Leaders’ Question Bord na Móna Factory
Thursday, 23 March 2017, Leaders’ Question Bord na Móna Factory Littleton.
Deputy Michael Lowry Leaders’ Questions on Thursday 23rd March in connection to the Bord na Móna Littleton Factory following this week revelations that Bord na Móna is carrying out a comprehensive review of its briquetting operations.
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
I wish to raise the issue of the Government’s position with regard to support of Bord na Móna. Bord na Móna, in particular, the Littleton plant in my constituency, has been traditionally known for its production of briquettes for more than 40 years and has given valuable employment to people from Littleton, Killenaule, Templetuohy, Thurles and surrounding areas. The facility in Littleton can be traced back to Bord na Móna’s roots. Recently, to safeguard the facility in Littleton, workers have accepted restructuring proposals from management and unions through the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. This is a clear commitment that the workforce at Littleton briquette factory is committed to its future.
Recently we have heard about a Bord na Móna review of peat production operations and briquette manufacturing factories. This has led to concerns and fears among more than 120 workers at the Littleton plant. Bord na Móna is going through a difficult time in terms of the sales of briquettes, principally because of the imposition of carbon tax at the insistence of the Green Party in the 2010 budget. At that time, I negotiated a derogation for peat produced products but it was reintroduced in 2013. Since 2013 the carbon tax has doubled meaning that there is a 50 cent tariff on every bale of briquettes produced. On top of that, the import of unregulated fuel products from Northern Ireland is a massive problem in the marketplace for Bord na Móna.
The current review by Bord na Móna of its peat operations is of fundamental and critical importance. Its recommendations will shape the future of peat production in Ireland. It will determine what quantities of briquette production will be required for the marketplace in the future. It will also determine the number of production facilities and recommend the location of the factory or factories. Its recommendations will have far-reaching implications and shuddering consequences. It has the potential to destroy livelihoods and to consign workers and dependent families to financial hardship. The outcome of the report is capable of wreaking havoc on local communities. Therefore, the report is a very serious matter that must treated in a professional, responsible, fair and caring manner.
The Tánaiste must understand that this is a nerve-tingling time for the employees of Bord na Móna, whether they are in Tipperary, Offaly or another part of the midlands. The prospect of further rationalisation or consolidation has struck fear in the hearts and minds of employees. What is the Government’s position on the Bord na Móna efforts?
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
As the Deputy well knows, Bord na Móna is a commercial State company and the management and operation of briquette factories is an operational matter for the company and not one in which the Government has any direct role or function. However, I recognise the points the Deputy has made on the concerns of the employees in both places at present. Bord na Móna is facing significant business challenges in the context of the deregulation of the electricity market and increasingly competitive and challenging environments across all its business areas, not least its fuels business. It has been operating at a level significantly below capacity in recent times and there are a number of initiatives under way at present.
A comprehensive review is being undertaken at present on the operations at Littleton in County Tipperary and Derrinlough in County Offaly. The review will examine projected demand for peat briquettes as well as the plans for biomass and the combined capacity and infrastructure needed to deliver production to meet the forecasted demand. A serious analysis is being carried out at present on the production capacity and the demand and how they can be matched. As it requires much input from a number of people, the review is not expected to be finalised before May at the earliest. We will await the review and its analysis.
In the meantime, Bord na Móna has been working with and briefing staff and employees in the fuels business have been briefed on the review. I assure the Deputy that I understand that ongoing updates will be provided to them. Management has also provided assurances that no decision on the future of the plants will be taken until the review is completed. At the very least, we must await the outcome of the review in May. No one at this point can predict the recommendations that will be in the review, but there are a number of initiatives taking place which it is hoped will give the best outcome for the jobs about which the Deputy speaks. For example, there is a pilot trial for the production and sale of a biomass briquette made at its factory at Littleton for the past 12 months. The development of a biomass briquette is a significant investment by Bord na Móna Fuels and a critical step in future proofing the jobs the Deputy is highlighting and meeting the particular challenges faced by the company at present. However, the company is investing in research to see how it can best meet those challenges ahead.
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
It is important to realise that the Government has a responsibility to oversee the policies of Bord na Móna and how they impact on employment. I presume there is a process involved here. As the Tánaiste indicated, the report will be published in May. I presume it will go to the board of Bord na Móna before being submitted to the joint committee with responsibility for energy and natural resources, the Minister and the Government. The future plans and ambition of Bord na Móna must not be curtailed by financial necessity. The Government must encourage and support the company by making available the substantial funds required to invest in upgrading existing plants such as Littleton and providing the €35 million required to install and commission a combined heat and power plant at the Littleton site. The trial at Littleton has been highly successful and made substantial progress. I hope its conclusions will show we can manufacture a biomass peat product and that this product, combined with investment in the combined heat and power plant, will secure the site’s future. I ask that the Minister take this into account in his discussions with Bord na Móna.
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I will ask the Minister to liaise directly with Deputy Lowry on this issue. It is planned to run further biomass production trials alongside peat briquette production in the next few months, with a view to completing a detailed business case for this product. The business case will consider the location for the commercial scale biomass plant. If or when this product is developed, it will offer an opportunity to provide sustainable, long-term, quality jobs in the fuels and feedstock divisions of Bord na Móna. As the Deputy noted, there is still some way to go and we await the review at the end of May and the results of the pilot projects which are assessing the viability of the product and how it could be developed. At that point, there will no doubt be committee hearings on the report. We await with interest the outcome in May.
Michael Lowry T.D. 2016 Election Launch
Tipperary Hurling Star Eoin Kelly Launches Deputy Michael Lowry Election Campaign 2016
Speaking at the launch of his forthcoming 2016 general election campaign last Friday night, Michael Lowry T.D. spoke extensively on the need to progress rural Ireland forward to reflect the recovery being experienced in more easterly urban areas.
The event launched by Eoin Kelly, was without doubt one of the most successful political campaigns ever witnessed in County Tipperary. The event, which took place in the Anner Hotel, Thurles saw the venue swamped to capacity, with supporters travelling dangerous icy roads, from north and south of the County. Two large television screens were conveniently placed in the hotels foyer and main bar area. Both assets allowed for late comers, many who were unable to enter the main ballroom area, to watch proceeding live.
Deputy Lowry’s previous efforts in the retention of South Tipperary General Hospital and his recent prominence in the need to retain the Rural Practice Allowance Scheme for GP’s had not gone unnoticed. Support for his efforts saw people travel from Clonmel, Ballylooby, Bansha, Cahir, Ballyporreen, Carrick-on- Suir, and Cashel. His work rate was acknowledged also by his constituent members who flocked from the towns and villages of Upperchurch, Kilcommon, Nenagh, Silvermines, Roscrea and Templemore, to name but a few.
A number of guest speakers addressed over 600 supporters, discussing issues of current importance in relating to communities throughout the County. The topics discussed related to Education, Crime, Agriculture, Food Production, Sport, Special Education, Health, Youth Affairs and the Elderly. From the floor of the venue came discussions from varying sports personnel, members of the farming communities and small businesses pledging their thanks and support.
At the event, Deputy Lowry praised the magnificent efforts of numerous voluntary bodies throughout the county. He acknowledged the many excellent resources available today in the villages and towns of the county, but stated that rural Tipperary now felt neglected by the present decision makers.
Michael Lowry T.D. demands clarity from C&C on reports that it is to close down its plant in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary with the loss of up to 140 jobs
Michael Lowry T.D. demands clarity from C&C on reports that it is to close down its plant in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary with the loss of up to 140 jobs.
Lowry critical of C&C’s conduct
The Deputy, addressing the media, has described the present situation as utterly shocking and disrespectful to the Borrisoleigh work force. Since the takeover of Gleesons by C&C, I have been sceptical and suspicious of their motivations. From the onset there has been great difficulty with C&C to outline any business plan for the Borrisoleigh plant.
“Since the change of ownership, C&C have been reluctant to hold any meaningful engagement with employees and to communicate future plans for the Borrisoleigh site. After much aggravation they eventually agreed to recognise the Union SIPTU, but even then the company information was sparse”, said Lowry
The plant in Borrisoleigh was gradually diluted through the reduction of manufacturing jobs by voluntary redundancies and by the diversion of sales and administration to Belfast in Northern Ireland. The centralizing of management to the UK office saw the closing of their logistics office with this function outsourced to the private sector and the long destabilised practice of local management of plant, discontinued.
Deputy Lowry stated “Effectively what we are witnessing here is closure by stealth. The failure of the company to properly communicate with staff is deplorable. C&C have been disingenuous with regard to their real intentions regarding the Borrisoleigh site. Their method of doing business, their conduct and overall behaviour is nothing short of despicable.
“The Gleeson plant is synonymous with the village of Borrisoleigh and its people for generations have been the heartbeat of this local economy. This action by C&C will have a devastating impact on the workers and their families and the entire community.
“It is ironic that the company has been working 3 shifts to meet demand and that the plant has made substantial profits during its 2015 operations. C&C are a publically listed company, driven by shareholder demands. The human costs of this heartless decision are not regarded as a deciding factor. It would appear, ‘nothing must be allowed get in the way of profits’.
“I wish to convey my complete support with all employees affected by this sudden announcement and respectfully request that C&C now enter into meaningful negotiations with staff, management and Union representatives in an effort to resolve these matters” concluded Michael Lowry T.D.
Failure to install new CT scanner at South Tipperary General Hospital is causing unnecessary inconvenience to seriously ill patients
Deputy Lowry Highlights CT Scanner Issues at South Tipperary General Hospital
A current CT scanner which is over 16 years old and presently installed at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel has malfunctioned yet again. The immediate consequence of this equipment failure is that Tipperary patients are being transported to other hospitals in the region, to undergo urgent and necessary CT Scans.
“The absurdity of this issue, which I highlighted today, becomes even more ludicrous when we discover that there already exists a brand new CT scanner still packed in its box, waiting to be installed at the South Tipperary facility for almost 3 years. While it is understood that works are underway to install this new scanner I have been informed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that it will be towards the end of 2016 before same is available for patients use.
As a result of the old CT scanner breaking down yet again, Hospital staffs are now obliged to transport urgent patients to facilities believed to include Waterford (52 min or 47.1km or 30 mls) and Limerick (1h-24 min or 82.6km or 51mls) depending on availability, for necessary CT Scans.
This incompetent state of affairs is causing unnecessary inconvenience to seriously ill patients, c the ambulance service and an overworked hospital staff, while also costing an already underfunded HSE unnecessary extra expense” concluded Michael Lowry T.D.
The refusal by the Health Service Executive to approve services at Scoil Aonghusa Cashel is causing unwarranted hardship and inconvenience.
The refusal by the Health Service Executive to approve services at Scoil Aonghusa Cashel is causing unwarranted hardship and inconvenience.
The experience of parents and their teachers regarding children with special educational needs over the lifetime of this government has become a national disgrace. Continuous muddled government policies over how to provide for such children, together with the shortage of resources and the non-availability of facilities, consign many to what can only be described as ‘bureaucratic purgatory’.
These problems are further exacerbated by parents being forced to lurch from crisis to crisis trying to ensure that their children receive a basic education appropriate to their needs, while also endeavouring to locate a continuous and safe environment. All too often, parents with children of special needs, spend a large proportion of their earnings, not to mention months of precious time, to find that there are insufficient services or they have to wait weeks, months, even years before they can get therapy and support for their child.
Last Monday night, I attended a meeting in ‘Scoil Aonghusa’ school in Cashel. This co-educational school which facilitates 85 individuals with multiple physical, emotional and other learning difficulties. These pupils need immediate specialist services and are receiving very little support or funding from the Health Service Executive. I am aware that this is a national issue but similarly, another school ‘Scoil Cormaic’ based too in Cashel who assist to 223 children and young adults also see the constant reoccurrence of minimal services being provided.
The introduction of the Progressive Disability Services for Children and Young Children established by the Health Service Executive to change the way services are provided, is a haphazard, unpredictable, ‘billy- to- jack’, delivery of service and therapy. This project is not going to alleviate any problem. We need services delivered consistently and cohesively and in collaboration with parents and teachers. We need to start listening to parents and teachers who care for these children every day. Both are acutely aware of what needs to be undertaken and how efficient delivery of such services can be fully achieved.
Children with special needs should have access to all the specialist therapy and supports they require not out of luxury, but out of necessity. Lack of funding for services is the current governments daily recited turn of phrase that parents and teachers hear repeatedly, but shouldn’t we find that funding, and shouldn’t funding for children with special needs be a first priority? We need to ensure that everything is in place for them to be enabled to reach their full potential. Instead, without funding and adequate numbers of therapists the government is guilty of preventing these children from reaching their potential, when life has already put enough obstacles in their way.
Yes, we have moved on in terms of assessing and diagnosing children, but support and services for children with special needs has not. Children with special needs are still not receiving the support they need and deserve, in this country. What good is an assessment or a diagnosis, without follow up therapy and support from specialists? It just gives parents and teachers a keyword to research on ‘Google’.
It is evident that this continued chaos of care and services is not at fault with psychologists or therapists, their caseloads are simply too big to meet the needs of so many children. In the absence of services, our teachers are to be applauded for the incredible work they are undertaking to meet the requirements of these children and the after school support they are also providing to parents.
In our last budget we heard that there are more resource and learning support teaching positions being sanctioned. It is obvious that these posts are vital and should continue to increase, however what you don’t hear and what these announcements hide is the fighting, pleading and justification that schools and parents have to make to get these posts. What you don’t hear is how overwhelmed teachers and parents are, to meet the needs of children when there are little or no therapists or services. We need more specialist therapists and psychologists and we need them available to schools, to parents and ultimately to the children with additional needs who deserve them. We need this as a matter of priority.
Michael Lowry TD condemns the chaos & heartbreak caused by Bank Repossessions across Tipperary
Michael Lowry TD condemns the chaos & heartbreak caused by Bank Repossessions
Following a review undertaken by Deputy Michael Lowry TD; he is now aware that appearing before the Court in Nenagh on Thursday last, financial institutions sought 86 applications for home repossessions, with similar figures being repeated in Clonmel and Nenagh every couple of months. The majority of these applications are causing intense anxiety, distress and disruption to Tipperary individuals and their families, who remain, firmly, the victims of a banking industry which has been permitted to run out of control.
This same banking industry was led by exorbitantly well-paid executives with all of the resources of economists, blue-chip accountancy firms, together with consultants, at their finger-tips. Despite this scenario, their corporate structure fully succeeded in detonating a massive, caustic explosion within the Irish economy, not just demoralising their customers but collapsing the very foundations of its own structures. Despite this financial catastrophe, the Irish Government and tax-payers combined to bail out these financial institutions at huge costs, thus saving them from their own avaricious negligence and wilful recklessness.
Deputy Michael Lowry now probes the question:
“What have the Irish people gained from these financial institutions, in return for their largesse and support?”
“While we are still caught in a difficult and dangerous situation and ‘on the hook’ for tens of billions, which these banks, through absolute avarice, have cost this country; we nevertheless still have these same arrogant bankers treating ordinary house-holders and their families with ruthless aggression. Do not be misled by Government propaganda; their Insolvency Service is just another quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation; a quango if you will, with banks still allowed to hold a veto over all mortgage arrangements.
“Mortgage holders presently in financial difficulty are being treated in horrendous ways; terrorised out of their homes without any proper or real engagement; designed to restructure mortgages and achieve civilised and humanitarian solutions. On top of this, we have the disgraceful situation of huge regulatory fines being imposed on the parent banks of some institutions operating and advertising here in Ireland; arising from the fraudulent manipulation of interbank benchmark rates and foreign exchange markets.
“I am almost on a daily basis, being confronted with appalling instances of financial institutions being allowed to ignore their own wrong-doings and trample on Irish borrowers. I have been consulted by one parent, in the building sector, who in addition to his family home and with a view to helping pay for his children’s education, bought just one ‘buy-to-let’ house in 2006. With the collapse of the building industry, he still managed to find occasional work, but fell into arrears. These arrears which, at their very worst, rose to just €5,500, had by 2013, been reduced to €1,600. However his financial institution still appointed a Receiver, sold his house and pursued him through the Courts to reclaim the balance.
“Yet another vulnerable family were convinced by a Broker that he could get them a Mortgage in circumstances where they should never have been approved. He took a fee of €2,500 from them for his work; got them a mortgage which realistically could never be paid and they in return are now being hounded out of their home by their financial institution, which accepts no responsibility in the matter.”
These are just two examples from numerous similar situations.
“At present, borrowers are being held to account for their behaviour, however financial institutions are permitted to sail completely free of having to take any share of the responsibility for the chaos, distress and heart-break, which has resulted from this present financial crisis. Again, I state that this recent crisis has been caused primarily by these same financial institutions, who had all the ‘top-notch’ advice and who have spent the past year before the Banking Inquiry, unable to recall their actions and refusing profusely to take any responsibility for their totally dissolute actions.
I firmly believe that borrowers, particularly distressed home-owners, should get some respite. Why should thousands of individuals and whole families be put on local authority housing lists, simply because bankers went fanatical; wildly encouraging people to borrow 100% loans, most often knowingly aware of peoples inability to repay?
“I demand a new deal for distressed home-owners under which our banks and Vulture Funds, which bought many of their Loan Books, will immediately be forced to enter into the following arrangements with borrowers. In other words, where a borrower is committed to an agreed affordable repayment situation (initially for a trial period of say 2 years), same should be permitted to keep their homes, on the condition that they abide by same pre-agreed affordable repayment. Legislation to compel these arrangements should be a priority for any incoming Government.”
Deputy Michael Lowry calls on the people of Tipperary to help in his re-election campaign.
Michael Lowry General Election Campaign
I wish to invite interested people in South & North Tipperary, regardless of their experience, to help in my re-election campaign.
I am an experienced, Independent politician with a track record of committed service and delivery to individuals and community in North Tipperary. I would like to offer the people of South Tipperary the benefit of my extensive knowledge of Government, both locally and nationally. It is likely that in the next Government, solid, Independent T.D.s will have a much enhanced influence.
Over the years, I have built up a network of contacts in Business, Farming, the Health Service, the Social Welfare Service and many other areas of Irish life. This affords me the advantage of being able to efficiently solve the numerous problems which people refer to me daily.
I have built an excellent support base, parish by parish in North Tipperary. This has taken place over a long period and has been achieved without the structures and support which is available to established party candidates. In the short period before the election, I cannot possibly achieve the same support base in the South of the county without the help of people who see in me a candidate worthy of their support.
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in helping me with my Election campaign, please phone 087 4329300 or email me on elections@michaellowry.ie
Deputy Michael Lowry calls for a full reversal to the proposed opening hours changes at Cashel Library.
Deputy Michael Lowry calls for a full reversal to the proposed opening hours changes at Cashel Library.
Deputy Michael Lowry has called on Tipperary Co. Council and its Chief Executive Joe MacGrath to reverse its decision to change the opening hours of Cashel Library.
Deputy Lowry said I have personally written to Tipperary Co. Councils Chief Executive Joe MacGrath requesting a full reversal of the council’s decision.
Cashel’s Library service is one which focuses on building a sense of community, it is also a place which inspires and educates its users both young and old. The removal of the Saturday service will be detrimental to the Families and working Parents who use the service regularly at the weekends.
It’s time for platitude statements in relation to Cashel library to cease and I again call for a full reversal of the Council’s decision
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY DECLARES FOR GENERAL ELECTION
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY DECLARES FOR GENERAL ELECTION
LOWRY CONFIRMS INTENTION TO CONTEST NEXT ELECTION.
Michael Lowry, T.D. has announced his intention to contest the forthcoming General Election as an Independent Candidate for the newly formed Constituency of Tipperary. For the first time in 67 years this historic election will allow the voters of County Tipperary to speak with a united voice. Culturally, socially, across business, education, sport and beyond, the people of Tipperary have always been proud to call themselves sons and daughters of the Premier County.
It is evident that a rural crisis has developed over the last number of years. As a largely rural community, Tipperary has ample experience of this fact. We are told every day that Ireland is on the move – the recession is over – we are on the road to recovery. This recovery road has not yet arrived in our county. A crippling lack of jobs, a creaking health service, a frightening increase in rural crime, poor or non-existent broadband has led to a sense of despondency and isolation amongst us.
In our once thriving small towns and villages we observe factories with padlocked gates, boarded-up shops, closed Garda Stations and communities diminished because of emigration. It is sad to witness our rural way of life decline.
I consider this election to be the biggest challenge in my political career. Tipperary, being one of the biggest counties in the country, poses major campaign problems for all politicians, but particularly for me as an independent candidate. In South Tipperary I do not have access to the structures and support like that of the established political parties. Here, it will be a difficult task to build my support group, parish by parish, as I have done in North Tipperary over the years.
Therefore, I am inviting any person, regardless of experience, to lend a hand and give some time to my campaign. The process of mobilising my campaign is underway and I will shortly, publicly launch my campaign. With only five Seats available it will require a huge effort by my organisation to return me as a representative to Dáil Éireann. Throughout my political career I have tirelessly and continuously worked on behalf of individuals, families and communities regardless of their political affiliation. Each day I am moved by genuine cases of hardship and misfortune – people losing jobs, pay cuts, inability to pay mortgages and bills, no opportunities for young people finishing their education, delays in getting access to health services. More than ever the people of Tipperary are entitled to demand leadership, honesty, and hard work from their elected representatives. I renew my commitment to working on behalf of the people of Tipperary and delivering results that make a difference.
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to represent my county in Dáil Éireann. The loyalty and support shown to me through good times and bad has given me great strength and encouragement. I look forward to receiving a mandate from the people of Tipperary to serve as one of their representatives in the 32nd Dáil.
Kind regards
MICHAEL LOWRY T.D.
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY APPLAUDS THE PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION OF STAFF AT SOUTH TIPPERARY GENERAL HOSPITAL
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY APPLAUDS THE PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION OF STAFF AT SOUTH TIPPERARY GENERAL HOSPITAL AS REVEALED IN THE REVIEW INTO GOVERNANCE OF MATERNITY SERVICES AT STGH.
The report completed by Mr. David Flory of the UK’s NHS Trust Development Authority on The Review Into Governance Of Maternity Services At STGH only confirms what we already know which is that the staff at the Maternity Unit are professional, committed and caring. The quality of care at the Clonmel unit and the positive statistical outturn is above the national average. However the Report does highlight the necessity of improvements and developments to the service delivered. It is imperative that any element of risk to mothers and babies be eliminated. It is undesirable to have long-term Locum Obstetricians in place. There is a need for permanent appointments and the appointment of a fourth obstetrician consultant. The Report confirms the necessity to upgrade the accommodation and facilities. There is an obvious need to increase staffing numbers.
The Governance model needs to change. Change has to be instigated. Change needs to be led by the HSE and must be funded and implemented. If the gaps identified in the service and the issues raised in the report are not addressed it will lead to an undermining of the service. Strengthening the Management and governance and addressing the issues raised in the report is essential before the upcoming national review on Maternity Services in Ireland is completed. The Management and Staff at the Maternity Unit are doing excellent work and deserve and require our full support and the resources necessary to sustain the Unit into the future.
MICHAEL LOWRY T.D.