Energy Minister Alex White today (Wednesday) said citizens must be given a genuine stake in energy policy decision-making if Ireland is to succeed in meeting its renewable energy targets. He said he would address this in a White Paper on energy policy, which is being prepared for publication later this year.
Today, I announced a boost in the level of grants available to householders who want to undertake energy efficiency improvements. The cash value of every grant available to householders under the Better Energy Homes Scheme has been increased by between 25-50%. In addition, a bonus payment has been introduced which will see householders receive bonus payments if they complete three or more energy efficiency improvements.
I warmly welcome the latest CSO figures which show that since the formation of this Government in March 2011, the number of under-25s signing the live register at Nutgrove Social Welfare Office has been reduced by 50%.
As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, attended the Council of Energy Ministers in Brussels recently (Thursday, 5 March). The agenda included discussions on the recently published EU Commission Energy Union Package.
The Government is fully committed to renewing and significantly expanding the apprenticeship system in Ireland - that was my message to the gathering today at ESB Networks Training Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise where the ESB announced plans to recruit 300 new apprentices in the coming years.
I warmly welcome the recent allocation of €150,000 in Government grants to sustainable transport projects in Dublin South. €100,000 of this money will go towards the design of a primary cycle route from Hillcrest Road in Sandyford along the Drummartin/Clonskeagh Route to Dublin City, including connections to and through UCD Belfield. Meanwhile, a further €50,000 will be spent on the completion of the design for improved pedestrian access into Dundrum Town Centre from Balally LUAS stop. This will include improvements to Dundrum Road, and connections to Wychkam Way.
This week, I voiced my concerns about claims by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the age profile of the Stillorgan area could present challenges for the future sustainability of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool.
The Minister for Education and Skills, today announced that a new primary school for the Goatstown/Stillorgan area is to be established by September 2016.
This development recognises the increasing demographic pressure on the existing infrastructure in Goatstown/Stillorgan and demonstrates this Government’s delivery on its commitment to prioritise new schools and to invest in our children’s education.
This is the sixth major educational investment in Dublin South since our Government took office in 2011.
Patrons can apply to run the new school. The criteria to be used in deciding on patronage of the new school will place an emphasis on parental demand for plurality and diversity. The process will be carried out later this year.
This approach emphasises this Government’s commitment to moving towards a more pluralist system of patronage at primary level.
I was happy to note this week that following on from Leopardstown-based ICON plc’s jobs development, confirmed last Friday, nearly 1,000 jobs have now been announced for the Dublin South constituency in the past four months alone
This week, I welcomed the news that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is asking the public for their views on its plans for the next five years.
