4
Cork Airport Development Council to benefit economy A new high level stakeholder body – the Cork Airport Development Council (CADC) - has been established by DAA to boost the development of Cork Airport. The Council held its first meeting in March this year. It will provide a forum for senior stakeholders from a range of sectoral and geographic backgrounds who have an interest in the development of Cork Airport to engage with management at the airport and to help contribute to traffic and route growth. The CADC is chaired by DAA Chairman Padráig ÓRíordáin and comprises senior representatives from the tourism and business sectors. The Council comprises 9 external members – representing organisations such as Fáilte Ireland, the Cork Chamber of Commerce, EMC, the Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce and Ballydoyle Stables in Co. Tipperary and 6 members from CAA/DAA. It is important that all stakeholders in the region, including the CADC and the Cork Development Forum, work together to drive the tourism and business sectors in the area. This will ultimately benefit the economy of the entire Cork region and indeed the wider national economy. Final Decision Expected on Cork’s Event Centre As part of Budget 2014 Government committed to provide 10 million towards the development of an event centre in Cork. An event centre of this scale will provide a permanent venue for large concerts and conferences which will bring added revenue of up to 12 million each year into our local economy. It is expected that during construction 250 jobs will be created and when complete it is anticipated that the event centre will attract 200,000 people each year to the facility and city. Currently there are two rival proposals to develop the event centre. One is proposed for Albert Quay and the other at the site of the former Beamish Brewery site on South Main Street. An independent process to assess both proposals has been commenced by City Council. Reports from the independent consultants are due to be furnished shortly, it is scheduled that the information on which a decision will be made will be furnished to local councillors at a meeting of Cork City Council on 14 July. The Government’s commitment to fund two large capital projects in Cork, an event centre and redeveloping Pairc Ui Chaoimh, is very welcome. Both projects will leave a lasting legacy that will create jobs and provide much needed social, cultural and sporting venues for our city and county. Over the first few months of 2014 there were many positive job announcements in Cork. These new jobs have reduced the number of people in Cork on the live register to less than 38,000, the lowest level since April 2009. Employment is being created and supported in different sectors of the economy and Government is committed to supporting both foreign direct investment as well as the indigenous SME sector. Some of the companies that have announced new jobs in Cork include: Tyco, Tyndall Institue, HedgeServ, BioMarin and VoxPro. Nationally, in the last 12 months employment has increased by 42,000 jobs. The unemployment rate is down to 11.8%, the lowest in 5 years, down from a peak of 15.1% in Feb 2012. For the first time since 2009 the number on the Live Register is now below 400,000. IDA has had three record years, with over 20,000 net new jobs in supported companies since the Government was formed. New jobs were created in companies like PayPal, Sky & Apple. Enterprise Ireland reports over 6,000 net new jobs have been created by companies it supports since the Government was formed. While these are positive developments, for those still looking for work these statistics are of little comfort. That is why Government is focused on creating conditions for new jobs, through its Action Plan for Jobs, and providing training opportunities. This year the Government has created 6,100 Springboard training places that are now available to those seeking work regardless of their period of time unemployed. This includes 213 places available in CIT and 165 in UCC. For more details see: www.springboardcourses.ie Jerry Buttimer TD - Working for you in Cork South Central THE BUTTIMER JERRY BUTTIMER TD Update SUMMER 2014 CORK ECONOMY SHOWS SIGNS OF RECOVERY

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Page 1: Newsletter - Summer 2014

Cork Airport Development Council to benefit economyA new high level stakeholder body – the Cork Airport Development Council (CADC) - has been established by DAA to boost the development of Cork Airport. The Council held its first meeting in March this year. It will provide a forum for senior stakeholders from a range of sectoral and geographic backgrounds who have an interest in the development of Cork Airport to engage with management at the airport and to help contribute to traffic and route growth.

The CADC is chaired by DAA Chairman Padráig ÓRíordáin and comprises senior representatives from the tourism and business sectors. The Council comprises 9 external members – representing organisations such as Fáilte Ireland, the Cork Chamber of Commerce, EMC, the Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce and Ballydoyle Stables in Co. Tipperary and 6 members from CAA/DAA.

It is important that all stakeholders in the region, including the CADC and the Cork Development Forum, work together to drive the tourism and business sectors in the area. This will ultimately benefit the economy of the entire Cork region and indeed the wider national economy.

Final Decision Expected on Cork’s Event CentreAs part of Budget 2014 Government committed to provide €10 million towards the development of an event centre in Cork. An event centre of this scale will provide a permanent venue for large concerts and conferences which will bring added revenue of up to €12 million each year into our local economy. It is expected that during construction 250 jobs will be created and when complete it is anticipated that the event centre will attract 200,000 people each year to the facility and city.

Currently there are two rival proposals to develop the event centre. One is proposed for Albert Quay and the other at the site of the former Beamish Brewery site on South Main Street.

An independent process to assess both proposals has been commenced by City Council. Reports from the independent consultants are due to be furnished shortly, it is scheduled that the information on which a decision will be made will be furnished to local councillors at a meeting of Cork City Council on 14 July.

The Government’s commitment to fund two large capital projects in Cork, an event centre and redeveloping Pairc Ui Chaoimh, is very welcome. Both projects will leave a lasting legacy that will create jobs and provide much needed social, cultural and sporting venues for our city and county.

Over the first few months of 2014 there were many positive job announcements in Cork. These new jobs have reduced the number of people in Cork on the live register to less than 38,000, the lowest level since April 2009.

Employment is being created and supported in different sectors of the economy and Government is committed to supporting both foreign direct investment as well as the indigenous SME sector. Some

of the companies that have announced new jobs in Cork include: Tyco, Tyndall Institue, HedgeServ, BioMarin and VoxPro.

Nationally, in the last 12 months employment has increased by 42,000 jobs. The unemployment rate is down to 11.8%, the lowest in 5 years, down from a peak of 15.1% in Feb 2012. For the first time since 2009 the number on the Live Register is now below 400,000.

IDA has had three record years, with over 20,000 net new jobs in supported companies since the Government was formed. New jobs were created in companies like PayPal, Sky & Apple. Enterprise Ireland reports over 6,000 net new jobs have been created by companies it supports since the Government was formed.

While these are positive developments, for those still looking for work these statistics are of little comfort. That is

why Government is focused on creating conditions for new jobs, through its Action Plan for Jobs, and providing training opportunities. This year the Government has created 6,100 Springboard training places that are now available to those seeking work regardless of their period of time unemployed. This includes 213 places available in CIT and 165 in UCC. For more details see: www.springboardcourses.ie

Jerry Buttimer TD - Working for you in Cork South Central

THE

BUTTIMERJERRY BUTTIMER TD

UpdateSUMMER 2014

CORK ECONOMY SHOWS SIGNS OF RECOVERY

Page 2: Newsletter - Summer 2014

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Investing €185 million in Cork’s water infrastructureAfter years of underinvestment that has left the country with an outdated water system a large capital programme is due to commence. This will see an investment of €1.7 billion in water infrastructure up to end 2016.

€22 million for water supply schemes in Cork:• Inniscarra Water Treatment Plant

Manganese Removal (to reduce incidence of discolouration)

• Inniscarra Water Treatment Plant Sludge Treatment Upgrade

• Cork City Water Supply Scheme Storage, Chetwynd

• Wilton Lee Road Trunk Main (to ensure security of supply across Cork City)

• Lee Road Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

€73 million major wastewater project:• Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage

Scheme (construction beginning 2015)

€90 million for wastewater treatment:• Crosshaven Sewage Scheme Storm

Outfall – Network (continue in construction)

• Cork Sludge Management Scheme

• Shannonvale Sewerage Scheme network upgrade

• Cork Science and Innovation Park Foul Sewer

• Cork City Sewerage Scheme (Tramore River Valley) Study to assess compliance with Directives

Living City Initiative comes to Cork

Review of childcare support programmes

As part of Budget 2014 Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD, agreed to roll out the Living City Initiative to Cork. The scheme will focus on targeted areas and will offer tax incentives for the regeneration of historic centres. This will encourage investment in historic city centre properties, turning them into buildings that are suitable for modern

residential accommodation.The Initiative cannot be implemented until EU State Aid approval has been received. Further details of the scheme will be announced after receipt of a decision from the EU. The Minister has confirmed to me that an application for EU State Aid approval was submitted on 27th March.

A recent report suggested that as a percentage of average wages childcare costs in Ireland are the second highest in the OECD. It is estimated that the average annual childcare costs for a child under 5 is €5,320.

Following publication of the report I raised the issue with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Minister for Finance. I asked if they would consider introducing measures to help offset childcare costs incurred by many parents.

Currently, the Government provides annual funding of €260 million to support a number of targeted child care support programmes

that assist parents in accessing quality and affordable child care. It also provides one free preschool year to all eligible children before they commence primary school.

The Minister confirmed that a review of the child care support programmes is being undertaken by the Department this year with a view to identifying areas where they could be enhanced and improved to ensure the best use of the investment which is currently being made in this area. I hope that this review will be the basis for taking steps to help all families with the cost of childcare.

Government reforms medical card systemI am pleased that the Government has listened to the concerns about the impact of reviewing discretionary medical cards and that it has decided to reinstate the cards.

Under the legislation which has been in place since 1970 only financial circumstances and financial hardship could be considered when granting discretionary cards. The Government will now make changes that will ensure that, for the first time, when deciding on discretionary cards, medical conditions

will be taken into account.

Arising out of my concerns on this issue I organised a meeting of the Health Committee with the HSE staff at its medical card centre in Finglas. This highlighted the need for changing the legislation and not simply returning to the old system.

In the Dail I called for a change in the legislative basis for the awarding of medical cards. If we want a medical card system that operates based on the needs of people we

must change the legislation.

While the vast majority of discretionary cards have been maintained following a review, the process of the review itself can be extremely stressful. Furthermore, the level of attention surrounding this issue has led to anxiety and concern among other medical card holders who fear they could lose their card. I have suggested to Government Ministers that all reviews should stop until the new system is in place.

Page 3: Newsletter - Summer 2014

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Government supports redevelopment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Marina Park

Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Government has committed to provide €30 million for the much needed redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. This will be a significant economic boost for Cork, during construction and when in use. The development will also see the creation of a centre of excellence including a full sized all weather training facility and establishment of a local Marina Park.

The combined projects will generate much needed employment and the end result will be a facility and park that will benefit Cork for generations to come.

As well as a great sports venue this capital project will bring the development of the Marina Park a step closer. This will be an important amenity that will benefit everyone in Cork.

When the planning process has been completed, I hope that the

project can commence as soon as possible. During the construction phase it is imperative that the GAA maintain dialogue with local residents to ensure that any inconvenience can be minimised. When the project is complete, it is vital that the concerns of residents about access, parking, crowd management and usage of the facility are listened to and addressed. To help with this a formalised process of engagement should be maintained between all parties.

As Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children I have been working on a range of issues across both Government Departments within the Committee’s remit. The Committee meets regularly with Ministers and officials to discuss policy matters and it also scrutinises legislation as it passes through the Dáil. Some of the Bills I have worked on over the last few months are:

• Public Health (Sunbeds) Bill 2013

• Health Identifiers Bill 2013

• Health (Financial Matters) Bill 2013

• Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014

In this role I have also organised a range of meetings to highlight and discuss topical issues. The issues which the Committee has dealt with recently include:

• Neurological Health

• Review of actions post “Breach of Trust” childcare settings

• National Childcare Strategy

• Suicide

• Chronic Pain Management

• Medical Cards

• National Youth Day

• Regulation of designated centres for older people

Earlier this year the Committee undertook an examination of the Heads of the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill. This Bill will make it mandatory for tobacco to be sold in Standardised Packaging which will greatly increase the health warnings and reduce the ability of tobacco manufacturers to promote their brand.

The Committee held public hearings with various interest groups and stakeholders to obtain their input. Our report contained a range of recommendations that will hopefully make this an effective piece of legislation in efforts to reduce the use of tobacco products.

If there are any policy issues that you would like raised at the Committee please feel free to get in touch with me.

CORK LAUNCH OF ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK 2014

SPEAKING ON POLITICAL REFORM AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

MEETING STUDENTS FROM ST ALOYSIUS AT BT YOUNG SCIENTIST AND

TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

Page 4: Newsletter - Summer 2014

CORK CITY COUNCIL CORK CITY SOUTH EAST

Cllr Des Cahill, 087 2081490, [email protected]

Cllr Laura McGonigle, 0860829371, [email protected]

CORK CITY SOUTH WEST

Cllr John Buttimer, 087 6384381, [email protected]

Cllr PJ Hourican, 087 2565482, [email protected]

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL CARRIGALINE-BALLINCOLLIG

Cllr Derry Canty, 086 243 6795, [email protected]

Cllr John Collins, 086 2386692, [email protected]

Cllr Deirdre Forde, 087 916 1952, [email protected]

BANDON-KINSALE

Cllr Tim Lombard, 086 832 9119, [email protected]

Cllr Kevin Murphy, 087 241 7843, [email protected]

Cllr James O’Donovan, 087 6219122, [email protected]

YOUR LOCAL TEAM FOR 2014-2019CONTACT DETAILS FOR COUNCILLORS -

0612

Office: 4a, Glasheen Road, Cork. Tel: 021 4840652 Mobile: 086 2356892 www.jerrybuttimer.ie Email: [email protected]

Twitter.com/jerrybuttimer

Facebook.com/jerrybuttimer

CLINIC DETAILS: Monday: 6pm Ballyphehane Community Centre, Tory Top Road, Ballyphehane.

Friday: 12:30pm Mahon Community Centre, Avenue de Rennes, Mahon.

6pm Togher Community Centre, Togher Road, Togher.I am also available to meet you by appointment at my office.

JERRY BUTTIMER TD

CORK CITY & HARBOUR FRAMEWORK Fáilte Ireland completed an Interpretive Framework for Cork City and Harbour in 2013 which was commissioned with a view to revealing the essence of the destination and providing a recommended context for how the Cork story should be interpreted for visitors on the ground, by all those in charge of providing an experience to the visitor, whether at agency or private enterprise level. This Interpretive Framework will form the core of the Experience Development plan for the Cork City and Harbour area.

EXTENSION OF LEAP CARD TO CORKBus Éireann has commenced use of the Leap card on their Cork services. The wider Cork region has been split into 4 Zones - Red, Green, Blue and Yellow. The Red Zone, covers the City Centre and Inner Suburbs such as Douglas, Bishopstown and Mayfield. The Green Zone, covers the airport, Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy and Rochestown.Passengers will be able to use their Leap ePurse to purchase 1 Day and 7 Day tickets on buses, as well as being able to purchase these tickets online and through the Payzone network in the Cork area.Leap cards will be accepted on Iarnród Éireann services across Cork from end Quarter 3 2014 and the purse will be accepted on trains by end 2014 / early 2015.

GOGGIN’S HILL – IMPROVING DRAINAGE Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, TD has allocated funding to improve the drainage scheme on the N71 at Goggin’s Hill. This work will involve improvements to the culvert and approaching watercourse under and adjacent to the N71 at Goggins Hill. This will eliminate the regular blockages of the culvert which have led to serious flooding at this location.

EXTRA FUNDING FOR ROAD MAINTENANCEIn May an additional €12 million was provided to Councils across the country as part of the restoration improvement grants for the maintenance of roads. The amount allocated to both Cork Councils was €1.6 million, it is at the discretion of each Council as to how this money will be spent. The total amount allocated for 2014 to Cork City and County Councils under this heading was almost €23 million.

CARRIGALINE WESTERN RELIEF ROADThe Department of Transport has committed to contributing a maximum of €3.7 million or 50% of the cost, whichever is the lesser, for the acquisition of land for the Carrigaline Western Relief Road. Between 2010-2013 €2,005,265 was paid to Cork County. A total of €91,000 has been allocated to this scheme in 2014.

BLACKROCK VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENTWork on the Blackrock Village Improvement Scheme finally commenced in May. The project will include cleaning the harbour, a makeover of the village including a new playground and park. In total the works will cost approximately €2 million and will be carried out in phases over the next 2-3 years.Phase 1 of the works will focus on the harbour area. This will deliver improvements to the public space and provide additional parking. Phase 2 will then include the development of a public park, a children’s playground, seating and picnic areas.This investment will make the village of Blackrock an even more attractive place for local residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic location on Cork harbour.

OIREACHTAS MEMBERSSimon Coveney TDMinister for Agriculture, Food and Marine

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTDeirdre Clune, MEPSean Kelly, MEP