Category Archives: News
Calleary calls for Govt response to Bewley’s judgement
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Enterprise Dara Calleary has called for a response from the Government to today’s High Court ruling in favour of a challenge taken by Bewley’s on Grafton Street against exorbitant rent increases. Deputy Calleary has welcomed the High Court decision. “This is a very significant judgement, not just for Bewley’s but potentially for all of those High Street retailers that are stifled upward only rent contracts,” said Deputy Calleary. “This case further demonstrates the crippling unfairness of upward only rent contracts and the enormous difficulties experienced retailers locked in those contracts. “Today’s ruling could mark the start of a breakthrough in the fight against upward only rents. […]
Read More57 ghost estates in Mayo now eligible for Property Tax – Calleary
Mayo Deputy Dara Calleary called on the Government to explain why it is forcing property taxes on homeowners in at least 57 ghost estates across Co Mayo. Homeowners in these estates were rightly exempt from the household charge last year, but the Government has now said they are eligible to pay property taxes. Just 5 estates across the entire county will still be exempt. Deputy Calleary said said, “It was only right that all of these unfinished estates across Co Mayo were exempt from the household charge last year. Many of the residents are young families who paid way over the odds for what is now a seriously devalued home. […]
Read MoreMobility Allowance cut to hit 160 people in Mayo
Mayo Fianna Fáil Deputy Dara Calleary has revealed that approximately 175 people with severe disabilities in Co Mayo will see a 20% cut in State supports from July. According to new figures obtained by Fianna Fáil, 160 people with disabilities in Co Mayo who have been in receipt of the Mobility Allowance will see a dramatic reduction in their income from July. It follows the Government’s decision last month to axe the scheme. In addition to this A further 15 people will be hit by the cut to the Motorised Transport Grant. Deputy Calleary described it as a ‘savage cut’ that will have an enormous impact on people with disabilities […]
Read MoreMSD job losses a major blow to Wicklow & pharmaceutical sector
The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs Dara Calleary has called for an urgent response from Minister Richard Bruton to the closure of a major pharmaceutical plant in Rathdrum Co Wicklow. Deputy Calleary has said the loss of 280 high-quality jobs comes as a major blow to the local economy and to the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland. “This is devastating news for the 280 workers and their families. MSD has been a major employer in Wicklow for decades and many of the staff members have invested years of hard work in this plant,” said Deputy Calleary. “I am calling for an immediate response from the Jobs Minister Richard Bruton. We need […]
FF Conference on CAP this weekend
Fianna Fáil wil be holding a National Conference on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Saturday 9th March, in the Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin 22. Registration will open at 10:30am and the Conference will commence at 11:00am. We look forward to seeing you at the Conference, where you will have a chance to put your views forward on this important issue. Check back later for further details or register your interest in attending at www.fiannafail.ie/agricultureconference.
Calleary criticises ‘discriminatory’ changes to student grants
Mayo Fianna Fail Deputy Dara Calleary has said any changes to the assessment for third level grants must not discriminate against farming families and self-employed workers. Deputy Calleary has said the conflicting reports from Ministers about plans to include capital assets in the means-testing for student grants are causing great distress among farming and self-employed families. “This is a huge issue for families who are running their own business, be it farming or otherwise, and are extremely worried about how they will afford to put their children through college,” said Deputy Calleary. “Two years into the term of this Government, and these families still have the threat hanging over their […]
Read MoreFF alarm at Government Incoherence on Croke Park 2
Fianna Fáil Jobs Spokesperson Dara Calleary TD has expressed his alarm at what he described as Government incoherence on the updated Croke Park deal. His comments come after a day of contradiction and confusion on the part of senior Government ministers on whether different and better conditions would be available to the members of unions which remained within the Croke Park negotiations. Deputy Calleary commented, “The Government’s message on Croke Park this weekend has been all over the shop. We have seen the farcical situation of senior Government Ministers openly contradicting one another on what’s the strategy and the accuracy of Government inspired newspaper stories. “In a carefully leaked and […]
Read MoreSt. Mary’s take two national awards
Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary has extended his congratulations to St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina, on their success at the National Newspapers of Ireland Press Pass Awards which were announced at a gala function in Dublin last week. Deputy Calleary said, “As a public representative for Ballina I was very proud to learn that St. Mary’s Secondary School had not one but two national winners, Sinead Kenny and Helen Mcloughlin, in this very prestigious competition. “This was a very worthwhile Transition Year Project and I commend St. Mary’s for the manner in which they approached the competition – it really is a remarkable achievement to have taken home […]
Read MoreCalleary slams latest attack on people with disabilities
Mayo Deputy Dara Calleary has described the axing of the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Scheme as ‘yet another savage attack on people with disabilities’. Deputy Calleary has appealed to the Government to reverse this ‘scandalous cut’, which will result in a 20% reduction in income for up to 5,000 people with disabilities. According to the Fianna Fáil Deputy, there are many people with disabilities living in rural areas in Mayo who are heavily dependent on both of these schemes and will be badly hit by this cut. “The fact that Fine Gael and Labour can justify this disgraceful decision shows just how out of touch they have become. They […]
Read MoreMayo Stages Rally a big boost for Ballina
Mayo Fianna Fáil T.D. Dara Calleary has expressed his satisfaction that the 2013 Mayo Stages Rally is returning to its natural base in Ballina. The Rally, to be held in Ballina and surrounding areas on March 10th, was launched in Hotel Ballina last weekend and is expected to attract 1000s of visitors to the North Mayo capital. Deputy Calleary said, “I am delighted that the Mayo Stages Rally is returning to Ballina this year. I attended the official launch of the event last weekend in Hotel Ballina and I was really taken by the overwhelming enthusiasm that prevailed at the event. “This event is a timely boost for the business […]
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