouraged Kerry clubs and sports organisations to prepare for the application process and register […]
December 20, 2016 / Last updated : December 20, 2016 Brendan News

WRC Meeting on Dingle Community Hospital Beds in January

WRC Meeting on Dingle Beds in January   Statement by Brendan Griffin TD (FG) Kerry   Saturday, December 17th 2016 KERRY Fine Gael TD, Brendan Griffin, has been told that the issue of staffing levels at West Kerry Community Hospital is to be discussed at a meeting under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission […]

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Funding Injection for Kerry Towns & Villages • Welcome funding of €687,505 for Spa, Milltown, Castleisland, Ballybunion, Rathmore & Portmagee Statement by Brendan Griffin TD (FG) Kerry Friday, January 8th, 2021 Kerry Fine Gael TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin, is this morning (Friday) welcoming a Government funding injection of almost €700,000 for six Kerry towns and villages. Allocated under the “Town and Village Renewal Scheme” by the Department of Social Protection and Rural Affairs, the funding will go towards projects in Spa, Milltown, Castleisland, Ballybunion, Rathmore and Portmagee. In Spa Village, over €96,000 will go towards a new footpath to link the village safely to the Tralee Bay Coastal Amenity Trail. In Milltown, over €94,000 will be spent to upgrade the historic square and for a scoping study on the development of a Business Innovation Hub. In Castleisland, over €96,000 will go towards implementing Phase 1 of an Urban Connectivity project and a study on the future use for derelict and vacant properties in the town. In Ballybunion, €100,000 will go towards improved signage and parking capacity for visitors. In Rathmore, €100,000 will go towards undergrounding ESB wires in advance of a safety scheme due to commence early this year. Finally, in Portmagee, €200,000 will go towards public realm improvements and undergrounding of utility wires, including the provision of EV charging, WiFi Access points and information points. Deputy Griffin says the funding is very important to the six towns and villages and is a welcome addition to money already invested by the Government in numerous rural towns and villages in Kerry over the last few years. In a debate in the Dáil in December with Minister for Rural Affairs, Heather Humphreys, Deputy Griffin raised the importance of continued funding for Kerry under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and highlighted the cumulative impact of regular funding injections for rural areas from other schemes such as Clár, ORIS, Rural Regeneration and Leader. He says he will continue to lobby hard on behalf of all Kerry applications for funding from Central Government and hopes to see further investment in the county in the near future. ENDS Note: Spa: €96,705 Milltown: €94,500 Castleisland: €96,300 Ballybunion: €100,000 Rathmore: €100,000 Portmagee: €200,000

January 21, 2021

Christmas Bonus will be paid to Kerry social welfare & PUP recipients this year – Griffin Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD said: “I am pleased to say that the full Christmas Bonus will be paid to social welfare recipients in Kerry the week beginning 7th December. This year, due to the challenges of COVID-19, the Christmas bonus will also be paid to recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. “This was confirmed to me by my colleague the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, who has announced the details of the largest ever Christmas Bonus. “As always, people on long term social welfare benefits such as pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents will receive the 100% Christmas bonus. “Those who have been in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) continuously or otherwise – for at least 4 months (17 weeks) since March will also receive the Christmas Bonus this year. “Minister Humphreys has also taken care to ensure that anyone returning to work next week as restrictions ease, will not be excluded from the Christmas Bonus. Any person in receipt of PUP for any one day from Friday 27th November to Thursday 3rd December will still receive the Christmas Bonus provided they also meet the 17 week requirement. So anyone returning to work this Monday or Tuesday will still receive the Christmas Bonus as they worked at least one day during the said period. “The same criteria is also being applied to those on Jobseeker’s payments, who in previous years would have only received the Bonus if they had been out of work for at least 15 months”, Deputy Griffin concluded. Announcing the record Christmas Bonus, Minister Humphreys urged people to spend it locally in order to support small businesses: “Christmas brings many extra financial pressures and I am particularly pleased to provide a 100% Christmas Bonus this year for over 1.6 million people. “I would strongly encourage people to spend their Christmas Bonus locally this year and support our local shops and businesses in our towns and villages throughout the country. This will be a €390 million injection into the Irish economy at a time when many small businesses will be reopening their doors as restrictions are eased.” ENDS For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841 Notes for Editor A 100% Christmas Bonus will be paid in December 2020 to recipients of long-term Social Welfare payments (minimum payment of €20). People in receipt of the following payments will receive the Bonus: • State Pensions and Widow’s/Widower’s/Surviving Civil Partner’s Pensions • Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Disability Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Partial Capacity Benefit, Disablement Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Guardian’s payments • One-Parent Family Payment, Long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Transition Payment, Deserted Wife’s Benefit and Allowance and Farm Assist • Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme, TÚS, Gateway and Job Initiative, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Daily Expenses Allowance, Magdalene Commission Scheme • On an exceptional basis this year, recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and equivalent recipients of Jobseeker’s Payments who have been on these payments for four months or more.

November 26, 2020

Kerry businesses should apply for new Brexit loan as transition period nears an end – Griffin Small businesses in Kerry should apply for a new loan to help them prepare for Britain’s exit from the single market and customs union at the end of this year, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin said, “I know that Brexit will be challenging for businesses and they want to be prepared, so I welcome the opening of this new scheme by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D. “The new Microfinance Ireland (MFI) Brexit Business Loan, will provide up to €25,000 to businesses whose turnover already is or is likely to fall 15% or more or if the business has a short term cashflow need as a result of Brexit. Loans are available for between six months and three years. “Any business, including a Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company, with less than 10 employees and annual turnover of up to €2 million can apply, where they are unable to secure finance from a Bank or commercial lending provider. “Kerry businesses can apply though their Local Enterprise Office Network or can apply directly to Microfinance Ireland (MFI). “There are less than 50 days until the end of the transition period on 31 December. It is urgent that all businesses large and small in Kerry now revisit their readiness plans. “From 1 January, the UK will no longer apply the rules of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This means that any business that moves goods from, to or through Great Britain will be subject to a range of customs formalities, SPS checks and other regulatory requirements that do not apply to such trade today. “There is now an extensive range of training material and information available online on the Government’s new Brexit Information Hub to help businesses prepare for Brexit and the lasting change that it will bring. The hub can be accessed via Gov.ie/getbrexitready,” Deputy Griffin said. Announcing details of the scheme, Minister Varadkar said: “I know it’s been a really hard year, especially for our small, local businesses and imminent Brexit feels like another bodyblow on the way. This new loan is just one of the ways we are helping business to prepare. “It will provide low cost finance of up to €25,000 and business owners can apply through MFI. 77% of MFI’s lending is to businesses outside of Dublin, which is important as businesses all over Ireland will feel the negative effects of Brexit. “If you are a business owner and are wondering where to start, I’d recommend filling out our Brexit Readiness Checker first and having a look at what needs to be done in your business. Then please reach out and use the help that’s there.” ENDS Notes to Editors: Product Features • Loans from €5,000 – €25,000* • Loan Terms from six months to three years** (shorter terms depending on purpose) • Interest rate of 4.5% APR if submitted through the Local Enterprise Office Network or other referral partners, or 5.5% APR if you apply directly • No fees/charges or any hidden costs • Fixed repayments with no penalty for early repayment * The maximum credit exposure for all MFI borrowings is €25,000 **Depending on the term of the loan, interest only repayments for three months may apply in line with our standard products Who can apply? • Any business* (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 employees and annual turnover of up to €2m • Unable to secure finance from a Bank or commercial lending provider • Business turnover is or potentially could be impacted by a minimum of 15% or the business has a short term cashflow need as a result of Brexit. * While Businesses involved in Alcohol Production are deemed to be an excluded sector for MFI Loans, they are eligible to apply for an MFI Brexit Loan For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

November 24, 2020

Funding for local sports groups in Kerry will assist in Covid-19 recovery- Griffin Funding for local sports groups in Kerry will help the sector offset losses incurred and address other challenges posed by Covid-19, Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin said: “I am delighted that an unprecedented funding package of 85 million has been put in place for the Irish sport sector, which will help local groups in Kerry in what has been a difficult year with much activity stalled due to Covid-19. “The funding being allocated by Sport Ireland will address the existential threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, and local sports organisations in Kerry. “Through the Local Sports Partnership Small Grant Scheme, 59 clubs in Kerry will be allocated funding of €74,921 “This scheme provides an additional mechanism to support community groups & clubs who may not be affiliated to a national organisation or but provide a vital local service. The primary aim of the grants is to cover the costs associated with implementing Covid-19 hygiene and social distancing protocols. “A further €20,645 is being allocated to the local sports partnership in Kerry for sports innovation projects. This funding aims specifically to promote and develop new programmes and projects that can advance sport and physical activity in the post-Covid-19 public health era. “This Government is committed to the Irish sports sector and earlier this year announced funding of €70 million to protect the national sports system in Ireland. “Over €64 million of funding has been allocated to National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded bodies across four key schemes. “An Emergency Fund to the value of €5.8 million has been ring-fenced to offset losses incurred by sports organisations during the current Level 5 restrictions and the remaining period of 2020. “Sport Ireland was in a position to meet the requests of National Governing Bodies for their club networks to the tune of €9.7 million, and an additional €5 million will also be invested in the GAA, IRFU and FAI club networks. “In addition to the Covid-19 fund outlined above, the Government has allocated an additional €15 million to GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association specifically for the running of the Inter-County Championships. There is also dedicated funding for disability and older adult sport. “This has been an extremely challenging year for the sport sector but support is available, and I wish to thank the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, Catherine Martin TD and Minister of State for Sport and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jack Chambers TD for their continued commitment to this area,” Deputy Griffin concluded. ENDS Notes to Editors: Local sports partnership allocations: Local Sports Partnership Small Grant Scheme: LSP Name Number of Clubs Funded Total € Carlow LSP 32 33,225.00 Cavan LSP 59 70,393.78 Clare LSP 75 70,276.38 Cork LSP 155 174,781.00 Donegal LSP 73 90,648.06 Dublin City LSP 90 94,065.00 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown LSP 36 42,925.00 Galway LSP 101 126,036.73 Kerry LSP 59 74,921.83 Kildare LSP 44 48,509.42 Kilkenny LSP 18 17,797.29 Laois LSP 35 46,570.23 Leitrim LSP 29 34,650.68 Limerick LSP 94 89,126.00 Longford LSP 39 40,422.53 Louth LSP 80 102,247.05 Mayo LSP 60 75,450.00 Meath LSP 118 139,195.48 Monaghan LSP 41 55,918.83 Offaly LSP 44 47,995.96 Roscommon LSP 24 29,433.74 Sligo LSP 52 68,776.77 South Dublin LSP 42 55,898.00 Tipperary LSP 74 88,992.84 Waterford LSP 55 67,081.32 Westmeath LSP 44 52,981.25 Wexford LSP 45 45,148.00 Wicklow LSP 19 22,298.83 Total 1,637 1,905,767 Local Sports Partnerships & Participation Sports Innovation Projects Organisation Total € Carlow 49,000 Cavan 23,400 Cork 64,500 Donegal 15,000 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown 15,000 Galway 15,000 Kerry 20,645 Kilkenny 19,370 Laois 65,800 Limerick 10,000 Longford 12,000 Mayo 13,400 Meath 15,000 Monaghan 8,000 Offaly 10,000 Roscommon 4,220 Sligo 18,600 Tipperary 17,045 Waterford 35,345 Wicklow 18,580 Age and Opportunity 40,000 Ireland Active 75,000 Totals 564,905 National funding allocations: Total NGB Funding Allocations: Organisation Total € Gaelic Games – GAA, LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball 30,795,000* Irish Rugby Football Union 18,000,000 Football Association of Ireland 13,000,000 Golf Ireland / CGI 2,730,000 Cricket Ireland 1,498,500 Gymnastics Ireland 1,380,000 Basketball Ireland 1,157,500 Horse Sport Ireland 1,040,000 Tennis Ireland 950,000 Athletics Ireland 805,000 Swim Ireland 780,000 Irish Sailing 650,000 Irish Athletic Boxing Association 645,000 Cycling Ireland 533,000 Badminton Ireland 369,000 Hockey Ireland 240,500 Triathlon Ireland 235,500 Rowing Ireland 149,000 Irish Martial Arts Commission 120,000 National Community Games 110,000 Archery Ireland 101,000 Student Sport Ireland 95,000 Irish Orienteering Association 77,000 Volleyball Ireland 71,500 Irish Underwater Council 70,000 Fencing Ireland 59,000 Motor Cycling Ireland 50,000 Irish Surfing Association 50,000 Bowling League of Ireland 50,000 Canoeing Ireland 48,000 ONAKAI 40,000 Pitch and Putt Ireland 39,000 Irish Squash 38,000 Racquetball Association of Ireland 33,000 Special Olympics Ireland 348,000 IWA Sport 194,000 Vision Sports Ireland 97,500 Irish Judo Association 24,000 Irish Ice Hockey Association 20,000 Rugby League Ireland 19,000 Bol Chumann na hÉireann 12,500 Totals 76,724,500 *Breakdown of Gaelic Games The Gaelic Games family of sports includes GAA, LGFA, Camogie Association & GAA Handball and is funded as one for the purposes of club schemes. The combined support being provided to the family of Gaelic Games through the Covid-19 scheme is in excess of €15 million. Together with the additional Government allocation of €15 million for GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football and Camogie Inter-County Championships, overall support will be almost €31 million. Gaelic Games GAA/LGFA/Camogie Inter-County Championships 15,000,000 Gaelic Games Clubs 5,000,000 Gaelic Athletic Association 9,000,000 Ladies Gaelic Football Association 1,000,000 The Camogie Association 795,000 Total Gaelic Games 30,795,000 Breakdown of NGB Funding Allocations: Organisation Scheme Two Scheme Three Scheme Four Total Golf Ireland – 2,700,000 30,000 2,730,000 Cricket Ireland 1,109,000 197,500 192,000 1,498,500 Gymnastics Ireland 270,000 1,000,000 110,000 1,380,000 Basketball Ireland 550,000 600,000 7,500 1,157,500 Horse Sport Ireland – 1,000,000 40,000 1,040,000 Tennis Ireland 150,000 800,000 – 950,000 Athletics Ireland – 590,000 215,000 805,000 Swim Ireland 100,000 500,000 180,000 780,000 Irish Sailing 100,000 550,000 – 650,000 Irish Athletic Boxing Association 145,000 500,000 – 645,000 Cycling Ireland 283,000 – 250,000 533,000 Badminton Ireland 75,000 294,000 – 369,000 Hockey Ireland 71,000 169,500 – 240,500 Triathlon Ireland 83,000 100,000 52,500 235,500 Rowing Ireland 90,000 32,000 27,000 149,000 Irish Martial Arts Commission – 120,000 – 120,000 National Community Games 60,000 50,000 – 110,000 Archery Ireland 15,000 62,000 24,000 101,000 Student Sport Ireland – – 95,000 95,000 Irish Orienteering Association – – 77,000 77,000 Volleyball Ireland – 21,500 50,000 71,500 Irish Underwater Council – 70,000 – 70,000 Fencing Ireland – 59,000 – 59,000 Motor Cycling Ireland 50,000 – – 50,000 Irish Surfing Association 50,000 – – 50,000 Bowling League of Ireland – 50,000 – 50,000 Canoeing Ireland – 48,000 – 48,000 ONAKAI – 40,000 – 40,000 Pitch and Putt Ireland – 39,000 – 39,000 Irish Squash – 28,000 10,000 38,000 Racquetball Association of Ireland – 33,000 – 33,000 Special Olympics Ireland – – 348,000 348,000 IWA Sport – – 194,000 194,000 Vision Sports Ireland – – 97,500 97,500 Irish Judo Association – 24,000 – 24,000 Irish Ice Hockey Association 20,000 – – 20,000 Rugby League Ireland 9,000 10,000 – 19,000 Bol Chumann na hÉireann – 12,500 – 12,500 For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

November 6, 2020

15th November 2020 Businesses in Kerry should apply for the extended Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme – Griffin Businesses in Kerry should apply for the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme which is now being extended until mid-2021, Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin said: I am delighted to receive confirmation from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD that the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme is being extended for businesses to apply to it. “So far 18 businesses in Kerry have applied for the scheme, which is designed to support employers to continue to recruit apprentices during the immediate Covid-19 period. “It ensures that businesses who take on an apprentice are hired at €2,000 per apprentice and another €1,000 if the apprentice is still on the books for a year. “This is a good model. It allows a person to earn and learn and allows businesses to train recruits and get some payment for it. “Minister Harris is also developing a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship, but the scheme has offered a lifeline to many businesses seeking to take on apprentices and security for the apprentice. “SOLAS has also moved to simplify employer access to apprenticeship through a relaunched website at www.apprenticeship.ie where employers can find information on participating in apprenticeship or, indeed, discover how to kick-off the development of new apprenticeship programmes,” Deputy Griffin concluded. Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “Covid-19 has upended all our lives. While the challenges the crisis presented are unprecedented, they also open up unique opportunities for us. “In this week’s Budget, we secured a package of €118 million to help thousands of you reskill and retrain in areas where we need more workers or where there is potential for future employment. “One area we will focus on is the area of apprenticeship. We have also secured funding to expand training courses in retrofit skills to 1,500 people per annum. We will extend programmes to include 500 places for people in search of employment in this developing area as well as providing more places for people in the construction sector. “2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for businesses and people with us all having to adapt to new ways of working. We will also roll out a new climate action upskilling scheme through Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet programmes are industry led. Courses will be designed by industry, for industry and will give businesses the skills to adapt to a sustainable, low carbon economy.So log on to www.gov.ie and find out more.” ENDS For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

October 16, 2020

Tourism Industry will benefit from VAT rate reduction, business supports and investment in airports – Griffin The tourism industry will benefit from budgetary measures including a cut to the VAT rate, investment in our airports and new business supports, Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin said, “The Government has recognised the unprecedented challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sector as a result of the pandemic and I am pleased that Budget 2021 contains measures to assist Kerry businesses, in addition to providing investment in our aviation industry. “The VAT rate for hospitality and tourism sector will be reduced from 13.5 to 9% from 1st November 2020. “This temporary measure is being put in place to provide support to the sector, where many Kerry businesses remain closed and those that are open are operating at significantly reduced capacity. The reduced rate will apply until 31 December 2021. “If passed through, the measure will reduce the cost of restaurant supplies, tourist accommodation, cinemas, theatres, museums, historic houses, open farms, amusement parks, and hairdressing. “It is also important to ensure we continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure Ireland has a viable tourism sector once the world opens up again after the pandemic. “Budget 2021 provides exchequer support of €31.3m to our regional airports. €21.3m is provided under the Regional Airports Programme and, separately, for the first time, in recognition of the devastating effects of Covid, Shannon and Cork Airports will have access to capital funding under a separate €10m Exchequer-funded programme. “Many people have lost out financially due to the cancellation of travel plans during COVID-19. Additional funding of €15m has been allocated to ensure customers of insolvent travel agents and tour operators may be refunded in full or repatriated from abroad. “I would like to commend by colleague, Minister of State with responsibility for international and road travel and logistics, Hildegarde Naughton, TD, for securing the supports announced for the tourism and aviation industry in Budget 2021. “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on tourism and Fine Gael in Government is committed to supporting the sector through this challenging period through restoring jobs and promoting the industry. “In addition to existing interventions to support businesses in Kerry , An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe also secured the new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) as part of Budget 2021. “The new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) is aimed at Kerry businesses which have either been prohibited in operating or only been able to trade at significantly reduced levels as a result of restrictions imposed on them in response to Covid-19. “It will offer a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to affected businesses in Kerry. Generally, it will operate when Level 3 or higher of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 is in operation. “Qualifying businesses in Kerry can apply to Revenue for a cash payment for the period of restrictions. Payments will be calculated on the basis of 10pc of the first €1m in turnover and 5pc on further turnover up to €4m, based on average (VAT exclusive) turnover for 2019. “I hope that the supports outlined above will go some way towards supporting businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector, whose operations have been impacted more severely by the requirement for public health restrictions, Deputy Griffin concluded. ENDS For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

October 14, 2020

2 housing estates in Kerry will benefit from €401,588 in funding for water services – Griffin 2 housing estates in Kerry will benefit from €401,588 in funding for water services, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin said: “The Multi-Annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme is focused on housing estates which are not taken-in-charge by Kerry County Council and do not have their water services connected to the public water services network. These estates have relying on infrastructure, often temporary in nature, which was provided by developers. “With €401,588 of investment, 2 housing estates in Killarney will benefit from this capital investment programme. They are Old Killarney Village and Birch Hill Estates in Killarney “This funding will benefit many families in Kerry who have been relying on substandard developer provided wastewater or drinking water treatment plants. “Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien has confirmed that the focus of this first multi annual programme is on estates in towns and villages where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks. The programme will also support a number of pilot projects where connection is not feasible in the immediate future. These pilot projects, together with a major study to be undertaken by Irish Water, will inform future policy on resolving sub-standard developer provided infrastructure in such areas. “The Department is also re-engaging with local authorities to see if there are additional estates which could be connected to the public network, and which could be included within the programme. “The allocation of this funding marks the first step in the taking-in-charge of these estates by Kerry County Council and so the work is due to take place as speedily as possible.” ENDS For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841 Table 1 – DPI projects/estates funded under the Multi-Annual Programme County Estate Name Location Estimated Cost (€) Approved Funding (€) Kerry Birch Hill Killarney 205,479 154,109 Kerry Old Killarney Village Killarney 329,972 247,479

September 23, 2020

€2.6 Million for Active Travel and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Kerry – Griffin A total of €2,606,000 has been allocated for Active Travel and Climate Change Adaption measures in Kerry, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin said the funding has been made available under the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus Plan and is part of the overall €115 million package for sustainable transport and the renewal of our transport infrastructure. Deputy Griffin said: “The Active Travel grant scheme is a very positive initiative which will see communities across Kerry benefiting from improved and more accessible walking and cycling infrastructure as well as stimulating local employment. “The projects included – Kerry County Council Road Number Location Description of Works LA Allocation R551 Tralee Town Centre Extension of pedestrian zone at The Mall. € 400,000 R876 Killarney Town Centre Improvement and widening of pedestrian facilities at Rock road (eastern side), which is the primary access route from large housing developments at Ballydribeen (north of the Killarney By-Pass) to the schools on New Road Killarney. Will also improve linkage from bus park on Rock Road to schools. € 210,000 L-3905 Killarney Town New Cycleway connecting Muckross Road to Ross road – existing footpath on this section of Muckross Road is substandard and road widths restrict development of cycling facilities. € 450,000 L-6728 Tralee Town Centre Construction of new pedestrian and cycling facilities through Island of Geese site from the junction of the R874 (Matt Talbot Road) and Strand Street to the town centre. THis is the main access route from the Marina Bus and Car Park to the town centre. € 350,000 R876, L3902, L3910 Killarney Town Design of an interconnected network of cycleway in Killarney town € 150,000 Killarney Town Provision of Cycle Parking facilities € 20,000 L-4102 Dingle / Daingean Uí Chúis Town Centre Widen existing footpath on the Northern side of Strand Street where temporary bollards have been provided to ensure adequate social distancing. € 130,500 R-553 Listowel Town Centre Improved crossing facilities in towns and villages including raised surfaces, zebra crossings and signalised crossings on Charles Street € 20,000 L-2035 Castleisland Town Feasibility Study a & design of pedestrian facility on Barrack Street to provide safe access to amenities, where existing bridge is very narrow € 40,000 L-4052-15 Kenmare Town Provision of new or widened footpaths to link Housing Estates to schools and to promote active travel measures € 10,000 R-551 Ballybunion Town Provision of new or widened footpaths or cycle tracks. € 47,000 R-551 Ballylongford Town Design work in respect of the provision of a future pedestrian / cycle bridge to provide safe access across the river Aghanagran River in the centre of Ballylongford Village. € 20,000 WAW Ballyheigue & Ballybunion Provision of cycle parking facilities € 30,000 R569 Kilgarvan Village Extension of footpath for vulnerable pedestrians in a Care facility and to provide access to local sporting amenities € 30,000 Total 14 € 1,907,500 “A total of €698,500 is being made available for climate change adaptation measures under the Department’s regional and local road maintenance and renewal grant programme Circular RW 09/2020 – Climate Change Adaptation Allocations 2020 Kerry County Council Road Number Location Description of Works LA Allocation R569 Morley’s Bridge Remedial Works to road embankment € 40,000 L-7539 Gortnamackanee, Waterville (Glenmore Road) A full bridge replacement is required on this road due to the existing structure collapsing as a result of the floods of 29th / 30th July 2020. € 20,000 L3024 Gort Road, Kilgarvan Replacement of Bridge damaged by flash flood on 15th August 2015 € 100,000 L-1023 Kilmorna Bridge Works at bridges to take account of increased hydraulic loads causing scour damage and undermining the bridge structure € 75,000 L-1021 Knockanure Works at bridges to take account of increased hydraulic loads causing scour damage and undermining the bridge structure € 60,000 R551 Dromkeen Bridge, Causeway Works at bridges to take account of increased hydraulic loads causing scour damage and undermining the bridge structure € 20,000 L11185 Gortlahard Road Remedial Works to road € 37,500 L11186 Coomoughla Road Remedial Works to Road € 75,000 L8036 Lispole Remedial works, the road was significantly damaged by severe weather events in August 2020. € 60,000 L3024 – 43 Inchees Road Remedial Works to Road € 50,000 L-10483 Carrahane, Ardfert, Tralee Repair Works; Sluice and embankment damaged during Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis in February 2020. Embankment protects residential property and extensive road network. Roads have been subject to prolonged and frequent flooding, impacting on access to Ballyheighue and surrounding area. € 80,000 L-4059-0 Ardea Tousist Remedial works where roads have been significantly damaged by recent severe weather events € 4,500 L-7050 Gortahoosh, Killarney Altering the level of the road to mitigate flooding and reduce road closure frequency € 30,000 R551/ L10583 Castlecountess, Tralee Works: Replacement of 2 (of 3) submersible pumps located along the main stormwater main serving the Castlecountess, Princes Quay area. € 41,500 L-3025 Flynns Forge, Killarney Preventative works such as drainage works to prevent flooding € 5,000 Total 15 € 698,500 “The recent severe weather has again highlighted the challenges presented by climate change on our road infrastructure. The Climate Change Adaptation grants now being provided will help Kerry County Council to deal with the essential repairs needed in the aftermath of the severe weather but also to take steps towards making their road networks more resilient in the longer term. Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said: “Families and businesses in our villages, towns and cities right across the country will benefit from these important ‘shovel ready’ projects as soon as November this year. The funding being announced today will go a long way in facilitating a secure environment for our children in their daily commute to school as part of our work on the Safe Routes to School initiative.” ENDS For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

September 9, 2020

€69,000 for Institute of Technology Tralee to support students’ mental health and wellbeing – Griffin €69,000 has been allocated by the Government to the Institute of Technology Tralee to support students’ mental health and wellbeing, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD has said. Deputy Griffin was speaking after Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science, Simon Harris, announced a national package of €5 million to support students’ wellbeing and mental health. Deputy Griffin said: “This significant funding for IT Tralee confirmed to me today by Minister Harris, comes at a time of great urgency around student support and re-opening planning for the next academic year.” The funding will be used to • Recruit additional Student Counsellors; • Recruit additional Assistant Psychologists; • Implementation of the Framework for Consent in HEIs; Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; • Implementation of the soon to be published National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework. Deputy Griffin continued: “Mental health is probably the number one health issue for young people in Ireland today. The concerns and worries of young people around their mental health have been compounded by the isolation and uncertainly brought forward by the COVID-19 Pandemic. “For students, the college experience has been different this year from ever before. Students have had to adjust to remote learning and carried out without face to face support from their college or their peers. “For these reasons, Minister Harris has prioritised funding to support student counselling services, key mental health interventions and the provision of a safe, respectful, supportive and positive environment in our higher education institutions. “This important funding for Tralee IT will really help support students as they return to college in this Covid world.” Commenting on the announcement, Minister Harris said: “This additional support is a welcome boost to a higher education sector that enrols in the region of 55,000 new students each year. These young and not-so-young students engage in higher education at a sometimes-challenging time of change and progression in their lives. This is a sizeable proportion of our population, and while our health and community services work to support everyone, there can be environmentally specific or transitional issues that arise for both current and new students in higher education.” ENDS For further details please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

August 24, 2020

14th August 2020 Sole traders in Kerry urged to apply for Enterprise Support Grant – Griffin Self-employed people in Kerry should apply for the newly-revamped Enterprise Support Grant to help them get back on their feet after Covid-19, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD has said. The grant, worth up to €1,000 per person, is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers etc, who do not pay commercial rates and therefore do not qualify for the Government’s Restart Grant Plus Scheme. Deputy Griffin said, “My colleague, Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, has today opened applications to people who need assistance in getting back on their feet and their businesses back up and running. “The Enterprise Support Grant previously supported entrepreneurs who were setting up new enterprises. But it has now been revamped to specifically provide once-off supports for self-employed people who have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations as a result of the pandemic. “I would strongly encourage self-employed people in Kerry to apply for this grant, whether it’s to assist with operating costs or salaries for their staff, so that they continue to provide the crucial services that our communities in Kerry depend upon. “Anyone wishing to apply for the grant can download the application form on www.welfare.ie and, when completed should be sent to their local Intreo Centre. “Many sole traders and small business owners in Kerry have in recent months been in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). “The PUP has been a crucial support for people who, through no fault of their own, found themselves out of work and that is why Minister Humphreys decided to extend the payment until April next year,” Deputy Griffin concluded. The Department of Social Protection has stated that this Grant will assist those people who transitioned from the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment into self-employment since May 18th, which marked Phase One of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Once-off funding of up to a maximum €1,000 will be available to assist them with re-opening their business. The support is available to small business owners who employ fewer than 10 people, are not liable for commercial rates and have an annual turnover of less than €1 million – providing kick-start funding to those enterprises that do not have an entitlement to other business re-start grants. Announcing details of the grant, Minister Humphreys said, “Whether it’s paying wages, fuel costs, purchasing PPE or signage – this is an important grant to assist the self-employed to reopen their business and get back doing what they do best: Providing crucial and essential services in their communities. “So if you’re a plumber, carpenter, beautician, gardener or electrician who is transitioning back to work, or the taxi driver getting your car back on the road – this grant may be of interest to you.” ENDS Notes to Editors: The Enterprise Support Grant will be available to tax and PRSI compliant self-employed individuals who: • Have been in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or a Jobseekers payment and have closed their claim on or after 18th May 2020; • Have been operating a business prior to March 2020; • Have reopened their business which was closed due to Covid; • Are not liable for commercial rates; and • Employ fewer than 10 people & have an annual turnover of less than €1 million; Funding may be sought for a range of costs incurred in reopening a business including: • Purchase of equipment including signage and personal protective equipment; • Repairs, maintenance and installation of safety measures; • Salaries; and • Vehicle running costs including fuel. For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

August 18, 2020

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