This week the Dáil will debate the Prohibition of the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill 2016 which has been initiated by my party colleague, Deputy Tony McLaughlin (Sligo – Leitrim constituency) The issue of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction is part of the wider mineral exploration and extraction that comes under the remit… Continue Reading
On Wednesday as Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs I responded to Senator Frank Feighan who raised the issue of the compensation scheme for people who previously cut turf on bogs now designated under environmental laws. Since the introduction of the compensation scheme €19.8 million has been… Continue Reading
On Thursday I attended and spoke in the Dáil debate on the conflict in Syria and in particular the crisis in Aleppo. During the debate I added my voice to those of my colleagues, and many people across our country, in condemning the violence being inflicted on Syria and its people. I further called for… Continue Reading
Tellus is the surveying programme of the Geological Survey Ireland – a Division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE). GSI is responsible for providing geological advice and information, and for the acquisition of data for this purpose. Geological Survey produces a range of products including maps, reports and databases and… Continue Reading
A new fund to support projects that will contribute to the delivery of an accessible and sustainable, world class inland fisheries resource has been established. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), an agency under my remit as Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, has announced an overall Capital Works Fund of €500,000 available for… Continue Reading