Every Friday, we bring you the top five Government news stories of the week. Catch up on what you might have missed here. Click on the headlines to read the fully story.
Minister Alan Kelly allocates €8 million to Local Authorities
On Tuesday, Environment Minister Alan Kelly nnounced that he will provide local authorities with an additional €8 million in financial assistance over the coming days to facilitate and support the on-going clean-up works being undertaken at local level in the aftermath of Storm Desmond.
Minister Kelly said:
It is important that local authorities, who operate on the front line and are forced to mobilise when emergencies like this take place, are supported to undertake these un-programmed works. Without this support, the capacity to undertake further necessary works simply does not exist.
Minister White speaking at the launch of the Energy White Paper
Energy White Paper sets ambitious course for a carbon-free energy system
On Wednesday, Energy Minister Alex White published an energy White Paper, which identifies actions that will reduce Ireland’s energy-related carbon emissions by between 80% and 95%, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050. Minister White said that Ireland would eventually have to generate 100% of our energy needs from clean sources.
Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 says that high-carbon fuels like peat and coal will give way to lower-carbon or renewable alternatives in the short to medium term, before fossil fuels are largely replaced by renewable energy sources by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector will “fall to zero or below by 2100".
Minister Donohoe with Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons
2015 was a record year for tourism - Donohoe
Tourism Ireland published figures this week showing that 2015 has been a record year for tourism. Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe was at the organisation's HQ to welcome the news, which showed Ireland had about 7.9 million visitors, an increase of 11% on 2014 figures. This rise brought over €4.2 billion in revenue to the economy, with growth from all markets.
Minister Donohoe noted the ambitious targets set for next year:
We are determined to maintain the positive momentum seen in 2015, and I was very pleased to recently launch the Tourism Ireland 2016 Marketing Plan, which is targeting a further 5% growth in overseas visitor revenue next year.
Minister Lynch launching the report
Minister Lynch launches Samaritans Impact Report
Mental Health Minister launched the Samaritan's 2014 - 2015 Impact Report this week. According to the report, this year saw a 30% increase in calls to the organisation's free helpline. This worked out as one call for help every minute in the past 12 months.
The charity credits the increase to the introduction of a free-to-call helpline in March 2014.
Samaritans free-to-call helpline: 116 123
Minister Coveney visiting the Irish Blue Cross Clinic to make the announcement
Coveney awards over €2m in funding to animal welfare organisations
Today, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney announced funding of over €2 million for animal welfare organisations. The funding was awarded to 140 organisations involved in safeguarding animal welfare throughout the country. The payments will be made with immediate effect.
Making the announcement at the Irish Blue Cross Clinic, Minister Coveney said:
Animal welfare organisations make a tremendous contribution to the welfare of animals, in particular, by educating the public on best practice, by making effective interventions where appropriate and providing facilities for at-risk animals.
Have a look at more photos from this week over on our Flickr
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