Latest news with #FionntánÓSúilleabháin
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Movement expected soon on south Wicklow greenway project
The greenway, which would pass through scenic areas of the former railway line along the Wicklow–Wexford border, including Shillelagh, Tinahely, Aughrim, Annacurra, Woodenbridge, and Arklow has been stuck in phase two since 2023. Phase 2 involved extensive work on assessing the impact of identified project constraints; the Phase 2: Options Selection report has been submitted by Wicklow County Council to TII and are currently being reviewed by officials. Subject t-Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has said it is now important that the project doesn't face any further delays. 'This project is of huge importance to County Wicklow, in terms of health and wellbeing, local recreation and tourism. I am pleased that it should progress to Stage 3 for the autumn and hopefully through the remaining construction phases soon after. 'I also raised this delay directly with Minister Paschal Donohoe in the chamber of Leinster House last month and is a flagship project that I intend to pursue until we see it in place.' 'In such a scenic area, it will no doubt attract large numbers of people from throughout Ireland and indeed from further afield.' he added. Funding for the Greenways programme is reviewed on an annual basis by the Department of Transport. Investment in greenways and active travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. Greenway schemes in County Wicklow were allocated €1,650,000 in 2025, with €500,000 going towards the Arklow to Shillelagh project.
Irish Independent
02-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Over 900 properties in Wexford now under accommodation payment scheme
Wicklow Wexford TD, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, has said that the number is a significant rise in the number of properties being awarded payments under the scheme for Ukrainians in County Wexford. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said it is very concerning at a time of rising rents and an ongoing housing crisis. The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a tax-free monthly financial contribution of €600 available to landlords who provide housing for people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. 'There are now 941 properties in receipt of payments under the ARP in County Wexford. We have the 7th highest figure in the state - doubling that of neighbouring Co. Wicklow; almost doubling Co. Carlow and more than three times that of Co. Kilkenny. 'This is an extremely significant rise when you consider the small number of properties that are available to rent in Wexford at present' said Deputy Ó Súilleabháin. Deputy Ó Súilleabháin further said the scheme has had negative impacts on those who are trying to secure housing. 'The failure of the government to recognise the impact of this scheme on the private rental sector is outrageous, particularly given soaring rents and the fact that we are in the middle of such a severe housing crisis. The figures revealed in a Parliamentary question to Sinn Féin show an increase in every county, and an overall rise of 3,125, in the number of properties being awarded ARP payments between January and July of this year.
Sunday World
17-07-2025
- Sunday World
Garda resources criticised following spate of violent knife attacks in Co Wicklow
The recent spate of attacks in Arklow has spurred Sinn Féin to highlight their nationwide community safety survey, the roll-out of which is ongoing in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency Garda resources have been called into question following a spate of suspected knife attacks in Arklow over recent weeks. Under the direction of the Wicklow-Wexford Joint Policing Committee the allocation of probationer gardaí to a Divisional training station facilitates the reassignment of gardaí to other stations within the Division, if required, by the Divisional Officer. However, only six have been allocated for all of County Wicklow for 2025. Reacting to the figures Wicklow Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin called on gardaí to target the perpetrators of knife crime. 'I have raised these local policing issues with the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and indeed met with him and local garda chiefs when he visited Gorey Garda Station some weeks ago.' The figures also show there were 4,627 offences recorded by Wicklow garda stations last year and twelve Garda Stations in the state lost their assigned garda in 2024, including Avoca Garda Station. The recent spate of attacks in Arklow has spurred Sinn Féin to highlight their nationwide community safety survey, the roll-out of which is ongoing in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency. The survey aims to examine the experiences of local communities in relation to policing and safety, taking their feedback on board to develop policies that look to address existing shortfalls. Deputy O Súilleabháin said he wants to hear people's experiences. "Our survey aims to identify areas that are most vulnerable and to provide solutions for the people living there.' 'Over the next few weeks, Sinn Féin activists will continue to deliver information on this survey, and we are asking as many people as possible in Arklow, and indeed across South Wicklow, to take part and to share their views.' he added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Stock photo Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 17th
