Yearly Archives: 2021

Sinn Féin only party to oppose LPT increase for Waterford homeowners

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness was the only West Waterford political representative to vote against a 10% increase in the LPT. Sinn Féin had instead proposed a 10% reduction in LPT for Waterford homeowners. The vote took placee at the July meeting of Waterford City and County Council, and comes ahead of a re-valuationContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin only party to oppose LPT increase for Waterford homeowners”

McGuinness secures unanimous support for Cé Heilbhic dredging call

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness won the backing of all Dungarvan-Lismore District Councillors for his motion that calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to allow his Department fund the preparatory works required to carry out dredging at Cé Heilbhic. McGuinness brought a formal, written motion before the July meeting ofContinueContinue reading “McGuinness secures unanimous support for Cé Heilbhic dredging call”

Lismore housing development may not go ahead – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor for West Waterford has said that action is required in relation to the proposed construction of 17 houses at Railway Gardens in Lismore. He made the comments after council officials confirmed to him that the developer is not in a position to proceed with the project as agreed, and that it isContinueContinue reading “Lismore housing development may not go ahead – McGuinness”

McGuinness appointed Peace Commissioner for Waterford

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed as Peace Commissioner for Waterford and adjoining counties.  The powers and duties of Peace Commissioners consist primarily of taking statutory declarations, witnessing signatures on documents if required by various authorities and signing certificates and orders under various pieces of legislation.  It is an honorary position andContinueContinue reading “McGuinness appointed Peace Commissioner for Waterford”

Update on Covid situation in West Waterford

05 July 2021 Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has given an update on the Covid-19 outbreak in West Waterford, and commended the community, the public health team, and the National Ambulance Service for their response to date. McGuinness said: “There has been a huge response from the community locally, with well over 10% ofContinueContinue reading “Update on Covid situation in West Waterford”

New Sinn Féin cumann for Lismore LEA

West Waterford Sinn Féin has decided to establish a new cumann in the Lismore Local Electoral Area (LEA) to support the continued growth of the party in that area. Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness welcomed the decision and said that it demonstrates the appetite for political change that exists across Waterford.  McGuinness said: “SinnContinueContinue reading “New Sinn Féin cumann for Lismore LEA”

Time to declare Waterford an ‘LGBT Freedom Zone’ – McGuinness

The leader of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford Council Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Waterford should be formally declared an ‘LGBT+ Freedom Zone’.  Cllr McGuinness said: “Waterford is an open, welcoming and tolerant place. The strong stand by the LGBT community itself as well as the outpouring of solidarity and support overContinueContinue reading “Time to declare Waterford an ‘LGBT Freedom Zone’ – McGuinness”

Government must stand up for fishermen and end unfair treatment – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has urged the government to stand up for Irish fishermen and end the long-running injustices in the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy. He made the comments at the demonstration by fishing families that took place on the Liffey and outside the Convention Centre in Dublin. All five of Waterford’s SinnContinueContinue reading “Government must stand up for fishermen and end unfair treatment – McGuinness”

McGuinness welcome HSE move to open test centre in Dungarvan

20 June 2021 Sinn Féin Councillor and Waterford representative on the Regional Health Forum Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the move by the HSE to open a temporary test centre in Dungarvan in an effort to control the outbreak of Covid-19 in West Waterford. McGuinness said: “A ‘pop-up’ Covid testing site will open Dungarvan fromContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcome HSE move to open test centre in Dungarvan”

McGuinness comments on emerging Covid Situation in West Waterford

20 June 2021 Sinn Féin’s representative for West Waterford Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has commented on the emerging situation in the area and has appealed for people to double down on the basic public health precautions. He also called on the HSE to open a test centre in Dungarvan to help address the situation locally.ContinueContinue reading “McGuinness comments on emerging Covid Situation in West Waterford”

House Price Increases hitting young families the hardest – McGuinness

Responding to the Daft.ie survey that showed a dramatic increase in house prices in coastal locations Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness said that young families and bearing the brunt of out-of-control inflation in the housing market. McGuinness said: “Young couples and families in Waterford are being priced out of their communities. This is especiallyContinueContinue reading “House Price Increases hitting young families the hardest – McGuinness”

‘Restore the Right to Retire at 65’ – Waterford Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for the right to retire at 65 to be restored by Government. He made the call as the Sinn Féin Council group submitted a motion to Waterford City and County Council that supports the campaign to overturn the Government’s unfair policies on retirement and pensions.  McGuinness said:ContinueContinue reading “‘Restore the Right to Retire at 65’ – Waterford Sinn Féin”

McGuinness welcomes European Commission competition charges against Insurance Ireland

Sinn Féin Councillor and EU Council of the Regions member Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed preliminary findings by the European Commission that Insurance Ireland broke competition rules by denying insurance companies and new entrants access to its claims data sharing platform. McGuinness had drafted the Sinn Féin submission to the European Commission that triggered theContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes European Commission competition charges against Insurance Ireland”

New CSO house price figures paint a hopeless picture for Waterford homebuyers – McGuinness

Sinn Féin’s leader on Waterford City and County Council Conor D. McGuinness has  said that the latest house price figures from the CSO paint an “increasingly hopeless picture for homebuyers”. McGuinness said: “The latest CSO house price index shows the average price increases outside of Dublin stands at 4.9% for houses, while apartment prices rose byContinueContinue reading “New CSO house price figures paint a hopeless picture for Waterford homebuyers – McGuinness”

McGuinness calls for multi-agency mental health crisis team for Waterford

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for the establishment of a multi-agency mental health crisis de-escalation team in Waterford.  McGuinness said “I am calling on the Government to establish a mental health crisis de-escalation team for Waterford. Such a team would involve mental health professionals and specially trained members of the Gardaí. TheContinueContinue reading “McGuinness calls for multi-agency mental health crisis team for Waterford”

Waterford Sinn Féin condemns homophobic incidents

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane and Council Group Leader Conor D. McGuinness have condemned the removal and burning of pride flags on the Mall in WaterfordCity on two occasions this week. The flags were flown last weekend to mark International LGBT Pride month, and to coincide with the Pride of the Déise festival.  Deputy DavidContinueContinue reading “Waterford Sinn Féin condemns homophobic incidents”

South East’s 6.5% house price increase illustrates Government failure on affordable housing – McGuinness

The Sinn Féin leader on Waterford City and County Council, Conor D. McGuinness has said the Government is continuing to fail on affordable housing. The West Waterford Councillor made the comments in response to the latest CSO Residential Property Price Index report, which shows that house prices have continued to rise. McGuinness said: “The latestContinueContinue reading “South East’s 6.5% house price increase illustrates Government failure on affordable housing – McGuinness”

McGuinness: Córas Séarachais Nua ar na bioráin don Rinn

Chuir an comhairleoir de chuid Shinn Féin Conor D. McGuinness fáilte roimh roimh dhearbhú ó Uisce Éireann go bhfuil pleananna do chóras séarachais nua don Rinn i anois sa chéim dhearaidh. Siad McGuinness: “Tá géarghá leis an gcóras séarachais sa Rinn a uasghrádú agus táim tar éis stocaireacht a dhéanamh ar a son le bliantaContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Córas Séarachais Nua ar na bioráin don Rinn”

New Sewage System in the pipeline for An Rinn – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation from Irish Water that plans for a new sewage system for An Rinn have now entered the design phase.  McGuinness said: “I have been campaigning for a major upgrade to the sewage system in An Rinn for several years now. The existing system is not fit-for-purpose,ContinueContinue reading “New Sewage System in the pipeline for An Rinn – McGuinness”

Retrofit scheme for council houses should come West – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the limited energy retrofitting scheme for council houses that was announced recently should be used to improve the efficiency of council houses in West Wateford. Speaking at the plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, McGuinness said:  “I am aware that the Council has beenContinueContinue reading “Retrofit scheme for council houses should come West – McGuinness”

McGuinness: Government must legislate for disabled people’s right to independent living

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Government should introduce legislation to ensure that Personal Assistance Services (PAS) is delivered for those that require it. He made the comments after Waterford Council passed a Sinn Féin motion in support of the Independent Living Movement’s PAS campaign.  McGuinness said: “Waterford Council has givenContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Government must legislate for disabled people’s right to independent living”

Survey on rip-off insurance premiums launched

Sinn Féin has launched a survey of people’s experiences with rip-off insurance premiums. The party’s leader on Waterford Council Conor D. McGuinness said: “We have launched a survey of people’s experiences with rip-off insurance premiums. “My party colleague Pearse Doherty TD has been battling to end the insurance rip-off and we want to know ifContinueContinue reading “Survey on rip-off insurance premiums launched”

Council assistance requested to keep An Coinigéar clean

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has asked the Council’s Environment Department for its assistance in keeping An Coinigéar clean. The sand spit that stretches across Dungarvan Bay is popular with walkers and runners alike.  Speaking at the May meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council, McGuinness said: “An Coinigéar is a wonderful and very popularContinueContinue reading “Council assistance requested to keep An Coinigéar clean”

McGuinness calls for accessibility audit on outdoor seating schemes

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on Waterford City and County Council to undertake an ‘accessibility audit’ of its 2021 outdoor seating scheme to ensure that it doesn’t impede on people with disabilities or those with reduced mobility. McGuinness said: “The 2021 outdoor seating scheme is going ahead and will provide a reliefContinueContinue reading “McGuinness calls for accessibility audit on outdoor seating schemes”

McGuinness calls for traffic management plans, community consultation ahead of summer season

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness called on the Council’s Roads Department to put traffic management plans in place for popular amenities and visitor attractions across Co. Waterford ahead of the sumer tourist season. He made the call at the May plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.  McGuinness said: “Last year we sawContinueContinue reading “McGuinness calls for traffic management plans, community consultation ahead of summer season”

Heilbhic dredging funding anomaly raised with Minister – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has raised the anomaly regarding funding for dredging works with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine during an online meeting on fisheries issues.  Speaking after the meeting McGuinness said: “I met with Minister Charlie McConalogue this evening and raised the urgent need for dredging at Cé Heilbhic.ContinueContinue reading “Heilbhic dredging funding anomaly raised with Minister – McGuinness”

Road safety measures for St. Mary’s NS

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has asked the Council to install enhanced road safety measures at both the Mitchell St. and Youghal Road entrances to St. Mary’s National School in Dungarvan. He raised the issue at the May meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council.  McGuinness said: “I have received representations from several quarters inContinueContinue reading “Road safety measures for St. Mary’s NS”

Speech: James Quain centenary commemoration

Speech by Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness at the centenary commemoration for James Quain held at Kinsalebeg, May 2021. a chairde,  James Quain I want to say a few words this afternoon as we remember young James Quain, who was shot and killed one hundred years ago today.  At the outset I would like to thankContinueContinue reading “Speech: James Quain centenary commemoration”

Waterford mortgage holders left behind by government’s refusal to secure Covid-19 payment breaks – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has criticised the government for refusing to provide relief for hard-pressed mortgage holders, despite the European Banking Authority allowing for the reactivation of Covid-19 payment breaks since 2nd December. McGuinness is a member of the European Committee of the Regions and has been following the authorisation of mortgage breaksContinueContinue reading “Waterford mortgage holders left behind by government’s refusal to secure Covid-19 payment breaks – McGuinness”

Public lighting contract out for tender – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation from Council management that the local authority’s public lighting maintenance contract is currently out for tender. McGuinness has consistently raised concerns about value for money, responsiveness and other performance indicators in relation to the maintenance of public lighting in the Dungarvan-Lismore district. McGuinness raised the issueContinueContinue reading “Public lighting contract out for tender – McGuinness”

Government must fund dredging works – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the refusal by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to fund dredging works in local authority fisheries harbours is penny wise but pound foolish. He made the comments after the February meeting of Waterford Council, where he had raised the issue of funding harbourContinueContinue reading “Government must fund dredging works – McGuinness”

McGuinness welcomes N72 surface works and N25 safety improvements.

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the inclusion of significant road surface improvement works along the N72, and the long-awaited safety improvement works on the N25. The works are included in the Annual Service Plan that was approved at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council. McGuinness said: “I was gladContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes N72 surface works and N25 safety improvements.”

Development Contribution Scheme provide opportunity to incentivise eco-friendly homes – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the pending review of the Council’s development contribution scheme provides a useful opportunity to introduce measures to make investment in eco-friendly methods and specifications more attractive to developers and self-builders alike. He made the comments at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council, whereContinueContinue reading “Development Contribution Scheme provide opportunity to incentivise eco-friendly homes – McGuinness”

Casual trading shake-up passes Council – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has thanked fellow councillors for giving their unanimous backing to the new Casual Trading Byelaws that he helped to draft. The new regulations were formally adopted at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council. McGuinness said: “As a member of the Economic Development and Enterprise Committee IContinueContinue reading “Casual trading shake-up passes Council – McGuinness”

Roadworks funding delay causing concerns – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness questioned the ongoing delay affecting the allocation of Department of Transport funding for the annual Road Works Programme at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council. “A series of workshops were to take place across the three council districts this week to discuss the Road Works ProgrammeContinueContinue reading “Roadworks funding delay causing concerns – McGuinness”

Public must be consulted on sustainable transport projects roll-out – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the public must be consulted at all stages and on all projects as part of the roll-out of the sustainable transport projects that have been announced by the National Transport Authority. McGuinness raised a number of questions regarding recent transport announcements during the February meeting ofContinueContinue reading “Public must be consulted on sustainable transport projects roll-out – McGuinness”

Dáil must legislate on use of CCTV to tackle illegal dumping – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on all parties to work together to address the legal issues surrounding the use of CCTV by local authorities to detect illegal dumpers. McGuinness raised the issue at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council, where he asked that the Council write to each politicalContinueContinue reading “Dáil must legislate on use of CCTV to tackle illegal dumping – McGuinness”

McGuinness secures backing for Wind Turbine submission

Sinn Féin’s leader on Waterford City and County Council has secured cross-party support to hold a single-purpose meeting of Waterford City and County meeting to prepare a submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the proposed Lyrenacarriga wind farm outside Knockanore. The Councillor raised the issue at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council.ContinueContinue reading “McGuinness secures backing for Wind Turbine submission”

Causeway Tennis Club saga finally resolved – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the resolution of the long-running saga regarding the property occupied by the Causeway Tennis and Bowls Club in Dungarvan. McGuinness secured the backing of the full Council for his proposal to offer the club a 75 year lease on the land. McGuinness said: “This very complicated issueContinueContinue reading “Causeway Tennis Club saga finally resolved – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin calls for Council submission on Lyrenacarriga wind farm application

Sinn Féin has called on Waterford City and County Council to make a formal submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the Lyrenacarriga wind farm application. Group leader Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has requested that a special meeting is called for Councillors to have their say on the proposed development, and to draft a formal submissionContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin calls for Council submission on Lyrenacarriga wind farm application”

Níor cheart seirbhísí stáit i nGaelainn a dhiúltú don Ghaeltacht – McGuinness

Dúirt Conor McGuinness, Comhairleoir de chuid Shinn Féin, go bhfuil deis ag an rialtas beart de réir a bhriathar a déanamh i dtaobh seirbhísí stáit sa Ghaeltacht, agus Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla á phlé sa Dáil faoi láthair. Dúirt McGuinness: “Tá Oifigigh Pleanála Teanga na hÉireann, maraon le go leor eagrais agus guthanna Gaetachta eile,ContinueContinue reading “Níor cheart seirbhísí stáit i nGaelainn a dhiúltú don Ghaeltacht – McGuinness”

Green Cert Places must be increased for Young Farmers – Conor McGuinness

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Government must intervene to address the disruption seen in the Green Cert applications system. Conor McGuinness said: “Students were told that they had secured places on Green Cert courses. Only after paying their fees were they informed that a mistake had been made. “Refunds haveContinueContinue reading “Green Cert Places must be increased for Young Farmers – Conor McGuinness”

McGuinness: Uncertainty over Leaving Certificate cannot continue

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said the Government must listen to students, and give them an input on how their Leaving Certificate will take place. McGuinness said: “The past year has been very difficult for everyone, including children and young people in education. Leaving Cert students have been hit with uncertainty and confusion.ContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Uncertainty over Leaving Certificate cannot continue”

Increased state investment in homes is the only way to address Waterford’s housing supply crisis – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has expressed his dismay at the Central Bank’s most recent financial outlook, which projects that 23,000 fewer homes will be built across the state between 2020 and 2022 due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.  McGuinness said: “The Central Bank has warned that with fewer homes being delivered, combined withContinueContinue reading “Increased state investment in homes is the only way to address Waterford’s housing supply crisis – McGuinness”

Littering increase during pandemic restrictions – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that littering is on the increase locally, and that reports published this week by An Taisce and the Irish Business Against Litter group shows that this is part of a national trend of increased littering due to the pandemic. The West Waterford representative said there was aContinueContinue reading “Littering increase during pandemic restrictions – McGuinness”

Bad landlords should face sanctions, not their tenants – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that HAP tenants are bearing the brunt of sanctions that are supposed to tackle the issue of bad landlords renting sub-standard or dangerous accommodation. Speaking at the January Plenary meeting of Waterford Council, McGuinness said that HAP tenants were being put in a Catch-22 situation. He said:ContinueContinue reading “Bad landlords should face sanctions, not their tenants – McGuinness”

McGuinness: Consultation on micro-generation scheme welcome, but supports must be available to all household types

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has given a cautious welcome to the public consultation on a proposed new micro-generation scheme. He made the comments at the January meeting of Waterford City and County Council. He said any micro generation scheme brought forward by Government mush be accessible to low and middle-income families as wellContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Consultation on micro-generation scheme welcome, but supports must be available to all household types”

West Waterford Sinn Féin put best foot forward for 2021

West Waterford Sinn Féin is putting its best foot forward for 2021 and will seek to build on the large increase in activity and membership in 2020. The West Waterford cumann held its AGM via Zoom on Thursday and elected a strong officer board that is set to ‘hit the ground running’ for the yearContinueContinue reading “West Waterford Sinn Féin put best foot forward for 2021”

Young people must be consulted in Development Plan process – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for young people’s views to be listened to in framing the new City and County Development Plan for Waterford. McGuinness made the comments as the Council debates the direction the plan should take.  McGuinness said: “Children and young adults must consulted as we prepare this plan. AContinueContinue reading “Young people must be consulted in Development Plan process – McGuinness”

McGuinness welcomes €350k investment in West Waterford towns and villages

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed an inward investment of over €350,000 for five community improvement projects across West Waterford. The funding is awarded under the Town and Village Renewal project and will fund projects put forward by community groups and Waterford City and County Council. McGuinness said: “This investment is great newsContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes €350k investment in West Waterford towns and villages”

McGuinness: Waterford’s Public Lighting Contract must be reviewed

Sinn Féin councillor has said that Waterford City and County Council’s public lighting contract should be reviewed in in the wake of serious service interruptions and delays in addressing faults.  McGuinness said: “The recent blackout that affected Caseyville, St. Patrick’s Crescent and Byrneville is a case in point, and sums up the shortcomings that weContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Waterford’s Public Lighting Contract must be reviewed”

Expand Covid Supports to protect Waterford SMEs through January Lockdown – McGuinness

Sinn Féin councillor Conor McGuinness has said the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) needs to be expanded to ensure businesses are protected during the new lockdown. McGuinness said: “The new lockdown has been driven by the immediate need to protect public health, and that must always be the priority. “That said, these restrictions will placeContinueContinue reading “Expand Covid Supports to protect Waterford SMEs through January Lockdown – McGuinness”

Mental Health road map urgently needed – Conor McGuinness

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness, has said a road map for mental health support provision must be put in place, following the introduction of new Covid-19 restrictions. McGuinness said said: “I have been inundated with calls and messages from people who are unsure, worried and scared about the increase in infections of Covid-19 andContinueContinue reading “Mental Health road map urgently needed – Conor McGuinness”

Waterford’s coastal communities need a champion, but not a hide-and-seek champion – McGuinness

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Marine to stand up for Irish coastal communities and to immediately seek a re-negotiation of access to Irish fishing waters following the outcome of the Brexit trade deal. Councillor McGuinness said: “The outcome of this Brexit trade deal amountsContinueContinue reading “Waterford’s coastal communities need a champion, but not a hide-and-seek champion – McGuinness”