Latest news with #McEntee
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers propose measure to allow Matunuck Oyster Bar to temporarily reopen outside
Matunuck Oyster Bar staff and friends gather outside a chain-link fence as firefighters respond to a blaze that broke out at the restaurant early Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) After a devastating fire last month forced the closure of the Matunuck Oyster Bar, state lawmakers are pushing to update a pandemic-era law to help the South Kingstown restaurant temporarily reopen outdoors. Companion bills introduced late last week by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, both South Kingstown Democrats, would amend the state's outdoor dining law to allow the restaurant to run a mobile kitchen in a parking lot across the street through the end of June 2027. 'This legislation is the least we could do to help weather the difficulties resulting from the fire, including keeping some of the restaurant's workers employed during the busy summer season,' McEntee said in a statement. McEntee was the lead sponsor of the 'Take It Outside' initiative that allowed food service establishments to operate outdoors during the pandemic. But House spokesperson Larry Berman said Monday the law never accounted for situations like the May 20 fire that permanently shut down the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Berman said the idea to update the law was brought to the attention of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi by the restaurant's owner, Perry Raso. Raso did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The legislation would allow restaurants closed due to flood, fire, or other 'casualty' to offer temporary outdoor dining for up to 18 months. Affected restaurants could serve alcohol outside if they already have a liquor license from their respective municipality. Temporary restaurants would still need final approval from the local government but wouldn't need additional exemptions from local ordinances or codes, according to the bill. The agenda for South Kingstown's Town Council Monday evening meeting notes that town officials were asked to support the legislation by Raso's attorney, Beth Noonan. Noonan did not immediately respond to the request for comment, nor did Town Manager James Manni or Council President Rory McEntee, who is the son of Rep. McEntee. At the time of the fire, the Matunuck Oyster Bar employed about 300 workers. About 50 positions could be reinstated if the restaurant was allowed to reopen for al fresco dining, according to a news release issued Friday from the General Assembly. 'As this cherished establishment works to rebuild, it's important we do everything we can to support that process and the many people who rely on the restaurant for their livelihood,' Sosnowski said in a statement. State leaders aren't the only ones trying to help out the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Providence officials are looking at the possibility for Raso to potentially operate out of Waterplace Park. City spokesperson Josh Estrella confirmed that officials are in preliminary conversations with 'multiple vendors' for the events space located along the Woonasquatucket River, but declined to give additional details. The plans were first reported Monday by the Boston Globe. 'We are focused on making this space an asset to Providence,' Estrella said in an emailed statement Monday. McEntee's bill is scheduled for an initial hearing before the House Committee on Small Businesses Tuesday. Sosnowski's legislation will be heard by the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government that same day. Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson both expressed strong support for the legislation. '@MatunuckOyster is an iconic restaurant that's beloved by Rhode Islanders & many visitors who come here just to enjoy MOB's award winning pond-to-plate cuisine,' Shekarchi posted on X Friday evening. Lawson called the bills 'important.' 'While the news of the fire was truly devastating, the way Rhode Islanders have responded to support Perry and his employees has been extraordinary,' Lawson said. 'Along with our partners at the State House and in South Kingstown, we will continue working to support everyone impacted as the restaurant rebuilds.' Gov. Dan McKee also backs the legislation. 'Our administration is committed to supporting Matunuck Oyster Bar—from rapidly assisting impacted workers through the Department of Labor & Training to working closely with ownership on licensing for this temporary setup through the Department of Health,' Olivia DaRocha, a spokesperson for McKee's office, said in an email. 'We stand ready to offer our continued assistance.' The Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal investigation into what caused the fire remains underway, Matt Touchette, a spokesperson for the office said. Investigators have said it was likely accidental and ruled out commercial cooking equipment as the direct cause of the blaze. Updated to include comment from Gov. Dan McKee's office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Full list of 28 Irish schools selected for major energy retrofits this summer
28 schools across Ireland are to undergo extensive energy and decarbonisation retroworks, Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee announced today. The works are to be completed as part of an €86 million investment from the department's REPowerEU Pathfinder Programme, which aims to improve the efficiency of Ireland's schools, while also helping the country to achieve its stated climate targets. "This is a hugely positive development for each of the schools, making them more comfortable for their students and staff," said Minister McEntee. "It is also a clear sign of our commitment to delivering modern, climate-conscious school environments and making real progress on national climate goals." Each school selected for the works will be retrofitted to score a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B - achieved by installing energy-efficient LED lighting, heat pumps and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. Additionally, each school's airtightness will be improved upon, and electric car charging points will be installed at each location. 24 of the 28 schools are also receiving additional electrical upgrades from ESB Networks, in order to better handle the new decarbonised heat pump systems. 'We are deeply grateful to all 40 schools that participated in the planning and design stages of the programme for their proactive engagement, cooperation, and support throughout this process," said McEntee. "Their participation has been essential to the success of the programme to date and we fully acknowledge the commitment and effort shown by each school community." Full list of schools selected:
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts seal fourth transfer for versatile 24y/o as talks continue with key targets
Walsall player arrives on three-year deal Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts have completed the signing of versatile central midfielder Oisin McEntee as new manager Derek McInnes continues his rebuild of the squad for next season. McEntee joins from English League Two side Walsall and is the club's fourth summer signing after the arrival of right-back Christian Borchgrevink, winger Alexandros Kyziridis and striker Elton Kabangu, who has made last season's loan move a permanent arrangement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad McEntee, aged 24, is a Republic of Ireland Under-21 internationalist who has prior experience of Scottish football, having played on loan at Morton during the 2021/22 campaign. He ends a three-year association with Walsall, with his last match for them being Monday's play-off defeat by AFC Wimbledon at Wembley. Hearts have completed the signing of Oisin McEntee, right, from Walsall. | Getty Images Standing at 6ft 3in tall, McEntee is known as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder, but he can also play a centre-half and right-back. He has agreed a three-year contract with Hearts, who do not have to pay a transfer fee for his services. Hearts are continuing to work on a deal for FC Tobol winger Islam Chesnokov. The Kazakhstan internationalist has been a long-term target for the club for some time and talks with all parties are understood to be progressing. McInnes also wants to bring in another striker as discussions continue with current No 9 Lawrence Shankland, who becomes a free agent tomorrow upon expiry of his current contract. McEntee 'hungry to improve' at Hearts On signing McEntee, McInnes told the Hearts website: 'It's great that we've been able to get this deal done and we can now welcome Oisin to the club. It became clear in our conversations that Oisin is hungry, he wants to learn and improve, and he wants to be part of what we're trying to do here at Hearts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Antrim must be ready to meet Wexford challenge head-on: Dominic McEnhill
Andy McEntee's side managed to overcome London (1-22 to 1-14) in the competition and are now firmly focused on extending their progress. McEntee has watched the side gain in momentum, with their experienced players cementing their value within the side. In this connection, goalkeeper Mick Byrne, midfielder Conor Stewart and forwards Patrick McBride and Dominic McEnhill are deploying their considerable experience to good effect within the attack. Ryan Murray and Adam Loughran are other Antrim players who can step up to the mark on Sunday, while Conor Hand can also exert an influence for the Saffrons. McEnhill in particular has been deploying his creative and scoring prowess of late and is hoping he can help provide the impetus for an Antrim victory. 'There is no doubt that the Tailteann Cup is hugely competitive, but we really want to win this game,' insists the long-serving McEnhill. 'We have been playing with more confidence lately, and this will be a boost for us. It's important that we get into our stride early and impose ourselves on the game if we can. 'The Tailteann Cup is a target for several teams and we know that we have to lift our game for this assignment. 'We are coming into the knock-out stages and this means that the pressure will increase.' Meanwhile, Armagh 2002 All-Ireland winner Tony McEntee is strongly focused on taking the Sligo side he manages a step closer to claiming the Tailteann Cup when they meet Carlow at Tubbercury tomorrow (2.00pm). McEntee has watched his side make steady progress but is aware that Carlow could prove something of a surprise package given the quality in their side. But rather than preoccupy himself with the opposition, McEntee makes no bones about the fact that he wants to see his own side rise to the occasion. In Cian Lally, Canice Mulligan, Niall Murphy, Pat Spillane and Patrick O'Connor, Sligo boast strong finishers who form the underbelly of their side. Manager McEntee believes that his side are capable of advancing in the competition but is conscious that Carlow could spring a surprise, particularly should they hit the ground running. Meanwhile, Justin McNulty, another of Armagh's 2002 all-conquering heroes, will send Laois into battle against Westmeath in the Tailteann Cup on Saturday at Cusack Park, Mullingar (5.00pm). McNulty is well aware that, as inaugural winners of the trophy Westmeath will be keen to collect it again, and that's why he will be looking for a big performance from his side. Laois can look to several experienced players to set the tone for their performance, but Westmeath are still hungry for more success. Indeed, they might well make life difficult for Laois on this occasion.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
ASTI votes down Leaving Cert reform package
The package related to teachers and their conditions of employment and apply only to those teachers who become parties to the agreement. The ASTI, in a separate ballot, voted 67pc to 33pc in favour of industrial action 'if necessary, up to and including strike action, in opposition to the accelerated implementation of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme'. Education Minister Helen McEntee said: 'Despite the positive engagement between the ASTI, the TUI and my Department in the recent negotiations, the ASTI's membership have voted not to accept this strong package of supports for teachers, schools and students on offer.' Despite the ASTI voting against this package, changes to senior cycle are still set to go ahead. Under the terms of the Public Service Agreement, ASTI members have committed to cooperating with Senior Cycle Redevelopment. In addition, in engagements before the ballot process, the ASTI confirmed to Department officials that their members will teach the new and revised specifications from the next school year. Minister McEntee added: 'As I confirmed in April, the implementation of the programme will continue with the introduction of the first tranche of new and revised Leaving Certificate subjects in September 2025 as previously announced. 'From the very outset, the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme has been motivated by the needs of our students. "The world is rapidly changing and it is important that we equip students with the skills they will need to succeed and to thrive when they finish school.' In the coming days, the Department will seek to engage with the leadership of the Teachers' Union of Ireland as it proceeds to implement the support measures. ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie said: 'ASTI research published in 2025 shows that a key concern is the lack of resources and capacity in schools to introduce such radical change in an effective manner. "Furthermore, the supports on offer do little to provide a Senior Cycle experience for all students that addresses the core inequalities that are in place in the second-level system."
