Latest news with #GeorgeLawlor
Extra.ie
7 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Crackdown on petrol price gouging as raids hit in several counties
Consumerwatchdog inspectors have carried out a string of unannounced raids on petrol stations and shops over 'mis-pricing'. Some filling stations have been accused of charging more for petrol than they had advertised on their price boards. The 55 inspections, carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), targeted dozens of retail businesses nationwide earlier this month. The raids included clothing, beauty, furniture, grocery and hospitality businesses. Labour Party enterprise spokesman George Lawlor. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/ Labour Party enterprise spokesman George Lawlor told last night that any such 'mis-pricing' is a 'betrayal of customers' and called on the CCPC to 'send a signal' that these practices will not be tolerated with the strongest level of fines. 'This is an awful betrayal of customers, particularly at a time when we have a cost-of-living crisis – to have individual petrol stations falsely displaying prices and charging higher is something that really must be tackled by CCPC and the severest fines possible imposed. It must be tackled and ended so the practice is discouraged in the strongest possible way,' Deputy Lawlor said. The 55 inspections by the CCPC included 22 in Dublin – in Swords, Dundrum and Tallaght; one in Leixlip, Co. Kildare; and eight in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The 55 inspections, carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), targeted dozens of retail businesses nationwide earlier this month. Pic: Leah Farrell/ A further 12 were carried out across Donegal, including in Letterkenny, Bundoran and Donegal town, and there were another 12 in Co. Sligo. The CCPC's last annual report, released last July, found that misleading pricing had surged amid cost-of-living pressures. In 2022, the CCPC was given tough new powers to crack down on false pricing, where the retailer advertises one price but charges another. Those new powers included surveillance against suspected offenders. Lifestyle Sports (Ireland), DID Electrical Appliances and Rathwood Home & Garden World pleaded guilty in March to breaking sales pricing legislation and were ordered to donate €1,000 each to Little Flower Penny Dinners for the homeless. n May, pharmacy chain Boots pleaded guilty to wrongful claims of Black Friday bargains. Pic:In May, pharmacy chain Boots pleaded guilty to wrongful claims of Black Friday bargains and was also ordered to pay €1,000 to the same homelessness charity. However, the CCPC wants more powers to impose large fines for serious offences – such as penalties that are a percentage of a business's turnover. CCPC member Patrick Kenny said: 'We carry out unannounced inspections and if we find traders breaking the law, we can issue fines and take prosecutions. Consumers need to see prices up front in order to make informed choices. If our enforcement officers find breaches of consumer protection law, we will act.' A CCPC spokesman said: 'These inspections form part of the CCPC's ongoing work to monitor compliance with consumer protection laws and ensure fair trading practices across Ireland. The law sets out how traders must display prices and covers the selling price, unit price and reduced prices. Some filling stations have been accused of charging more for petrol than they had advertised on their price boards. Pic: Shutterstock 'CCPC officers identified several breaches of consumer protection law, including inadequate or inaccurate price displays on items for sale.' David Blevings, spokesman for the Irish Petrol Retailers Association, which represents independent garages, said it 'welcomes any investigation by the CCPC as our members are fully aware of the requirements of the Fuel Price Comparison legislation'. 'We send out the price information to all our members quarterly, ahead of the required date for implementation,' he added. 'We would encourage consumers to check if their local station is a member of the Irish Petrol Retailers Association when purchasing fuel.' Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Niamh Smyth TD. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos A spokesman for the Fuels For Ireland body, which represents the larger service station chains, did not comment. Earlier this month, Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, told the Dáil that the CCPC would be given enhanced powers to protect consumers. Ms Smyth said she was 'progressing legislative reforms' that would give the CCPC 'the ability to impose stronger sanctions for breaches of consumer protection law'. The Fianna Fáil TD also said that the CCPC has actively used its existing powers for enforcement where necessary and that in 2024 and 2025 it 'successfully prosecuted several retailers for breaches of price indication and sale pricing regulations'. 'In these cases, the courts ordered the offending retailers to pay legal costs and make charitable donations as part of the settlement,' she said. People who suspect a trader has breached consumer law are encouraged to call the CCPC by phoning the National Consumer Helpline on 01 402 5555 or emailing ask@ For serious breaches, the CCPC can impose fines of up to €5,000.
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford's iconic Fleadh Harp to make permanent return ahead of the 2025 Festival
Just one of the highlights last year, was the installation of the iconic Fleadh Cheoil Harp, a majestic oak structure combining craftsmanship excellence and engineering innovation and not only will the monument return, but on a permanent basis. Wexford TD George Lawlor was so taken by the craftsmanship, that discussions were commenced about giving it a permanent place on Wexford's quayfront. In October, Deputy Lawlor said, ''We are going to work on a permanent installation of the harp. Discussions are ongoing and we've already met with Buí Bolg on it.' Last week, Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee members including Deputy Lawlor and Wexford County Council CEO Eddie Taaffe visited the workshop of Bui Bolg, Wexford's own expert prop makers who made last year's harp with the support of Wexford Credit Union, to get a sneak peak. Work began in January 2025 for Bui Bolg's dedicated team led by Artistic Director Colm Lowney. The structure has been expertly carved, from oak sourced from McMahon's in Waterford with the help of local master carpenter Jim Grant. After processing the oak, the painstaking work of shaping and finishing the harp commenced. The harp which features a robust steel structure will be anchored into a solid concrete base and will receive multiple coatings of yacht varnish and epoxy resin, to ensure it can withstand the year-round elements of Wexford's weather. Bui Bolg's Sales Director Mark Carey said: 'This has been one of the most interesting, stressful, and exciting projects we've undertaken. 'We've had fantastic support from Wexford County Council, and it's been a fantastic team effort with about 10 people directly involved. We're so proud to contribute something that will stand as a lasting symbol of Wexford's creativity and community spirit.' The oak harp will be officially unveiled as part of the celebrations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 and is expected to draw locals and visitors alike to admire this new addition to the Wexford waterfront.
The Journal
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Stena Line announces it's axing the Rosslare to Cherbourg service from September
STENA LINE HAS announced the closure of its Rosslare – Cherbourg route, ending travel with the service between Ireland and France. The three-day ferry service will end in September, with the last sailing leaving Cherbourg on 29 September. Wexford Labour TD George Lawlor said he is shocked by the 'inexplicable' closure of the 'hugely successful route', calling on the Minister Transport Darragh O'Brien to seek an 'urgent meeting' with Stena Line. 'Ireland can't afford to lose this vital link,' the Labour TD said, explaining Rosslare port is Ireland's closest, and most efficient route to Europe. 'It is most disappointing Stena Line would cancel a route so successful…. [in recent years] there has been a 400% increase in traffic [at the port], from six sailings to 40 sailings weekly'. Advertisement The TD said Rosslare Port is the subject of ongoing investment, with €100 million already invested from the Brexit Support Fund. Stena Line said the route closure is the result of an 'extensive review with the intention of strengthening the company's investment in the Irish Sea, whilst delivering the most efficient use of the company's resources'. Johan Edelman, Stena Line Trade Director said the company's 'top priority' is their staff and customers. 'We've already met with our colleagues and over this period of consultation we will be working with any individual affected to consider all options, including redeployment opportunities. As we work through this change we will continue to support our colleagues at every stage,' he said. Edelman said the Stena Line customer service team will assist customers who have booked travel after September between Rosslare – Cherbourg. The ferry provider has invested £40 million (€46 million) in their Liverpool and Belfast terminals, as well as upgrading the Fishguard port infrastructure. They plan to expand service across the Irish Sea, with two new freight vessels for the Belfast – Heysham route and one for the Dublin – Liverpool route. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
BreastCheck mobile unit returns to Wexford town as women encouraged to avail of examination
The unit had been absent from the grounds for quite some time, meaning that women were being forced to travel to the likes of St Vincents in Dublin for mammograms. Labour TD George Lawlor was particularly happy to see the return of the unit and is urging those eligible to undertake their free examination. "It's great to see the return of this mobile unit,' he said. 'It's a vital component in the battle against breast cancer, where we know that early detection is vital.' Under the current BreastCheck scheme, women aged from 50 to 69 are invited to get a free mammogram every two years, however, women of all ages are encouraged to be breast aware and self-check regularly. 'I think, realistically, the screening eligibility age needs to be lowered to 40,' Deputy Lawlor said. 'I will be lobbying the government for this, but in the meantime, I'd urge those in the target cohort to make an appointment by calling 1800 454555 and get checked out.'
Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Calls for media regulator to take a ‘hard line' with Facebook on bogus accounts – ‘They could destroy someone's reputation'
Labour TD George Lawlor is the latest in a whole host of public representatives or public figures to have been targeted with a fake 'cloned' account, bearing his name and photos. The fake account has not made a post publicly yet and, due to Deputy Lawlor making it clear via his own pages that the account was bogus, has only amassed a small number of 'friends' on Facebook. "While the account may not have posted publicly, I have no way of knowing what kind of private messages its sending to people purporting to be me,' the Wexford TD said. "It's just one example of this type of thing. I and several of my friends and colleagues have reported this fake account to Facebook and they refused to take action stating that it wasn't in breach of their standards. It's bizarre.' In a correspondence from the social media giant, Deputy Lawlor was told: 'We didn't remove the profile. To keep our review process as fair as possible, we use the same set of Community Standards to review all reports. "We've taken a look and found that the profile doesn't go against our Community Standards. We understand that this may be upsetting, so we recommend exploring the options available to control what you see.' The TD was then told he could request a review within 180 days if unhappy with the decision not to remove the page. "The notion that pages that are clearly fake are not being actioned by Facebook is indicative of the type of organisation that Facebook has become,' Deputy Lawlor blasted. "God knows what damage a page like this could do to someone's reputation if people were to assume it was the person in the profile picture. "It's high time that Coimisiún na Meán took a hard line on this. People's reputations can be irreparably tarnished as a result of fake profiles set up by people with nothing better to do.'
