The event took place at 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday) and Deputy Coonan said: “This project is a testament to the dedication, determination and passion shown by Killea Cultural Group and the local community who are actively promoting cultural development in the area. Minister Deenihan got a taste of the strong community spirit when he visited yesterday.”

The sod turning follows a meeting facilitated by Deputy Coonan last November between Minister Deenihan and Killea Cultural Group where representatives and the local TD successfully progressed the project.

“I worked with Killea Cultural Group Executive and the local community to ensure the heritage centre was priority for the Minister and I am pleased to say that my representations led to the reallocation of funds for the project. Thanks also to North Tipperary LEADER Partnership who played a key role in securing funding. The centre will be a great community meeting place and a hub of activity for workshops, exhibitions and events,” said Deputy Coonan.

“The venue may also be used for Farmers markets, Christmas markets, after school groups, fitness classes, fundraising events and an information point. Works on the heritage building will advance over the coming months and I am very pleased to have helped this centre come to life,” concluded Deputy Coonan.

Commenting on the development, Deputy Coonan said: “This news is very welcome as the establishment of Borrisokane’s Day Care Centre has been in the pipeline for a long time. I am delighted to be in a position to help advance the project despite existing tough austerity measures. It is a sign of this Government’s commitment to the health service in North Tipperary and we will continue to advance this project now we are in Government.”

“This development is a result of persistent representations to the current and previous Health Minister where I continuously outlined the importance of this project. The people of Borrisokane and its environs have been very patient waiting for work to commence and I also want to commend the Borrisokane Committee who have been working hard for this facility to come to fruition. I look forward to work starting on the site and I will keep the pressure on for the project to succeed,” concluded Deputy Coonan.

The Fine Gael Deputy said people who wish to avail of the supplement to the register have until Monday 14th May 2012 to make an application to North Tipperary County Council. Applications received after that date will not be included in the supplement for the forthcoming referendum.
“It is important that you have your say on referendum day and take advantage of your democratic right. For those who are not registered, application forms are available from your registration authority, online or at my office on 0504 32544.
“I believe a Yes vote is crucial so we can guarantee our future by having an insurance policy in place should Ireland need to draw money from the European Stability Mechanism,” said Deputy Coonan.

“This Treaty will contribute to our recovery, ensure economic stability for our country and our currency, and contribute to the restoration of confidence in Ireland as a good and secure place in which to invest and do business.

Every citizen of Ireland ordinarily resident in the State, who is aged 18 years or over on polling day, and whose name is entered on the register of electors is entitled to vote,” said Deputy Coonan.

“The full text of this Treaty will be distributed to every household in the country along with short explanatory material,” said Noel. “This is something that has not happened in recent years. Information on the treaty can also be found online at www.merrionstreet.ie and www.dfat.ie.”
Noel also took the opportunity to remind full-time students registered at home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State and persons living at home who are unable to go to a polling station to vote because of a physical illness or disability that there is still time to apply for inclusion in the supplement to the postal voters’ list.

“Maintaining the appearance of towns and villages across Tipperary and South Offaly is not only important for the morale of people living in local communities, it is a key factor in driving economic growth and boosting tourism figures. The funding being provided by Minister Hogan will help local authorities to tackle littering through awareness raising, enforcement and the maintenance of tourist areas,” said Deputy Coonan.

“A total of €30,000 has been allocated to North Tipperary under the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Scheme. Using this money, local authorities will be able to select projects that promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and graffiti. This includes supporting voluntary initiatives run by community groups, which play such a vital role in the upkeep of our towns and villages.

The local TD concluded: “In a bid to ensure that locations that are popular with tourists are kept clean, FIGURE is being provided to COUNTY under the Tourist Season Anti-Litter Grant. This will help with the maintenance of visitor locations such as beaches, scenic areas and approach roads to access points like airports and ferry ports. Litter can leave a very poor and lasting impression on visitors, so we must do all we can to ensure popular locations are kept in top shape.

“A further €750,000 is being made available nationally under the new Litter Enforcement Scheme, to help crack down on littering and illegal dumping. This money can be used by local authorities to deploy mobile CCTV cameras and other measures to identify those responsible for these activities.

“We all have a role to play in the upkeep of our own communities. Local authorities, community and voluntary groups all do excellent work to maintain the appearance of streets, roads and scenic areas; this funding from Minister Hogan will help to support them in this work,” concluded Deputy Coonan

“It is up to the Minister to accept this report from the Working Group on the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and I will be lobbying for status quo and for staff working in the Equality Authority office to be looked after,” said Deputy Coonan.

“The report acknowledges that staff in the Roscrea office have given a commitment to the organisation and this commitment and their interests should be taken into account. The Group also said it is conscious of the contribution that staff in Roscrea have made to the Equality Authority and I adamantly believe it is inherent that they are employed in the area and their interests are considered paramount. This means that the staff have to be reappointed in the Roscrea area,” continued Noel.

“The focus of this Government is on job creation so it is somewhat ironic that a Working Group set up by the Minister of Justice should be recommending the loss of 18 jobs; without realising the negative effects it would have on a provincial town such as Roscrea. While the Minister is forced into this action due to the previous Government’s reckless behaviour, I will be highlighting that towns such as Roscrea are suffering disproportionately,” said Noel.

“I will be making my point strongly to the Minister that the Group has already acknowledged that there are complex HR issues that need to be managed proactively by management in the new Commission and by the Department over a period of time in order for any transition to take place,” continued Deputy Coonan.

The Group was established at the request of the Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter TD, to advise him on practical arrangements in relation to the decision to merge the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority into a new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

The Working Group was equally representative of both existing organisations and also included Department of Justice and Equality personnel.

“I also want to acknowledge the commitment given this morning by the Director of Services Marcus O’Connor and Nenagh Town Clerk Donal Purcell to finalise external works around the historic building by June,” said Deputy Coonan.

“Ormond Historical Society also met with us this morning during our tour of the site. Their commitment to the project is commendable,” continued Noel.

“Minister Hayes has instructed OPW officials to make sure the work is completed in time for the Presidential visit on June 6^th and I am very pleased my strong representations have helped progress this historic project.”

“When open to the public, this Keep will be an enormous attraction for visitors especially when taken in conjunction with Nenagh Arts Centre, Nenagh Courthouse, Nenagh Jail and nearby churches. It will form a close-knit cultural hub in Nenagh Town centre and it is all hands on deck in a united effort,” said Deputy Coonan.

“We climbed to the top of the Keep today where we were captivated by an astounding panoramic view of five counties. It will be a real treat for everybody when it is fully open to the public,” concluded Noel.

The Minister of State visited Nenagh this morning on Deputy Coonan’s invitation.

“Property owners are required pay €100 by 31^st March. The money goes towards essential local services including fire and emergency services, maintenance and cleaning of streets, planning and development, public parks, street lighting, libraries, open spaces and leisure amenities,” said Deputy Coonan.

“Household taxes in Northern Ireland are over 10 times as high and we are one of the last countries in the western world to introduce this charge. The introduction of the Household Charge is an interim measure and proposals for a full property tax will be considered by the Government in due course. Household charge is a requirement of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support and while none of us want to pay this we unfortunately have to do so as Exchequer funding is short,” continued Noel.

“A more comprehensive and equitable valuation-based property charge will be introduced as soon as possible to replace the interim household charge. Non-payment will unfortunately lead to fines and local services will be cut.”

“All those wishing to pay can do so online, by post, through our local authority or by collecting a form from your local post office. Forms are also available at my office and please feel free to call 0504 32544 for a form,” said Noel.

“North Tipperary and Offaly people should be aware that the household charge is on a self-assessment basis and that no invoices will be issued. While residential property owners who are entitled to a waiver do not have to pay the charge, they are still obliged to register their property,” concluded Deputy Coonan.