Author Archives: Conor D. McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that offshore wind every developments cannot be allowed destroy Waterford’s existing sea fisheries and tourism industries. McGuinness made a detailed submission in relation to the application by Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park Ltd. for a foreshore licence. The West Waterford Councillor said “Ireland needs to move towardsContinueContinue reading “Offshore wind turbines cannot be allowed destroy Waterford tourism and fisheries – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has announced details of a new service for constituents to meet the challenges and changes faced as a result of the ongoing emergency measures. McGuinness will host one-on-one constituency clinics via the online meeting and conferencing app Zoom. McGuinness said: “I am delighted to be able to offer aContinueContinue reading “McGuinness announces details of online constituency clinics”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor McGuinness and former Councillor Brendan Mansfield are set to lose their beards in aid of Pieta House. The pair will shave their beards at 8:30pm on Friday 8th May, the eve of the annual Darkness Into Light event, which has been cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. McGuinness said:ContinueContinue reading “McGuinness and Mansfield to lose beards for Pieta House”

Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation that the EPA has begun monitoring Dungarvan’s air quality. The Sinn Féin representative had lobbied extensively for Dungarvan to be added to the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP) earlier this year.  McGuinness said:  “Air quality monitoring by the EPA has recently begun in Dungarvan andContinueContinue reading “EPA air quality monitoring underway in Dungarvan – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has expressed concerns that the ongoing public health crisis is leading to an increases in domestic violence. McGuinness said: “Organisations such as Women’s Aid and Safe Ireland have pointed to an increase in people accessing their services or calling for advice and support over recent weeks. They are pointingContinueContinue reading “Increase in Domestic Violence due to Covid-19 crisis ‘deeply worrying’ – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said the European Commission’s proposal for a €80 million aid package for the agri-food sector falls short of what the sector needs as it deals with the economic fallout of the Covid-19 crisis. McGuinness is a member of the EU Committee of the Regions which gives local authoritiesContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: EU agri-food Aid Package ‘falls short’ of sectors needs “

Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Ireland’s fishing industry must not be neglected by the caretaker Government. The Sinn Féin representative has called on the Minister to come up with a comprehensive package of supports for fishermen, the seafood sector, and coastal communities.  McGuinness said: “Its very important that the fishing industry is providedContinueContinue reading “Caretaker Minister must not neglect Ireland’s fishing and seafood industries”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has added his voice to the call for continued public adherence to the emergency measures introduced to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus Covid-19. McGuinness is a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum and has been engaging regularly with regional management and public health officials over recentContinueContinue reading “Onus on everyone to stick with emergency measures – McGuinness”

Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that proposals for a fair and sustainable economic recovery made by the Unite trade union demand serious consideration. The Sinn Féin representative made the comments following Unite’s publication of Hope or Austerity, a discussion document outlining a road map for economic recovery post Covid-19. McGuinness said: “Our economy hasContinueContinue reading “Union proposals for economic recovery demand serious consideration – McGuinness”

Tá sé ráite ag an gComhairle Conor D. McGuinness gur chóir moladh a thabhairt do lucht bainistíochta na gcoláistí Gaeltachta as an cheannaireacht chróga atá léirithe acu, go háirithe go háitiúil sa Rinn. Tá cúrsaí samhraidh curtha ar ceal de dheasca na géarchéime sláinte.  Dúirt McGuinness: “Tá sé fógartha anois go bhfuil cúrsaí samhraidh iContinueContinue reading “Tacaíochtaí ag teastáil sa Ghaeltacht agus cúrsaí curtha ar ceal – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has described the response from the Minister of State for Higher Education on the issue of student accommodation refunds as “very disappointing.” McGuinness said: “I have received dozens of calls and emails from worried students and their parents on the issue of student accommodation refunds. Many will have paidContinueContinue reading “Response on student accommodation refunds ‘disappointing’ – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that adequate supports need to be put in place to support Leaving Certificate students following the postponement of this year’s exams due to Covid-19. McGuinness has written to the Department of Education requesting the establishment of a dedicated support helpline and counselling service for Leaving Cert students.ContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Dedicated supports must be made available for Leaving Cert students”

The Sinn Féin group on Waterford City and County Council has written to the Mayor and Chief Executive calling for the local authority to meet next month.  Sinn Féin leader on the Council Conor McGuinness said: “The Sinn Féin group of councillors have written to the CEO and Mayor today to signal our strong positionContinueContinue reading “Waterford Council must meet in May – Sinn Féin “

Dúirt an Comhairleoir de chuid Shinn Féin Conor D. McGuinness gur gá acmhainní a chur ar fáil láithreach chun dul i ngleic leis an mbearna in ábhar oideachais ar-líne trí mhéan na Gaeilge. Bhí McGuinness, atá ina chomhalta boird de Foras na Gaeilge, ag caint roimh chruinniú ar-líne den eagraíocht uile-Éireann. Dúirt sé: “Tá athruitheContinueContinue reading “Géarghá le breis achmainní oideachais ar-líne Gaeilge – McGuinness”

Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has suggested that a series of phased ‘open-days’ at the Dungarvan Civic Amenity Site could reward responsible citizens and disincentive those who might otherwise engage in illegal dumping. The Sinn Féin public representative has been consistent in challenging illegal dumping and has campaigned for harsher sanctions and increased enforcement efforts onContinueContinue reading “McGuinness calls for civic amenity site ‘open days’ to address spike in illegal dumping”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the Hardhsip Grant for those ‘cocooning’ and has encouraged eligible people in West Waterford to apply. The grant of up to €500 is administered by the Irish Red Cross and Age Action and seeks to respond to the immediate needs of older people that are experiencing additionalContinueContinue reading “McGuinness ecourages greater take up of €500 grant for those ‘cocooning’”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for a adequare supports to be put in place to support Leaving Certificate students following the postponement of this year’s exams due to Covid-19. McGuinness has written to the Department of Education requesting the establishment of a dedicated support helpline and counselling service for Leaving Cert students McGuinnessContinueContinue reading “Put adequate supports in place for Leaving Cert. students – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Central Bank needs to show leadership to ‘rein in’ bad behaviour by insurance companies at a time of national crisis. McGuinness said: “It can’t be business as usual for the insurance industry while the rest of society and the economy suffers because of the Covid-19ContinueContinue reading “Scandalous behaviour of the insurance industry needs to be reined in – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the plan to allow SMEs that are hit by the COVID-19 crisis to defer payments of commercial rates to local authorities for a period of three months. McGuinness had called had earlier called for a commercial rates ‘holiday’ for the hospitality, tourism, retails and SME sectors forContinueContinue reading “Commercial rates ‘payment holiday’ welcome but more needs to be done for SMEs – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on Waterford Council and Coillte to take steps to ‘lockdown’ popular outdoor amentities as thousands flock to the seaside, forest walks, parks and popular beauty-spots.   “We are in the midst of an unprecedented national and global public health crisis. Its clear that the majority of peopleContinueContinue reading “‘Social distancing’ message still not getting through to some people – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin group leader on Waterford Council Conor McGuinness has called on the government to do more to meet the needs of renters who have lost their jobs and who are struggling with high rental costs. Emergency rent supplement, rent reductions and rent waivers must now be firmly on the government’s agenda as Minister EoghanContinueContinue reading “Robust measures necessary to help private renters affected by COVID-19 pandemic – McGuinness   “

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that he and his colleagues remain available despite the decision by Sinn Féin to close its constituency offices and postpone advice clinics on foot of advice from the Chief Medical Officer. McGuinness said: “Sinn Féin took a decision late last week to suspend advice clinics, close ourContinueContinue reading “Full service available despite constituency office closures – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Dungarvan is strategically important at national and European level when it comes to the production and supply of paracetamol-based medicines. Avoiding an outbreak of COVID-19 in Dungarvan will be key to maintaining supply chains for Ireland and much of Europe. McGuinness said: “Dungarvan is at theContinueContinue reading “Dungarvan ‘strategically important’ due to production of Panadol – McGuinness”

Sinn Fein Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has highlighted the advice issued by Volunteer Ireland for those assisting in the community in response to the COVID-19 crisis. “There has been a huge response to community requests for volunteers to help more vulnerable or unwell people through this crisis. “It’s important that in volunteering you keep yourselfContinueContinue reading “Follow Volunteer Ireland advice while assisting in the community – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Government has an obligation to Irish citizens stranded abroad as a result of travel restrictions. McGuinness said: “Travel restrictions and cancellations are coming in thick and fast. I’ve been speaking to worried families here in West Waterford and have received messages from people that areContinueContinue reading “Government must step in for those stranded abroad – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that policing will continue ‘as normal’ in the Dungarvan District despite uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. McGuinness said: “I spoke with senior Garda management locally to discuss the policing plan for Dungarvan and West Waterford in the wake of Commissioner Harris’s statement yesterday. I understand someContinueContinue reading “Policing ‘as normal’ despite COVID-19”

Sinn Féin Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has called for a a commercial rates ‘holiday’ for the hospitality, tourism, retails and SME sectors for a prescribed period of time to deal with the increasing hardship that businesses find themselves in as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. McGuinness said: “A number of sectors will face significantContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin calls for commercial rates ‘holiday’ for SMEs”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said the ball is firmly in the Government’s court when it comes to dredging the pier at Ceann Heilbhic. He made the comments following a meeting of Dungarvan – Lismore district meeting at which he obtained confirmation that an application for funding has been made to the DepartmentContinueContinue reading “Ball in Government’s court on Heilbhic dredging – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that family farms and the Irish agri-food sector must not be made bear the brunt of the current political vacuum. He made the comments in the wake of a series of constructive and detailed meetings between Sinn Féin and the IFA, ICMSA, INHFA, and the Beef PlanContinueContinue reading “Political vacuum cannot be allowed damage family farms and agri-food sector – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed news that the strike action by cleaning and support staff at UHW has ended following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission last week. McGuinness is a member of the Regional Health Forum and a committee member of the Dungarvan branch of Unite trade union. McGuinness said: “CleaningContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes resolution in UHW industrial dispute”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that funding, Garda resources and political will are necessary to tackle a ‘huge escalation’ in drug-related intimidation. He made the comments in the presence of Senior Garda management at a recent meeting of the Waterford Joint Policing Committee. McGuinness said: There has been a huge escalation inContinueContinue reading “Growing issue of drug-related intimidation must be tackled – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that resources must be made available to make good on the commitment from the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to address the issue of low Garda visibility in rural Co. Waterford. He made the comments at the quarterly Joint Policing Committee meeting in Waterford. McGuinness said: “I questionedContinueContinue reading “Resources must follow Commissioner’s commitment on rural garda stations – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has written to the chief executive of Waterford City and County Council outlining the approach the local authority should take to respond to the unfolding COVID-19 crisis. McGuinness said: “Public bodies and public representatives have to walk a fine line between alarmism and taking sensible and timely precautions.We willContinueContinue reading “McGuinness calls for Council ‘action and preparedness’ to face threat from Covid-19”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has published his submission on the Government’s revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which were subject to a public consultation over recent weeks. Please note the guidelines only relate to land-based wind energy development. Click below to view the submission document.

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Waterford Council’s newly adopted policy on single-use plastics is a step in the right direction.  McGuinness siad: This policy commits Waterford Council to sourcing alternatives to single-use plastics across its departments and services. The Council will now require its suppliers and partners to end their useContinueContinue reading “New Council policy on single-use plastics ‘a step in the right direction’ – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the council must have a zero-tolerance approach to criminality and anti-social behaviour, and that all agencies have an obligation to work together to keep people safe and secure.  “There has been a number of unrelated and very serious incidences of violence and threaten gin behaviour inContinueContinue reading “McGuinness comments on criminality and anti-social behaviour”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has questioned why Waterford Council has not yet deployed mobile CCTV in an effort to tackle illegal dumping, littering and dog fouling in West Waterford, despite council’s in neighbouring counties having used the tactic to great success. McGuinness has suggested the use of mobile CCTV at a number ofContinueContinue reading “Deploy mobile CCTV to tackle illegal dumping and dog fouling – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has requested the Coucil submit a Specific Improvement Grant application to acquire funds to construct a footpath running from the church in Ballinroad to the Clonea roundabout.  McGuinness said:  “There is a clear need for a footpath along this busy stretch of road. This has been the case forContinueContinue reading “Grant application necessary to fund Ballinroad footpath – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed a commitment that work will soon commence to repair lights on the bridge in Lismore that have been out of order for several months. McGuinness said: “I have raised this issue with the roads department at a number of meetings and I am glad that work willContinueContinue reading “Progress on fixing Lismore lights welcome – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the publication of a new voluntary code of conduct on social media for councillors in Waterford. The West Waterford councillor spoke in favour of the proposal in the Council chamber last month.  McGuinness said: “In a week where the impact of personalised social media commentary has comeContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes social media code of conduct for councillors”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conro D. McGuinness has welcomed an indication from the Southern Regional Assembly that it will make a submission as part of the ongoing consultation on the Government’s draft Wind Energy Guidelines. McGuinness was recently elected to the Assembly and attended his first meeting this week.  McGuinness said:  “The Southern Regional Assembly isContinueContinue reading “Southern Regional Assembly to make submission on Wind Energy Guidelines – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has raised the need for additional bus shelters at Davitt’s Quay with officials from the Department of Transport during the February meeting of the Souther Regional Assembly in Waterford.  McGuinness said: “Three bus operators currently use the bus stops at Davitt’s Quay including the hugely popular LocalLink service. PublicContinueContinue reading “McGuinness raises bus shelter issue with Department of Transport”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the planned strengthening works to be carried our on Scanlon’s Yard provides an opportunity to reconfigure the car park there.  McGuinness said: “I have raised the issue of the configuration of Scanlon’s Yard car park regularly. Anyone who uses the car park will know that theContinueContinue reading “Surface works at Scanlon’s yard provides opportunity to reconfigure parking spaces – McGuinness”

Chuir an Comhairleoir de chuid Shinn Féin Conor D. McGuinness in iúil go mbeidh obair á dhéanamh go luath chun dromchla bóthair a neartú ar an R 674 idir Crosaire na Léithe go Crosaire Roberts faoi Clár Neartú Bothar 2020 Comhairle Phort Lairge. Sinn Féin Councillor Conor McGuinness has welcomed the inclusion of strengthening worksContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes strengthening works on R674 – An Rinn”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has written to the Environmental Protection Agency to request on-site monitoring of air quality in Dungarvan.  McGuinness said: The EPA manages the national ambient air quality network. The agency also measures the levels of atmospheric pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. All ofContinueContinue reading “McGuinness requests EPA air quality monitoring for Dungarvan”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has hailed what he described as a ‘historic’ election result for Sinn Féin across the state. McGuinness was part of David Cullinane’s election directorate and also served as Director of Elections for the party’s Cork East candidate Pat Buckley TD. Both outgoing TDs were elected on the first countContinueContinue reading “McGuinness hails ‘historic victory’ for Sinn Féin”

Sinn Féin TD and general election candidate David Cullinane has said that Sinn Féin in Government will stand up for the Irish fishing industry and begin the work of undoing decades of neglect and disinterest from successive Governments. He Made the comments in Cé Heilbhic, where he met with local fishermen and discussed Sinn Féin’sContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin will stand up for Waterford fishermen and Coastal Communities”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the €14.5 million cut to Waterford Council’s budget means there is no solution in sight to address the ‘dire state’ of the footpaths in Dungarvan and Abbeyside.  McGuinness said: “The multi-million euro cut to Waterford’s budget that was accepted by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and LabourContinueContinue reading “Budget cuts mean no solution in sight for Dungarvan’s footpaths – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has hit out at Fianna Fáil over the fact that Waterford Council’s committee on housing has been ‘effectively suspended in the midst of a housing and homelessness crisis.’ McGuinness said: “The Council committee with oversight on housing has met only twice in the past year. It has only metContinueContinue reading “Council housing committee ‘effectively suspended’ by Fianna Fáil – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has written to the Environmental Protection Agency to request on-site monitoring of air quality in Dungarvan.  McGuinness said: The EPA manages the national ambient air quality network. The agency also measures the levels of atmospheric pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. All ofContinueContinue reading “McGuinness requests EPA air quality monitoring for Dungarvan”

Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation from the Council that a workshop on the proposed new wind energy guidelines will take place this month. The Sinn Féin representative had requested the workshop and a cross-party submission a number of weeks ago.  McGuinness said: “I want to see an all-of-Waterford submission on the proposed newContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes workshop on wind energy guidelines”

Chuir Conor D. McGuinness fáilte roimh mhaoiniú ó Fhoras na Gaeilge i gcomhair Féile Bia Thiar Phort Láirge. Bronnadh an maoiniú faoi Scéim na bhFéilte, scéim a sholáthraíonn maoiniú d’ábhair agus imeachtaí Gaeilge i bhféilte. Ba é Féile Bia Thiar Phort Láirge an t-aon iarratasóir ó Chontae Phort Láirge. Dúirt McGuinness, atá ina chomhalta boirdContinueContinue reading “Cuireann McGuinness fáilte roimh mhaoiniú Fhoras na Gaeilge le haghaidh Féile Bia Iarthar Phort Láirge”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Fine Gael has run out of ideas for the Irish agriculture sector and for rural communities.  Speaking in response to the Fine Gael agriculture ‘proposals’ this week McGuinness said: “Fine Gael are promising more of the same at a time when many farmers fear for theirContinueContinue reading “Fine Gael has run out of ideas for Irish Farming – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for all Waterford councillors to work together and make a joint ‘all-of-Waterford’ submission regarding the review of the Government’s Wind Energy Development Guidelines that is currently underway.  McGuinness said: The 2006 guidelines are almost a decade and a half out of date. There has been significant advancesContinueContinue reading “McGuinness calls for all-of-Waterford submission on Wind Energy Guidelines”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness will represent Ireland on the EU body tasked with giving local government a voice at European level. The Committee of the Regions (CoR) is comprised of 350 councillors from across Europe and is oneof the democratic institutions of the the European Union. It plays a part in the formulationContinueContinue reading “Waterford Councillor to represent Ireland in Europe on EU Committee of the Regions”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for Waterford Council to promote the Improvement Works In Lieu scheme (IWIL), which allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned houses as an alternative to providing a council house. The local authority carries out the work and the occupier pays the council back over aContinueContinue reading “‘Improvement Works in Lieu’ scheme can help relieve housing pressures in rural Waterford”

West Waterford Sinn Féin has received a huge response to its dignity packs for the homeless appeal. The project sought to gather toiletries and essential personal items for homeless people and thanks to the generosity of all who contributed 100 packs have been made and will be distributed via homeless charities over the coming days. ContinueContinue reading “Huge reaction to homeless Dignity Packs appeal”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has slammed a cut of at least €600,000 to the Council’s Housing Department in the 2020 Budget.  McGuinness said:  “The Council took in €600,000 extra in rents in 2019 and the same amount has been budgeted for next year, but this money is being cut from the housing budgetContinueContinue reading “McGuinness slams 600k cut to Council’s housing budget”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has criticised the rates increase of 2.5% which will hit small and medium enterprises, and questioned the legal and administrative basis for a proposed rebate scheme.  McGuinness said: “Sinn Féin councillors were alone in their opposition to the rates increases, which will impact on small and medium enterprises acrossContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin opposes rates increases for local SMEs – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that a new bye-law is required to combat vandalism and theft of essential life-saving equipment such as defibrillators and ring-buoys. McGuinness said: “Over the past twelve months we have seen several local instances of vandalism and theft of emergency life-saving equipment. Over recent days there have beenContinueContinue reading “Time for bye-law to protect life saving equipment in public places – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the publication of a bill that will provide for a statutory entitlement of up to ten days paid leave for persons experiencing domestic violence. The Bill was introduced in the Dáil this week by Sinn Féin, and is is being supported by a number of trade unionsContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes publication of legislation for domestic violence leave”

Conor McGuinness, Sinn Féin council group leader, said this evening that the party did not, and could not, support the proposed austerity budget for Waterford tonight, adding that it is investment and not cuts that are needed. Councillor McGuinness said: “Since the May election Sinn Féin has worked constructively with a wide range of groupsContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin Councillors hold firm and stand up for Waterford – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin group leader on Waterford City and County Council Conor D. McGuinness has expressed his disappointment at the failure of Government to address the budget crisis facing the local authority. He made the comments following a meeting with local government minister John Paul Phelan this afternoon. “Government created this crisis and are content toContinueContinue reading “McGuinness ‘disappointed’ with government failure to address budget crisis”

Sinn Féin has rejected a proposed budget that includes cuts and rates increases as a result of the confidence and supply government’s fiasco on Irish Water rates, and instead reiterated the call for a meeting with the Minister responsible to seek a solution to the budgetary crisis he created. Sinn Féin group leader on WaterfordContinueContinue reading “SF rejects savage Government cuts & rates increases for Waterford”

Sinn Féin has rejected a proposed budget that includes cuts and rates increases as a result of the confidence and supply government’s fiasco on Irish Water rates, and instead reiterated the call for a meeting with the Minister responsible to seek a solution to the budgetary crisis he created. Sinn Féin group leader on WaterfordContinueContinue reading “SF reject savage government cuts & rates increases for Waterford”

A Mhéara,  I want to thank the finance team for their work, availability and professionalism over recent weeks. This Council however is a political institution, and we are tasked with Mmaking political decisions here, in the interest of  the people we are elected to serve.  The Sinn Féin council group will not be supporting theContinueContinue reading “Cllr Conor McGuinness: full comments from Waterford Council budget meeting”

Sinn Féin council group leader Conor McGuinness has called for an Emergency Meeting of Waterford City and County Council to be convened ‘with the utmost urgency’ to discuss the ‘weak and inadequate’ response from Government to the cut it has made to the local authorities budget.   McGuinness said: “We met in emergency session whenContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: Sinn Féin seeks emergency meeting in wake of ‘weak and inadequate’ Government response”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil ‘confidence and supply’ government will spend more money on rent subsidies than on house building in 2020. He made the comments at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Derry, where he secured the support of the party for an immediateContinueContinue reading “Government spending more on rent subsidies than house building – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor and Joint Policing Committee member Conor D. McGuinness has said that a focus on securing convictions for minor infractions is drawing scarce resources from tackling more serious drug dealing in West Waterford. He said that the failure by Government to adequately fund the National Drugs Strategy is contributing to a growing drugsContinueContinue reading “€15 cannabis convictions distracting from serious drug dealing in West Waterford – McGuinness  “

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the views of people in the South East must not be ignored by Government as it puts together a framework for marine planning.  McGuinness said: “The Government has formally launched the consultation on the Draft National Marine Planning Framework, which will underpin future development at seaContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: South East ignored when it comes to marine planning”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed movement by Waterford City and County Council on the development of a Tree Management Plan. McGuinness said: “Earlier today the Council’s strategic policy committee on the Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Action discussed my proposal for a Tree Management Plan and agreed to begin work in developing thisContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes long awaited movement on Tree Management Plan”

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has been unanimously selected as the Sinn Féin candidate to contest the next General Election. At a packed convention held in Waterford City, Deputy Cullinane was strongly supported by Sinn Féin members and local councillors. Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill addressed the convention. Speaking at the convention, Deputy CullinaneContinueContinue reading “I will continue to be a strong voice for Waterford and hard working families – David Cullinane TD”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that a lack of resources for community mental health services is to blame for the overcrowd in the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital Waterford. He made the comments following a meeting with representatives of the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and in the wake of growing controversyContinueContinue reading “Lack of resources for community mental health to blame for Psychiatry Dept. overcrowding – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has given a guarded welcome to the new Climate Action Charter for Local Authorities, which commits the local government sector to driving forward meaningful climate action in their communities. He warned, however, that the charter is meaningless unless funding is made available to implement the measures it contains.  McGuinnessContinueContinue reading “Climate Action Charter meaningless unless accompanied by funding – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the onus is now on the confidence and supply Government parties of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to fill the gap in Waterford’s finances which has arisen as a result of their decisions at national level.  McGuinness said: “Waterford Council cannot be expected to do theContinueContinue reading “Onus on government parties to fill €3.3 million budget gap – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Housing Assistance Payment scheme is dysfunctional and is failing families in West Waterford. McGuinness said: “There is a shortage of available and affordable accommodation in Dungarvan. Population growth coupled with economic growth has meant that rents and house prices and rents are rising faster thanContinueContinue reading “Dysfunctional HAP scheme is failing families – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), which is currently being finalised, needs to include housing as a key priority. McGuinness said: “I have made a comprehensive submission to the Southern Regional Authority regarding their draft plan. My submission calls for the development of sufficient quantityContinueContinue reading “Regional economic strategy needs to include housing as a key priority – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has hit out at plans to construct two 182m wind turbines in the Waterford Gaeltacht and has said that its now more urgent than ever that work begins on a new County Development Plan.  McGuinness said:  “It’s clear that there are advanced plans by a German-based investor to situateContinueContinue reading “Development Plan update urgently required to protect communities from industrial turbines – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed cross party support for a motion of support for school secretaries who are currently engaged in an industrial dispute for fairness when it comes to pay and conditions.  McGuinness said:  “School Secretaries play pivotal roles in our school communities. The country’s 3,500 School Secretaries are the firstContinueContinue reading “Council gives backing to school secretaries campaign – McGuinness”

Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Dungarvan must not be afforded second class status in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) that is currently being developed. In a submission to the Southern Regional Assembly the Sinn Féin councillor also called for community and recreational infrastructure to be seen as a strategic priority forContinueContinue reading “Dungarvan must not be afforded second class status in Regional Plan – McGuinness”

Submission to the Southern Regional Assembly in relation to the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region and the Public Consultation on the Proposed Material Amendments to same.   Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness Waterford City and County Council   I want to commend the members and officials of the Southern Regional AssemblyContinueContinue reading “Submission – Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy”

A majority of Waterford City and County councillors have voted for no increase to the Local Property Tax (LPT) for 2020. The Council majority, made up of Sinn Féin, Independent, Labour and Green Party councillors, voted for a freeze on the LPT rate for the coming year. Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh had sought aContinueContinue reading “Council votes for Local Property Tax freeze – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on the Minister for Education Joe McHugh TD to meet the very reasonable demands of School Secretaries who are fighting for respect and fairness in work. McGuinness made the call after joining school secretaries at the gates of St. Joseph’s and Scoil Náisiúnta na Rinne on Friday Morning.  SecretariesContinueContinue reading “Time for Government to treat school secretaries with respect – McGuinness”

Waterford City and County Council has given its backing to the annual Make Way Day campaign that was initiated by the Disability Federation of Ireland in recent years. The support came on foot of a motion brought to Council by Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness.  McGuinness said:  “Make Way Day is a campaign thatContinueContinue reading “#MakeWayDay campaign gets Council backing – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that they are actively reviewing locations for a Primary Care Centre in Youghal. McGuinness was speaking at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum in Cork City where he raised the need to accessible health care services for rural communities in West Waterford.ContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes HSE plans for Youghal Primary Care Centre”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed unanimous backing for his motion opposing the controversial Mercosur trade deal between the EU and a number of South American countries. McGuinness said: “There has been strong and vocal opposition to the proposed Mercosur Trade Deal over recent months, with serious concerns expressed by prominent environmental expertsContinueContinue reading “Waterford united in opposition to Mercosur deal – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed unanimous backing for his motion opposing the controversial Mercosur trade deal between the EU and a number of South American countries. McGuinness said: “There has been strong and vocal opposition to the proposed Mercosur Trade Deal over recent months, with serious concerns expressed by prominent environmental expertsContinueContinue reading “Waterford unanimous in opposition to Mercosur deal – McGuinness”

There is a growing demand for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan to serve residents of the town and West Waterford more generally. I believe Dungarvan not only deserves, but also needs, its own 25m public swimming pool. A public swimming pool would provide an essential piece of sports infrastructure and a fantastic public amenityContinueContinue reading “McGuinness: It’s time for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan”

Waterford’s Sinn Féin elected representatives have co-signed a letter to the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice calling for a rethink on proposed Garda reform plans that will be detrimental to policing and public safety in Co. Waterford. David Cullinane and Councillors Breda Brennan, Declan Clune, Jim Griffin, John Hearne and Conor McGuinness addedContinueContinue reading “Dungarvan Councillor backs cross-party letter of concern on Garda reform”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the the publication this week of the Beef Price Transparency Bill 2019 by Sinn Féin. The Bill, if passed, will provide much needed transparency for Irish farmers with regard to beef pricing through the establishment of a beef market observatory designed to report on cattle prices onContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes Bill on Beef Price Transparency”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that a number of pubs in Youghal are using ‘bring banks’ in West Waterford to dispose of empty bottles and waste glass. McGuinness said: “It has become apparent over the past number of months that several pubs in Youghal have been making use of the glass recyclingContinueContinue reading “Youghal Pubs using Co. Waterford bottle banks to dispose of waste glass – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness secured the unanimous support of Dungarvan-Lismore District Council for his motion calling for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make funding available for dredging at Cé Heilbhic fisheries harbour. McGuinness said: “Not only is Cé Heilbhic an important fishing harbour that provides employment locally, it alsoContinueContinue reading “McGuinness secures cross-party call for Minister to act on Heilbhic dredging”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness lead Dungarvan-Lismore Council in congratulating Co. Waterford man Edmond Phelan on his recent election as President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association. McGuinness said: “I invite my fellow Councillors to join with me in congratulating a Co. Waterford man, who has recently been elected President of oneContinueContinue reading “McGuinness Congratulates Waterford man on election as ICSA President “

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has expressed grave concerns that children and families waiting up to twelve months for an initial autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments and other initial consultations will be forced to wait considerably longer before being seen, as the HSE seek to merge the waiting list for Waterford into aContinueContinue reading “HSE plans will see child psychology waiting times increase in Waterford – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed a commitment by Energia to consult with the local fishing industry before commencing any survey works off the West Waterford coastline. Energia Group have recently applied for a site investigation licence to carry out a preliminary survey regarding the possibility of locating an offshore wind energy farmContinueContinue reading “McGuinness welcomes commitment by Energia to consult with fishermen on offshore wind farm”

Sinn Fein Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has described the recently published Mental Health commission reports as a powerful indictment of a system that fails to meet the needs of patients or to protect their rights.    McGuinness said:   “The Mental Health Commission launched its annual Report for 2018 last week, which found a ‘significantContinueContinue reading “Mental Health report shows system is failing Waterford – McGuinness”

Sinn Féin group leader on Waterford Council Conor D. McGuinness has hailed the formation of a Progressive Alliance on Waterford City and County Council. The Alliance is made up of Sinn Féin, Labour, the Greens, and Independents. This follows a refusal by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to embrace the D’Hondt system to ensure fairContinueContinue reading “Sinn Féin secures Progressive Council in Waterford – McGuinness”

Neasa de Paor, Aisling de Grás and Conor D. McGuinness A petition has been submitted to Waterford Council calling on the CEO to take immediate action to address the situation in Cé Heilbhic, where boats are prevented from entering or leaving the harbour at times due to a build up of sand. A public meeting wasContinueContinue reading “Petition calls for immediate dredging in Heilbhic on safety grounds”

Tá achainí curtha isteach chuig an gComhairle ag iarraidh ar an bPríomhfheidhmeannach dul i ngleic leis an ngéarchéim i Heilbhic láithreach. Ní feidir le báid teacht nó imeacht ón gcuan ag brath ar an taoide. Pléadh an ábhar ag cruinniú poiblí ar an gcé tráthnóna dé hAoine agus nochtaigh iascairí agus a gclanne a mbuairtContinueContinue reading “Achainí ag lorg dreidireacht i Heilbhic ar bhonn sábháilteachta”