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The Green Party's Minister for Planning, Ciarán Cuffe, today welcomed the publication of an expert report from NUI Maynooth, which finds planning failures contributed to the property bubble and the current financial crisis. He also said that many of their recommendations are already well in hand.

"I look forward to a more considered reading of this detailed report. But an initial reading tells me that we in the Green Party have been saying precisely these things for many years now," Minister Cuffe said.

"There is a direct link between planning failures and the over-supply of housing in totally inappropriate places. This did feed the property bubble which has now had terrible consequences for so many ordinary workers and their families," he added.

The Minister of State said that many of the recommendations are already covered by the Planning and Development Act. The Act was passed by the Oireachtas just before the summer recess and will very shortly become law. He said this was the biggest reform of planning since the early 1960s and especially targeted the issue of land over-zoning by local councils.

Minister Cuffe also noted that the National Institute of Regional Spatial Analysis called for an investigation into the planning failures. "This is already to be done in the case of six councils which have the subject of complaints and which will now be assessed by independent outside planning experts. This process will be very revealing and there is nothing to stop its extension to other areas," the Minister of State said.

He also said that measures are now being prepared to deal with the issue of unfinished housing estates in various parts of the country and these will be advanced in coming months. The new planning act gives local authorities powers to take control of unfinished estates.

Minister Cuffe said he looked forward to new national spatial planning guidelines, which are currently being considered by government and likely to be approved in September. He also said he was bemused by comments from some opposition politicians who had totally opposed his planning reforms as they passed through the Dáil and Seanad.

Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley today announced an additional €20.5m from the Local Government Fund to assist city and county councils with running costs on their water and sewerage treatment plants. This follows on from an additional €1.5 million from the Fund that was notified to authorities last April to support training needs in the water services sector. The additional €22m is on top of the Local Government Fund general purposes grants of €870m, notified to authorities earlier this year.

"I am pleased to be able to make these allocations to financially support local authorities in running their water services infrastructure and in meeting their environmental obligations," the Minister said in announcing the allocations. The Minister added that this 'top-up' allocation, within the Local Government Fund, which has been provided successively in each year since 2003 was further evidence of the Government's commitment to the sector.

The Minister said that the €20.5m was additional to the capital spend of €508m available to his Department in 2010 to fund water services infrastructure. Average spending on water services infrastructure over the period 2009 and 2010 will be up 3% on the 2008 outturn. "Given the ongoing economic difficulties, this continuing high level of expenditure reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting our water resources, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to putting critical infrastructure in place that will ensure ongoing support for industrial, commercial and other development," Minister Gormley said.

€8.7m from the €20.5m package will directly contribute towards local authorities' operation and maintenance costs on recently completed water and wastewater treatment plants. The balance of €11.8m will be used to offset sampling costs to establish compliance with drinking water and wastewater effluent standards and the cost of licence applications to the Environmental Protection Agency for wastewater discharges. The Minister pointed out that allocations from the €11.8m fund had been weighted towards those authorities that were meeting the required standards.

Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley today announced an additional €20.5m from the Local Government Fund to assist city and county councils with running costs on their water and sewerage treatment plants. This follows on from an additional €1.5 million from the Fund that was notified to authorities last April to support training needs in the water services sector. The additional €22m is on top of the Local Government Fund general purposes grants of €870m, notified to authorities earlier this year.

"I am pleased to be able to make these allocations to financially support local authorities in running their water services infrastructure and in meeting their environmental obligations," the Minister said in announcing the allocations. The Minister added that this 'top-up' allocation, within the Local Government Fund, which has been provided successively in each year since 2003 was further evidence of the Government's commitment to the sector.

The Minister said that the €20.5m was additional to the capital spend of €508m available to his Department in 2010 to fund water services infrastructure. Average spending on water services infrastructure over the period 2009 and 2010 will be up 3% on the 2008 outturn. "Given the ongoing economic difficulties, this continuing high level of expenditure reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting our water resources, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to putting critical infrastructure in place that will ensure ongoing support for industrial, commercial and other development," Minister Gormley said.

€8.7m from the €20.5m package will directly contribute towards local authorities' operation and maintenance costs on recently completed water and wastewater treatment plants. The balance of €11.8m will be used to offset sampling costs to establish compliance with drinking water and wastewater effluent standards and the cost of licence applications to the Environmental Protection Agency for wastewater discharges. The Minister pointed out that allocations from the €11.8m fund had been weighted towards those authorities that were meeting the required standards.

The Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley has said that he intends to change the way politics is funded and curb the influence of lobbyists when the Dáil resumes in September.

Addressing a meeting of Green Party members in the Strand Hotel in Limerick today, Minister Gormley said: "Recent revelations about the fundraising activities of Fine Gael highlight once again the need for reform in this area. The inordinate influence of big business and wealthy individuals on legislation and government policies must come to an end.

"Why did we have light touch regulation on the banking sector? Was it simply part of a trend in liberal capitalist countries like the USA, Britain and Ireland or had it something to do with the donations the banks gave to the political parties? Yes, even the Labour Party took donations from the banks and did little while in power to curb the power of those banks.

"The legislation, which the Green Party will propose, will end not just corporate donations but also donations from trade unions. Is it really good for our society if the unions are hand-in-glove with the Labour Party and dictating policy?

"The Croke Park agreement, which, extraordinarily, Labour did not publicly back because of a possible backlash from some of their donor unions, shows that public service reform is possible and indeed long overdue. If Labour had been in power it might never have happened.

"Outside forces also influence the conduct of politics through the actions of paid lobbyists. These individuals or companies who are paid handsomely by companies to achieve certain policy objectives have ready access to those in power. Many of them have previously been involved in political parties and know the system and the personalities. They also know the journalists and opinion formers.

"The influence of lobbyists is pervasive and at times pernicious. This is why we need a register of lobbyists to regulate their activities. It would immediately allow the public to identify these individuals and the causes they espouse.

"This Autumn, the Green Party will be bringing forward an ambitious but deliverable programme of reform. Work is well underway in these two areas that I have already mentioned, but there will be other significant changes too.

"We will again be delivering real change; reforming institutions and practises – and bringing about a political system that people can be proud of. We will see when the Dáil resumes if those most noisily clamouring for change and calling for good governance will embrace our plans, or if they will continue to play politics and protect the status quo – and their own vested interests," Minister Gormley concluded.

The Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley has said that he intends to change the way politics is funded and curb the influence of lobbyists when the Dáil resumes in September.

Addressing a meeting of Green Party members in the Strand Hotel in Limerick today, Minister Gormley said: "Recent revelations about the fundraising activities of Fine Gael highlight once again the need for reform in this area. The inordinate influence of big business and wealthy individuals on legislation and government policies must come to an end.

"Why did we have light touch regulation on the banking sector? Was it simply part of a trend in liberal capitalist countries like the USA, Britain and Ireland or had it something to do with the donations the banks gave to the political parties? Yes, even the Labour Party took donations from the banks and did little while in power to curb the power of those banks.

"The legislation, which the Green Party will propose, will end not just corporate donations but also donations from trade unions. Is it really good for our society if the unions are hand-in-glove with the Labour Party and dictating policy?

"The Croke Park agreement, which, extraordinarily, Labour did not publicly back because of a possible backlash from some of their donor unions, shows that public service reform is possible and indeed long overdue. If Labour had been in power it might never have happened.

"Outside forces also influence the conduct of politics through the actions of paid lobbyists. These individuals or companies who are paid handsomely by companies to achieve certain policy objectives have ready access to those in power. Many of them have previously been involved in political parties and know the system and the personalities. They also know the journalists and opinion formers.

"The influence of lobbyists is pervasive and at times pernicious. This is why we need a register of lobbyists to regulate their activities. It would immediately allow the public to identify these individuals and the causes they espouse.

"This Autumn, the Green Party will be bringing forward an ambitious but deliverable programme of reform. Work is well underway in these two areas that I have already mentioned, but there will be other significant changes too.

"We will again be delivering real change; reforming institutions and practises – and bringing about a political system that people can be proud of. We will see when the Dáil resumes if those most noisily clamouring for change and calling for good governance will embrace our plans, or if they will continue to play politics and protect the status quo – and their own vested interests," Minister Gormley concluded.

Green Party Health and Children spokesperson, Senator Niall O Brolcháin has called for the release of all State documents relating to the birth defect drug Thalidomide.

Supporting calls by the Irish Thalidomide Association to release all associated documents from the 1960s onwards, Senator O Brolcháin said: “Full information must be given to the Irish Thalidomide Association. This includes all state documents relating to the catastrophe from the 1960s onwards.

“The Green Party is fully behind transparency of information and the survivors of thalidomide have a right to this information. I have asked Minister Mary Harney to support their request.”

Senator O Brolcháin said: “I welcome the fact that last week the Minister publically stated that she would like all documentation released to the victims of thalidomide. However, I am calling on the Minister to take every possible step to ensure that this now occurs.”

Help is at hand for Ireland's beleaguered bee population. Bee numbers have plunged over the past number of years due to parasites, weather and the destruction of the countryside. But four novice beekeepers are part of an effort to introduce 200,000 Honey Bees back into Ireland.

At the launch of a week of beekeeping classes in Gormanstown, the Green Party's Minister for Horticulture Ciarán Cuffe presented four novice beekeepers with beekeeping equipment and hives – donated by innocent drinks.

Bees are in decline in Ireland and across the world due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder, which has caused major decreases in bee numbers over the last four years. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers and plants, so their demise poses a major threat to food crops and natural habitats.

Minister Cuffe said: "The global population of Honey Bees is in decline. We all need to do everything we can to stabilise and boost bee numbers. I commend this initiative to boost the Honey Bee population in Ireland. Healthy bee populations are an important part of our food and natural ecosystems."

The Green Minister also confirmed that the Government is providing €300,000 to be spent on a number of bee related research initiatives over the next three years.

Philip McCabe, from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers, which organised the beekeeping classes, added: "We are delighted to partner with innocent on this project to introduce 200,000 bees back into Ireland. Our native black Honey Bee is in serious decline due to parasites, weather and the destruction of our countryside. We beekeepers are determined to protect one of the greatest pollinators, which is so necessary for the survival of us all. I call on the people of Ireland to plant seeds suitable for our honeybees to survive and thrive."

Ali Gibbons, innocent drinks, said: "When the Federation of Irish Beekeepers brought the plight of our Honey Bees to our attention, innocent was determined to help save the Irish Honey Bee. Over the past few months, we have given away a pack of wild flower seeds free with every limited edition ‘Lemons, Honey and Ginger’ smoothie. Once planted these seeds help create yet another perfect habitat for all bees to thrive."

The Leader of the Green Party John Gormley introduced the Government's Capital Review Programme at a launch in the National Convention Centre in Dublin.

Minister Gormley said: This Capital Review takes a strategic, long-term view of what we need to do now to get the maximum return on capital investment into the future for jobs and economic growth.

State infrastructure investment is not merely about sustaining building sector jobs, although these are of course welcome. It’s about a fundamental move to create a more sustainable economic and social future. We will encourage the development of a smarter and greener economy with real, lasting jobs.

This programme makes definitive commitments to investing in research and development and to targeted supports for foreign and indigenous enterprises. We are confident that these measures will contribute to the realignment of Irish economic life.

The strategy recognises the natural limits imposed on us - most importantly by peak oil and climate change - and meets the fundamental challenge of moving to a greener, more sustainable future.

This programme focuses on critical needs across all areas of Government. In my own Department, for example, the allocations of almost €8.6 billion from 2010 to 2016 represent the assignment of very significant, scarce resources to key areas of capital infrastructure. Capital investment in housing, water and other areas is central to:

• underpinning economic renewal;
• creating substantial employment opportunities;
• enhancing environmental compliance;
• supporting greater balance in regional development; and
• providing much-needed social infrastructure.

The degree of certainty on medium-term allocations now being provided by the Review is very welcome. Our Government bodies can now begin the essential work on planning and implementation. And our citizens can look forward to future benefits they will get from this investment.

Many overall allocations are down on previous years – that is current financial reality. But we will prioritise our use of taxpayers’ money, increase spending efficiency and benefit from lower costs generally. In short, better value-for-money.

HOUSING

On Social Housing (€4.5 billion 2010-16), we will continue with the restructuring programme - away from the traditional “build and buy” towards leasing and the Rental Accommodation Scheme - to achieve maximum results.

Necessary savings are being achieved through this restructuring. But the Review recognises persistent social housing needs and programmes will meet the needs of some 63,000 households by 2016.

We will focus on regeneration (including in Limerick and Ballymun); on enhancing energy efficiency; and helping the most vulnerable – the homeless, those with disabilities, the elderly. Spending here will be targeted on high productivity returns which are the most labour intensive.

WATER

Investment in Water Services (€3.468 billion 2010-16) is a key support for economic recovery, securing better environmental compliance and promoting conservation of supplies.

Water services investment is identified in the Review as a key priority that can deliver significant economic and environmental returns.

Projects to 2016 will be well aligned with key economic and environmental priorities:

• the need for schemes linked to economic recovery in critical centres, particularly in National Spatial Strategy Gateways and Hubs;
• the need for greater focus on water conservation; and
• the need to respond to pressures generated by EU regulatory compliance.

Our aim is 100% EU compliance on secondary treatment of wastewater and national drinking water requirements. These targets will be taken forward through the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-12, which I published earlier this year, and its successors.

Longer term, very significant investment will be required in a number of strategically important water services schemes to address emerging capacity constraints, including Dublin Water Supply (long term source) and Dublin and Galway Waste Water. Planning work will continue on these in the coming years.

Other key areas of investment (involving over €600 million) include local government services (fire, libraries, disability services); our important natural and built heritage; and waste management infrastructure.

I welcome the proposed re-establishment of the Gateways Innovation Fund from 2012 to be financed with €200 million from the Capital Reserve that is now being created to address emerging priorities.

ENERGY AND INNOVATION

Energy, communications and natural resources policies have critical contributions to make to restoring our competitive edge, promoting sustainable economic recovery and employment, and developing smart innovation. Energy policy is central to mitigating the effects of climate change.

€880m has been provided for investment in energy. This major increase reflects the Government’s support for key energy efficiency measures, including the National Retrofit Programme announced by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2010. This new programme has the potential to be the most innovative, ambitious, energy-efficiency initiative ever introduced in Ireland. It will significantly contribute to meeting the national efficiency targets including the target of 33% set for the public sector. It will also create significant employment in the energy and construction sectors in support of economic renewal.

High priority is being given to Ireland’s ocean energy potential. Ocean energy will contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy targets and boost inward investment supporting economic renewal. Full implementation of the Ocean Energy programme commenced in 2009.

COMMUNICATIONS

A communications infrastructure is critical for economic growth and recovery. Ireland requires a world class national broadband infrastructure ensuring all the country has full coverage to attract cutting-edge, knowledge-based industries. Whilst this will be delivered primarily through private investment, €320m has been provided to 2016 for investment in the communications sector.

This includes the National Broadband Scheme which, along with the Rural Broadband Scheme due later this year, will ensure universal broadband coverage by 2012. Funding is also allocated for the rollout of 100 Mb/s connectivity to second-level schools to provide the interactive learning environment that will prepare our students for jobs in the knowledge economy. Following the publication of the Knowledge Society Report last July, funding is also available for the Exemplar Network Test-bed Lab.

TRANSPORT

I am pleased that the programme focuses on moves towards a more integrated public transport system. We will invest in an expanded and upgraded bus fleet for our city and intercity routes. We will continue to work on the Metro North and the Dart Underground project which comprise big public transport investment over the next 6 years for Dublin. We will link the current Luas Lines and invest in cycling. We will create much greater impetus in support of our sustainable transport policy launched in February last year, “A Sustainable Transport Future”.

We have worked with our government partners to provide this country with the means to emerge from recession and build a more sustainable future of economic prosperity. This Capital Programme – stressing good planning and value for taxpayers’ money - is a very important step in the right direction.

Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan spoke today at the MacGill Summer School on the topic of ‘A New Economic Vision to Create Employment And Build Sustainable Growth.”

Minister Ryan said, “The Celtic Tiger was always doomed to unravel because at its heart it was unsustainable. We should not weep its demise. We can take the best with us and discard the rest.

“Having worked out what went wrong over the last few years we need to start concentrating on what we can get right in the next few years.

“Our economic recovery has to be green – anything else would be unsustainable, it would not last.

Minister Ryan outlined his plan for sustainable economic development based on the same principles that TK Whitaker applied in 1958. “Our economic re-design must understand that we are facing a peak in global oil production and we will have to find new ways of feeding, transporting and sheltering ourselves using less oil. We need an evolutionary leap to tackle climate change lest or our civilisation as well as our economy will be in ruins.

We must play to our strengths. Our natural resources are our land and our people. If we improve our green credentials in agriculture, tourism and energy, we will reap the rewards. We cannot give up manufacturing to the east. In high-manufacturing, financial services and traded services we remain good at what we do”

Over 16,000 jobs have been created in the green economy since the Green Party entered Government. “This is not a notional figure of projected jobs. These are announced jobs being delivered on the ground. If this were a single multinational we would still be talking about it”. (See the full breakdown of jobs created below).

A sustainable economy is about more than numbers, the Minister said. We need a politics and economy “that connects to all parts of our soul, that the conventional economic world has no use for and is afraid of”.

“We have a plan for economic recovery. It will not be easy but if we can agree the vision then this bright sustainable future is possible. What else would Ireland do?”.

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Explanation of Job Announcements

July 2007 – July 2010 - Total 16088

July 2010

Solar Print (80)

Solar Print is to open a new headquarters in Dublin to house its first high volume photovoltaic manufacturing line, creating 80 jobs in the process. The 80 jobs will be in the fields of chemistry, electrical engineering, physics and material sciences and also commercial and financial roles.

Exemplar Network (110)

As part of the establishment of the Exemplar network test-bed, 50 research positions will be created under the EU Framework Programme in UCC Tyndall; NUI Galway; UCD, DCU. The remainder will be created by the following companies as they test and trial their products on the network: EMC; Imagine; BT; IBM; Imagine; eNet; Firecomms; Opennet and CeltixConnect;

PFH Technologies (80)

Following its recent acquisition of the Irish division of Siemens Enterprise Communications, PFH will create eighty new roles across the group. The company specialises in energy efficient data management and cloud computing services. The jobs will be created in Cork and Dublin.

Home Energy Saving Scheme / Warmer Homes Scheme (5459)

As at July 2010, 5459 contractors and BER assessors nationwide have signed up to carry out work under the Government’s insulation schemes, run by SEAI.

June 2010

Enercon (30)

Enercon announced it will create 30 jobs in Tralee over the next two years, at its wind turbine manufacture plant. The German company is to open a technical services operation in Tralee Technology Park.

May 2010

Airtricity (200)

Airtricity, a green energy utilities company, announced its expansion into the domestic gas market, creating 200 jobs in the process. The company said there will be 100 new full-time jobs at its headquarters in Sandyford in Dublin, while the other 100 jobs will be outsourced.

Airtricity (75)

With its expansion into the Northern Irish market of its supply of electricity from renewables, Airtricity will create 75 jobs.

April 2010

International Energy Research Centre (37)

United Technologies Corporation is to establish a unique energy and security research centre in Ireland creating 37 new jobs over the next four years through a €15 million investment. The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Eirgrid (300)

EirGrid plans to create up to 300 jobs over the next five years as part of its strategy for Ireland’s future electricity transmission network, to facilitate vastly increased amounts of renewable energy on the grid. Approximately 10 per cent of the jobs will be directly created by the transmissions operator with the remainder generated through sub-contracting work

Biotech Alternatives Ltd (80)

Biotech Alternatives (Green Energy) Ltd has announced it plans to set up a factory at Nenagh in a joint venture with German company Biowert AG. Subject to planning permission, it intends to establish a biorefinery and research & development facility to produce a range of products from grass.

March 2010

IBM (200)

IBM announced the creation of up to 200 jobs in Dublin over the next three years at a new research centre. The €66 million development in its Smarter Cities Technology Centre, will be located at IBM's Mulhuddart site. The centre aims to design systems that will help cities manage and connect transport links, communications infrastructure and water and energy networks.

Ecocampus (42)

Ecocampus will be established in Headford, Co. Galway as an energy-efficient site for new businesses, including green business. It is expected that up to 42 jobs will be created. Planning permission has been granted.

February 2010

Foametix (40)

Foametix announced plans to expand their business and manufacture a new insulation product in Portlaoise, creating 40 jobs in the process.

Bell Labs / Alcatel Lucent (70)

Bell Labs announced the expansion of its Dublin base, adding technology experts that will enable them to support its contribution to the recently announced Green Touch Initiative – an open consortium of academic and commercial research institutions from around the world who are creating the technologies needed to reinvent communications networks and make them 1000 times more energy efficient than they are today.

January 2010

Shamrock Renewable Fuels (140)

Shamrock Renewable Fuels Ltd is currently seeking planning permission for a renewable fuel plant where willow and other wood is converted into carbon neutral fuels, including wood briquettes and wood pellets creating 140 jobs.

Panda Waste (40)

Panda Waste's new €21 million plant at Beauparc, Navan will convert waste into high grade compost and a coal substitute, while also producing electricity. The company announced that this plant is expected to employ 40 people.

December 2009

Interxion (90)

Interxion, a European leader in carrier neutral data centres announced it is investing €12 million in a new data centre in Dublin. It will focus on energy efficient high power density co-location infrastructure and will employ 90 people in the construction phase.

November 2009

Microsoft (35)

Microsoft Ireland has opened a new data centre in West Dublin, with the aim of creating 35 jobs. It is an energy efficient cloud computing data centre focusing on the Live, Cloud and Azure platforms

October 2009

Bord Gáis Eireann (250)

BGE is investing €2.5 billion in six major projects including €1.2 billion in wind energy and energy efficiency. Up to 250 jobs will be created.

Tonn Energy (82)

As part of its energy R&D and collaboration on the Wavebob project, Tonn Energy has informed the Department that at least 82 jobs will be created over the next 3 years.

September 2009

OMC Engineering (150)

Having benefited from an Enterprise Ireland grant, OMC Engineering has been contracted to develop and manufacture a new heat and power system that generates a clean alternative source of energy while eliminating the necessity for landfill and other forms of organic waste. The project is expected to yield up to 150 jobs in construction.

Arlo Group / Acorn Recycling (30)

Thurles Waste management company, Acorn Recycling Ltd has opened a €7 million composting facility will create over 30 jobs and will “provide opportunities for local tradesmen, farmers, transport businesses and logistics providers”.

August 2009

Lumcloon Energy (550)

Lumcloon energy has applied to build a renewable energy plant in Ferbane, Co. Offaly. Planning permission has been granted. Subject to connection, approximately 550 jobs would be created.

July 2009

Bord na Móna (300)

Bord na Mona has announced at the launch of its annual report that it is branching into the areas of renewable and sustainable energy. The company said 300 jobs can be created in green energy, resource recovery and environmental solutions.

InTune Technology (300)

InTune, with their energy efficient burst packet switching technology will lead the Government’s plans to upgrade to smart networks. They will create 300 jobs in the process.

Airtricity (200)

With its entrance into the domestic electricity market, Airtricity has announced it will create 200 jobs.

O’Kane Plumbing (70)

O’Kane Plumbing and Electrics Limited is expanding its operations into the Republic of Ireland and has announced that it will create 70 jobs in the process.

June 2009

Enersol (30)

Enersol, based in Duleek which provides energy efficiency advice to customers, has announced plans to create 30 jobs in the next three years.

Energy Recovery (80)

The Energy Recovery Limerick plant will dispose of 200,000 tonnes of waste and the company announced they would create 80 jobs in the process.

Powervation (150)

A University of Limerick spin-out company that is making semiconductors has the scope to increase its headcount to 150 people, as it moves into markets such as consumer electronics. Powervation has derived a new chip that has allowed manufacturers to achieve energy-efficiency gains of up to 30pc.

GaleTech (1650)

GaleTech energy is investing €740 million in developing wind farms in the counties of the midlands. Subject to permissions, it estimates that 1500 jobs could be created in construction as well as 150 jobs in wind farm maintenance.

May 2009

Nualight (60)

Nualight has been granted €5 million in the ESB Novus fund and plans to expand in its LED lighting, creating 60 jobs.

Moffett Wind Power (100)

Moffett Wind Power was established in Co. Monaghan in June, to supply 10 kV wind turbines to the domestic and small business market. They announced 100 jobs in production and sales.

C&F Engineering (250)

In its expansion into wind energy, Galway-based industrial equipment company C&F Manufacturing announced it would create 250 jobs in the manufacture of wind turbines in Athenry. The expansion is part of a €20 million investment over a four year period.

Biospark (180)

Biospark, a venture between Imperative Energy and Sustainable Polymers Ltd announced the creation of 180 jobs in Claremorris, Co. Mayo at its bio-processing research centre. It is part of a €40 million investment.

Cronin Homes (44)

Cork-based Cronin Homes announced its expansion into retrofitting and energy efficiency, creating 44 jobs in the process.

April 2009

Kerry Die Products (50)

Kerry Biomass, a division of Kerry Die Products has announced plans to manufacture a new wood-pellet machine, creating up to 50 new jobs in Fossa.

ESB (3700)

As part of its €22 billion investment in renewable and sustainable energy, the ESB announced the creation of up to 3700 jobs. These jobs would be in areas such as electric vehicle infrastructure, network upgrades, insulation and energy efficiency.

Energy Detective (40)

Energy Detective announced that 40 new full time positions would be created in energy assessment in Mayo and nationwide through its parent company Energy Rating Assessors Ireland.

March 2009

ABB (100)

ABB has been contracted in the construction of the East-West electricity interconnector, with 100 people employed in the construction phase. The interconnector will be fully constructed by 2012.

Durkan Ecofix (150)

Dublin-based Durkan residential set up a new subsidiary, Durkan EcoFix specialising in energy efficiency and retrofitting, creating 150 jobs in the process.

Danelle Recycling Ltd. (2)

Danelle Recycling Ltd already employs 9 people full time in Co. Carlow, and with the assistance of Carlow Co. Enterprise Board, will expand its recycling business, employing at least an extra 2 people.

February 2009

Intel (134)

Intel is investing over €50 million in a major expansion at its Research and Development facility in the Shannon Free Zone in Co. Clare, with the creation of up to 134 new jobs over the next 4 years. It will involve the research on, and development of two new energy efficient ICT products.

AMCS (50)

The environmental technology firm AMCS announced plans to create 50 new jobs in Limerick in an expansion over two years. AMCS develops technology for the waste and recycling sectors.

Pauwel’s Trafo International (70)

In a €12m for the expansion of its existing manufacturing facility into higher value products and new markets, Pauwel’s Trafo (Cavan) announced the creation of 70 new jobs. The company makes distribution and wind transformers for Western European markets.

Surface Power (15)

In a €20 million contract with Moritz, Tourmakeady based Surface Power solar announced the creation of 10-15 jobs. Surface Power will supply Moritz with hot water solar collector panels over a five year period.

January 2009

Open Hydro (25)

As a result of a contract with Electricite de France, to build underwater tidal turbines in Brittany, OpenHydro announced it would create 25 new jobs at its HQ in Dublin.

September 2008

IBM (34)

In an investment of €30 million, IBM announced it would create 34 new jobs at a Green Data Centre in its Technology Campus in Dublin. The Centre is designed using IBM Research energy efficient green strategies and technology innovations.

August 2008

Abtran (20)

In a €2 million contract with Sustainable Energy Ireland to manage elements of the BER scheme, Abtran announced the creation of 20 jobs at its headquarters in Bishopstown.

May 2008

PowerPlan (60)

Powerplan, based in Waterford announced it would create 15 full time and 45 contract positions in its expansion into the renewable energy market. Powerplan will focus on supplying energy efficient district heating technologies.

March 2008

IBM (21)

IBM’s initial Cloud Computing Centre, at the IBM Innovation Campus at Mulhuddart employing 21 people, of which 9 will be focused on research in the area of cloud computing

November 2007

Advanced Modular Solutions (25)

Advanced Modular, based in Annacotty, Co. Limerick announced 25 new jobs in research and development in the area of energy efficient power conversion technologies.

Green Party TD Paul Gogarty today congratulated Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton for belatedly discovering the truth about her party, Fine Gael, as led by Enda Kenny. The Dublin Mid-West TD said Ms Creighton was to be applauded for calling on Fine Gael not to engage in 'cute-hoor' politics in the course of her speech to the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Co Donegal.

But he said that Fine Gael had long ago reversed their previous leader, Michael Noonan's ban on corporate donations - and the Party under Enda Kenny had taken huge sums from business fat cats.

“I welcome Lucinda Creighton's call on her party to give back the golf classic donations from NAMA-linked property developers last week. The only problem is that I fear that she may be slamming the stable door long after the horse has bolted,” Deputy Gogarty said.

He added that Fine Gael had been in control of many local councils throughout the country and been embroiled in many of the re-zoning excesses which contributed to the property bubble, leaving a trail of misery and disillusionment.

“The Green Party is alone among the political parties in never accepting corporate donations. We have worked with our government partners in Programme for Government negotiations to ban these corporate donations - and this ban will become a reality in the next Dáil term,” concluded Deputy Gogarty.

Green Party Chairman Dan Boyle said today that change had not come quickly enough to the appointments systems in financial institutions. Speaking this afternoon at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Donegal, the Green Party's finance spokesman welcomed that the new Financial Regulator and Central Bank Governor were individuals from outside the 'incestuous circle of Irish financial services,' but he said that the same could not be said of the financial institutions themselves.

"These appointments have hardly represented a new broom approach," he said. "As we further peel the onion of what has gone wrong in the Irish banking system there also has to be expectation that further departures from Irish banks, even among those recently promoted, must be expected."

Senator Boyle also said that the failures of Irish Nationwide are proportionately more catastrophic than Anglo. "The Commission of Inquiry into Banking needs to asks particular questions of Irish Nationwide," he said, And those who have had responsibility for the decisions and actions of Irish Nationwide should account for themselves in the appropriate setting, including before our Courts if it is found that crimes have been committed."

In his speech, the Deputy Leader of Seanad Éireann praised Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan and Financial Regulator Matthew Elderfield, who have shown a willingness not to pull punches, he said. The reports commissioned by the Government from Professor Honohan and international experts Reigling and Watson have been models of clarity, and their bluntness has surprised many, he added.

The full text of Senator Boyle's speech follows.

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Building a Better Banking System

Speech by Senator Dan Boyle to the MacGill Summer School
Glenties Co. Donegal – July 20th, 2010.

In the almost two years since the introduction by the government of the wide ranging Bank Guarantee Scheme, change in the Irish banking sector has been fitful, fragmented and frustratingly slow. There has been change and much of it has been positive. The chief executives and chairs of boards of many of the institutions have moved on. Under legislation passed the entire board membership of these institutions will have changed within a very short time.

Key appointments have been made a new Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Patrick Honohan, with whom I had the privilege of sharing a platform at this Summer School last year along with Alan Dukes; and the appointment of Matthew Elderfield as Chief Executive to the Office of the Financial Regulator. Both these appointments were significant as much as for the manner they occurred as for the quality of the people being appointed.

Patrick Honohan’s appointment as an outside academic being brought into the top position in the Central Bank, broke the Buggins’s turn arrangement of the Secretary General of the Department of Finance being assumed into that position. His previous role as a questioning, albeit a constructively questioning outside observer, offering an alternative to, and where necessary a refinement of, government policy decisions made him an ideal choice for this role.

Matthew Elderfield, outside of his obvious experience and qualifications for the role and the impressive way he has taken to his task since his appointment, has had one key advantage in being appointed. He isn’t Irish. Speaking at this Summer School last year I outlined my position and that of my party, that the vacancy of Chief Executive at the Office of the Financial Regulator had to be filled from someone who was outside of the incestuous circle of Irish financial services and those who had been involved in their regulation.

Since his appointment he has shown a willingness not to pull punches. His decisions on the Quinn Insurance Group and that company’s relationship with Anglo Irish Bank showed an individual with ability to operate beyond political pressures and put prudential principles to the fore. Professor Honohan and Matthew Elderfield have both demonstrated their desire to operate in ways that their predecessors chose not to.

Legislation, in the form of The Central Bank Reform Bill, has helped to achieve a better balance in the relationship between the Central Bank and the Office of the Financial Regulator. I believe the Bill helps have the information flow and more importantly accountability levels better defined. That said I have concerns that there might be a sidelining of the consumer protection role in our regulatory framework. In putting aside our failed system of regulation we need to remember that it was the prudential regulation that failed us most, and where we identified bad banking practice it was more often than not through the consumer protection side of the Financial Regulator’s office.

We need also to remember that previous legislation while imbalanced contained many powers that were never used, that if used would have led to the establishment of a more effective system of regulation. With this legislation there remains a leap of faith that the powers contained within the Bill are used by those entrusted to exercise those powers. Such people are in place now and we need to ensure that they are there in place into the future.

Where change has been less obvious has been in the subsequent appointments in several financial institutions. These appointments have hardly represented a new broom approach, and have a feel of meet the new boss same as the old boss about them. As we further peel the onion of what has gone wrong in the Irish banking system there also has to be expectation that further departures from Irish banks, even among those recently promoted, must be expected.

This and other factors feed the cynicism among the general public that change isn’t really happening and may never properly occur. Most frustration exists at the lack of prosecutions for activity that the public, justifiably believes has been criminal. We can bemoan our legal system, talk about the burden of proof and the need to establish water tight cases, but the longer the period in which no prosecutions take place, the less likely they are to ever take place.

I don’t see this as political protection of those who need to be prosecuted. It is more a culture that those who inhabit a certain strata of Irish society, committing particular types of crimes are somehow seen as being immune from prosecution. In order to move on as a society, and to assist economic recovery, this is a culture that we need to put behind us and soon.

We are learning. The model chosen to reveal what has brought to where we are, has itself been slow, but valuable investigations have occurred and are still occurring, that should help us take on board the lessons we need to learn. The reports commissioned by the government from Professor Honohan and international experts Reigling and Watson have been models of clarity, and their bluntness has surprised many.

Being told that we are mostly responsible for our own economic problems and that the banks have been most negligent in bringing this about, implies that there are many who remain in key positions in Irish financial services who have yet to take responsibility for their actions, Further questions to have yet to be asked. The appointment of the former Finnish civil servant, Mr. Peter Nyberg, to head a Commission of Inquiry into Banking, with his remit to report within six months, will help identify the extent to which Irish banks distorted the system and which of their executives were involved in the making of those decisions.

Parallel investigations by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance into the policy decisions made by the government, and the systems review of operations within the Department of Finance, should help give us a more complete picture. The Dáil Public Accounts Committee is also playing a valuable role in this process, with their scrutiny of the documentation that informed the decision to implement a Bank Guarantee Scheme in September 2008.

This scrutiny needs to be more detailed than the superficial analysis that has so far accompanied the public publication of the documentation. The Bank Guarantee Scheme along with the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, has each achieved something of a mythical status as the touchstones of public and political ire. I believe this to be somewhat misplaced. The Bank Guarantee and NAMA are not the major problems we have to face. At worst they are symptoms of the problems. In reality I believe they should be seen responses to the problem. Whether they structured appropriately is a matter for legitimate public and political debate, but to be misidentified as the core problems themselves is to obscure from proper attention the very real problems that continue to beset Irish financial services.

To some the Bank Guarantee has been a reckless decision that has put the Irish economy at risk to the tune of some €400 and possibly €500 billion. In essence it is an insurance scheme but in terms of public perception it has become a bill that has yet to be paid. In hindsight the need to strengthen and extend the Guarantee has been accepted, the best criticism, and this in retrospect, can be found in the Patrick Honohan report. He has argued that it isn’t a question of whether the Bank Guarantee should have been extended but more a question of how the guarantee should be extended and in what way.

The questions that now need to be asked are whether all classifications of creditors should have been included, and if all the financial institutions should have been included to the same extent. What is clear is that the decision that was made in September 2008 was the right decision that was made for the right reasons, if not on the basis of the right information. The review of whether the Guarantee should be extended is where these questions should be asked.

The genesis of NAMA has had a similar route towards misrepresentation. According to its critics NAMA would artificially inflate the property market. It would overpay for the distressed loans of the banks and it would offer succour to developers. That the property market has continued to fall despite the establishment and the initial manifestation of NAMA gives lie to the first assertion. The talked about 30% haircut on the value of the distressed loans was never realistic and after stress testing of the banks’ loan books, revealing the misinformation given by the banks, a 49% discount has been far more realistic. The third element on whether developers will receive special treatment from NAMA, time will tell, but indications are that in its initial phase NAMA will be stricter on those who owe on outstanding loans than those who originally owed such monies to the banks.

There remain too many conflicting colossal figures that are feeding public resentment, and perhaps the scale of those figures has led to a sense of powerlessness that tends to magnify the problems even more. However where anger is more than justified is in relation to the dead money that the taxpayer has been required to pump into Anglo Irish Bank and the Irish Nationwide Building Society. The costs of these interventions has increased due to the all embracing nature of the bank guarantee, but what seems to be lost in the argumentation about these institutions is that even without such a bank guarantee, as licensed financial institutions that were too loosely, if at all, regulated, the State acquires a liability for their negligence. We may be paying more than we need to be, but there has been no way, other than default, of avoiding most of the billions upon billions these institutions have cost this country.

Increasingly debate has centred on Anglo Irish Bank and its future, or whether it has a future. Again a subtext implies that Anglo is being maintained for political reasons. As far as the Green Party as a part of government is concerned, there is no political purpose for maintaining Anglo Irish Bank, or however it is to rebranded, for the sake of it being maintained. The thinking behind the current policy has solely been based on achieving a minimum cost to the taxpayer. However we may be coming close to a time when the alternative of phasing out the bank over a shorter time period will become the more cost effective option. Anglo Irish is a failed bank, a now notoriously failed bank. The policy priority has to be about cutting losses and not about rescuing the bank in whatever form.

The story of Irish Nationwide is one that does not seem to rate as high in public consciousness as that of Anglo. Yet in proportionate terms its failure has been far more catastrophic. That it was a mutual building society that engaged in this type and scale of lending is beyond belief. The Commission of Inquiry into banking needs to asks particular questions of Irish Nationwide. The answering of these questions I believe should see those who have had responsibility for the decisions and actions of Irish Nationwide have to account for themselves before our Courts.

In some respects what my party has argued for in extracting the country from the abyss we have been brought to by the banks is being progressed. The Green Party was the first to call the resignation of our last Financial Regulator and his replacement by someone other than an Irish national so that appropriate distance could be established in our system, or as was our non-system, of financial regulation. Before others, and in the face on initial reluctance, we called for a Banking Inquiry to be conducted quickly, independently and with large scale public inputs. As far we have been concerned this has been about a process dedicated not only towards getting the right answers but also in getting those answers in the right way.

Banking policy compromises of three distinct phases, the first of which the seeking of answers to provide lessons we can learn from I have been spending of great deal of time detailing here. The second phase is to move towards getting the banks in engage again in lending and spending activities that help the economy to recover. In this regard there has been much legitimate criticism of how banks are failing to protect homeowners who having purchased at the height of the market, or those whose circumstances have changed, and are now unable to meet mortgage payments. In the wider economy there is a continuing problem of credit to small and medium size enterprises. Businesses are experiencing these problems at the level of not being able to maintain overdrafts for cash flows purposes and few seem to be able to access loans for development purposes.

My Green Party colleague, Eamon Ryan, has been working closely with the Minister for Finance to deal with these difficulties. The establishment of the Credit Risk review group has very much been a Green Party initiative. Its recent interim report makes standard practices that have been developing in this area, and it is hoped that its further report will overcome many of the remaining difficulties.

It may be that banks by their nature are meant to be cautionary institutions. The recklessness displayed in recent years could be countered by their belief that in dealing with property they were working with an activity that ordinarily could be described as safe. This culture of banking is one that needs to be challenged strongly. There has never been a real tradition within Irish banking to support through seed capital, innovation and risk taking in developing new areas of the economy, and never has there been as great a need to bring this about.

A good example of this has been the slow availability from the major two banks, AIB and Bank of Ireland, of lending to Green economy initiatives even though €100 million of such lending was legislated for under the original recapitalisation legislation. Government policy for economic development is predicated upon The Smart Economy document, in which many areas of the new economy, a Green economy are being promoted, and this demands that our financial institutions recognise that it is here rather than in the property based economy of the past where investment is needed.

The third phase of policies relating to Irish banking concern the structures of the institutions themselves. As much of the attention to date has been in fire brigade actions to rescue the banking system, now thought has to be given to the type of banks we need into the future. The first question that needs to be addressed is how many banks a country of our size needs. The Swedish government, a country with more than twice our population, when it was dealing with its banking crisis of the early 1990s was dealing with seven banks, which it then reduced down to five.

In Ireland we certainly require a large scale retail bank. For the interest of the consumer it would be best if there were two such competing banks, although with the presence of other non Irish owned retail banks, this may not be as obvious. We need an development/investment bank but one as far removed from the Anglo model as it is possible to be. I would argue that such an investment bank should be a Green investment model. The inclusion of such a bank in the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat programme for government shows that this is direction that is already being followed internationally. There are also good commercial examples of such banks and in this regard I would instance the Triodos Bank, a UK bank that has already established a small scale but significant presence in Ireland.

Most importantly there is a need for a small savers, small scale lending bank run on mutual co-operative principles. We have been badly served by our mutual building societies but other models exist in the economy, such as credit unions and it could also provide a future role for Post Bank and the wide scale network it could help put in place. A combination of all these bodies could provide a viable, alternative third banking sector this economy needs. Encouraging small savers and lending in small amounts would be just the stimulus for the economy. This third sector could provide the type of small scale lending that can help meet short term needs of people, who in turn by spending more contribute in the economy more, and in so doing help create more jobs. As an economy I believe it would become more balanced.

A restored banking system depends on public confidence. As of now we seem be as far away from that sense of confidence than at any time since the start of this collapse. However that would be to ignore the work that has been done so far and the analysis of mistakes that have been made and the requirement to initiate a debate about the type of banking system we need and require. It has become something of a cliché that crises help bring about opportunities, but it is a fine line in which we also have to acknowledge that crises can also create deeper crises.

We shouldn’t be afraid to learn from the opinions of others outside of the State, those from international agencies, who tells those things we sometimes may not want to hear. Regardless of the fact that in the last decade many of these agencies have also been caught up in the false euphoria of the casino years in the international economy; the current views of the European Commission, the European Central Bank, the OECD, and most particularly the recent report of the International Monetary Fund, need to be heeded.

The particular banking recommendations in that IMF report such as an earlier than intended imposition of a bank levy, and the instigation of a new tax on bank executives pay point to some of the means the taxpayer can recoup the hugely unwarranted amounts of money they have had to commit. We should also give consideration to transactional taxes such as levies on currency speculation, a Tobin Tax, or on stock exchange transactions. Some of these charges would have to be transnational in their implementation but some could fit quite neatly into our national system of taxation.

Despite coming through the sharpest fall the Irish economy has known and with it the near destruction of our financial services sector, we cannot now retreat from the requirement that that sector needs a top down change. That change must include a change of structure, a change of systems, a change of culture, and most importantly a change of purpose. This won’t happen merely because many of us wish it to happen, but we must work to make it happen. If we do this right we will have a better banking system that will become a more effective hub for our economy and maybe as a nation we can show ourselves that we are able to learn from our economic and political mistakes;

The future of our economy, and with that our financial services, is largely ours to determine. We need to think medium and long term. We need to avoid the pitfalls of knee jerks politics and the questionable instant analysis of ratings agencies. Better banking is possible, better banking is necessary, better banking is what the people of this country deserve and those who tainted that service must stand aside and allow for better standards to prevail.

The Green Party has welcomed the signing into law of the Civil Partnership Bill by President Mary McAleese today. The act extends rights and privileges to same-sex couples and other cohabiting couples and was a pre-requisite for the Greens entry into Government.

Green Party Justice spokesperson Trevor Sargent TD said: “Today is a good day for all Irish citizens. This Act is a significant step forward and a stepping stone towards greater equality in our society. I look forward to the first ceremonies that will be held under this Act from next January. They will mark an important venture for our society for which we have waited far too long.”

The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 signed by President McAleese legislates for same-sex couples in areas such as property, tax, pensions, inheritance and maintenance. The Act also provides a redress scheme for couples who separate after a long-term relationship.

The Green Party’s minister for horticulture and sustainability Ciarán Cuffe has welcomed the publication today of “Food Harvest 2020,” an industry report into the future of Ireland’s agri-sector. The report identifies a number of green initiatives that farmers and food producers could benefit from including: a greater emphasis on certifiably sustainable production, horticulture and organic produce; forestry; farmers markets and farm gate shops.

Minister Cuffe said: “The Food Harvest 2020 report contains some important research and recommendations for the agriculture, food and fisheries industries. I certainly welcome the focus on smart green growth, and a recognition of the value of making Irish agriculture production more sustainable. Achieving certifiably sustainable targets, including carbon reduction, will not be easy but it will be commercially rewarding.”

“The promotion of sustainable and locally embedded food procurement policies and systems can be greatly aided by improvements in the Farmers’ Market network and development of Farm Gate Shops for which I have responsibility”

“The horticulture industry is experiencing profound problems. Very low margins over recent years have left producers in a very vulnerable financial position. The delivery of an effective Retail Code of Practise is essential to ensure further producer don’t leave the sector. A fresh look at how to develop this essential industry that supplies fruit and vegetable to our tables is required. A strong horticulture sector is required to ensure real food security.”

“Further opportunities will accrue with the introduction of the voluntary GM-free logo, which will take advantage of our predominantly grass fed beef and diary cattle, and build on the ‘Brand Ireland’ strategy to differentiate and add value to our produce. Likewise, major export opportunities exist for Irish farmers and producers in the UK and German organic markets, which are worth over €6bn. Development of the organic industry fits perfectly with future strategy suggested by this report.

“Sustainable development of our forests will deliver long term employment both in direct and downstream businesses, bio-diversity, climate change, recreational and tourist benefits.” Minister Cuffe added.

Green Party Agriculture Spokesperson Trevor Sargent TD has noted yesterday’s announcement from the European Commission that member states will be able to decide whether or not to permit the planting of GM Crops.

Deputy Sargent said: "This proposal further facilitates the delivery of the commitment in the Programme for Government to declare this country a GM-Free Zone, free from the cultivation of all GM plants.

"However, it is also of the utmost importance that the EU continues to improve its safety assessments of any new GM crops that it might consider licensing in the future. GM plants do not respect borders and countries like Ireland who are choosing to opt for a GM-free strategy must be facilitated to do so."

He added "Increasingly major food retailers such as Carrefour and Co-op Italia are requiring their premium food brands are GM-free. A recent GfK/NOP survey of shoppers at the Asda supermarket chain in the UK has shown that over 70% are prepared to pay more for GM-free produce. It is important that Irish food producers have the opportunity to take advantage of these important, growing markets."

Minister of State Ciarán Cuffe has responsibility for introducing a GM-free logo committed to in the Programme for Government.

Minister Cuffe added: "The introduction of a voluntary GM-free logo will enable Irish food producers take advantage of this growing commercial opportunity, add value and play to Ireland's strengths as a clean, green food-producing island."

Green Party Communications Minister Eamon Ryan today switched on the Government’s Exemplar Network. This is globally unique fibre-optic communications network using patented Irish technology which allows for the high-speed and high-quality transfer of electronic data.

Traffic on the internet is doubling every two years. The Exemplar Network solves the problem of costly bottlenecks of data, opening up a world of possibilities for future applications on the internet.

Last July the Government launched its ‘Technology Actions to Support the Smart Economy’ report. This ground-breaking report included 6 actions to help Ireland jump ahead of our competitors in the digital economy. One of the actions promised was the development of the Exemplar Network. Today, Phase I of the Exemplar is up and running in its test bed facility in Parkwest, Dublin.

The Government has already invested €5 million in the network. Today, Minister Ryan announced his intention to provide a further €5 million in additional investment.

Over 30 companies and institutions have signed up to use the Exemplar network to test their products and services and conduct research. These include: BT, Imagine, EMC, Celtix Connect, IBM, Smart Telecom, e|Net, Opennet, ESBTelecom and Firecomms. Four of Ireland’s universities UCC Tyndall, NUI Galway, UCD and DCU will use the facility, as will Science Foundation Ireland.

The Exemplar Network can be used to create virtual data centres and to facilitate cloud computing. High quality data and image transfer also allows for multi-site simultaneous broadcast of arts events. The Exemplar technology was used to broadcast a Snow Patrol concert in St. James’ Church in Dingle last year with a live, high definition stream to a number of locations. Many of the applications of this network are as yet unknown.

“The future of the internet is here”, said Minister Ryan, “and it’s being developed in Ireland”.

“There are those who believe Governments are not innovators, that we are technology takers, not leaders. Today, they would see gathered in one room leading international businesspeople, academics and artists. Everyone here today understands that this is a breakthrough moment for Ireland.

This Government identified cutting-edge technology with the potential to transform the internet. We invested in it and ensured it was available on an open access basis for all to use. Such is the interest from industry and the arts, today I can say that we are investing an additional €5 million in the Exemplar, which will create 140 jobs in the short term. The further phases of this project have the potential to create thousands more.

The new economy is digital, green and smart. The Exemplar network is all of these and with human ingenuity its future applications are endless”.

Phase II involves the construction of an active test ring around the Dublin metropolitan area and will commence next year. The final Phase beginning in 2013 will see the Exemplar as nationwide infrastructure.

Tim Fritzley, CEO, Intune Networks, the developers of the technology said: “The launch of the Test Bed marks a significant milestone in the Exemplar project and we are proud that the Test Bed has been built on Intune’s high performance optical packet switch and transport platform - Verisma.

“With the Test Bed complete the opportunity now exists for leading companies, academic institutions and arts based organisations, amongst others, to begin to develop on the network. This early test work will happen while phase one of the project continues with the Exemplar Network being built out in the Dublin region. The early commitment from an impressive range of leading organisations at this early stage of the project underscores the potential impact of the Exemplar Network.”

Brian O’Donoghue, Managing Director of Imagine Communications Group said, “WiMax and Exemplar can create a partnership to propel Ireland towards new job creation by inward investments and enable operators to set up world class businesses across Ireland. We are now witnessing Ireland’s transformation to the forefront of the digital technology revolution”.

Diane Hodnett, Managing Director of Celtix Connect said, “The future of the internet is about low latency, i.e. speed, driven by consumers requiring real time information, communicating in real time and using speed as a competitive advantage to conduct business. The environment and service providers who can deliver on this will be at the forefront of a truly digital economy. The deployment of the Exemplar network, coupled with the new CeltixConnect sub-sea cable, will deliver on this and will foster a massive growth in technology based industries and employment, be they content, media or financial, with Ireland as the hub. This is a ground-breaking development which must be applauded and driven by service providers and government alike to promote at home and abroad”.

Philip King, presenter of Other Voices said of the Snow Patrol streaming in Dingle, “The content delivery over the optical burst packet switched fibre network guaranteed uninterrupted premium quality content – something which was previously unachievable. The establishment of the Exemplar Network will allow Other Voices in 2010 to expand the delivery of high quality content directly to consumers outside of the Dingle area.”

The enactment of new planning laws will see the beginning this summer of a transformation in how we plan our towns, cities and regions, the Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Sustainable Development, Ciarán Cuffe said today, following the passing of the Planning and Development Bill through all stages of the Oireachtas.

"At the heart of these new planning laws is a simple idea – to put the interests of our citizens ahead of any one interest group, be they property developers or landowners," Minister Cuffe said.

Staff at the Department of the Environment will begin work this summer on implementing the new legislation, which aims to ensure that the right types of development are built in the right places at the right time.

A fundamental element of the legislation is the requirement for local authorities to review development plans, and ensure the correct levels of land are available for residential development.

"While there are around 40,000 hectares of land currently zoned for residential development across the country, the actual needs, even allowing for generous head room, over the next six years is for about 12,000 hectares,” Minister Cuffe said. “The provisions in the new legislation are designed to address this excess to deliver more compact, walkable, and integrated communities with the necessary infrastructure and services."

The 'core strategy' requirement in the new legislation for all city and county plans will be a key tool in translating national and regional targets into these plans. The Department will work closely with regional and local authorities to introduce these “core strategies” and restructure the national housing land bank, retaining those priority areas where infrastructure is readily available and reprioritising, or changing or removing, inappropriate zonings over and above the required levels.

Minister Cuffe said: "Overzoning and bad planning played a fundamental role in creating the property bubble. This legislation aims to ensure that these practices become a thing of the past. Good planning laws will protect communities, and protect Government investment. Planning authorities and the communities they serve will significantly benefit from these new planning laws as they will enable more joined-up delivery of essential infrastructure and facilities such as public transport, schools, amenities in the areas prioritised for development.

This will be facilitated by ensuring that there is a consistent and coherent approach to the national, regional and city / county estimation and prioritisation of land requirements for future residential development in a way that enables Government to work more closely with local authorities in prioritising investment in the areas that are most likely and are most suited to be developed into the future.

[ENDS]

Notes to editor: highlights of the new legislation follow.

Planning Bill – Highlights of the New Legislation

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2010 represents a [long overdue] major legislative reform of our planning system which will moves away from the major developer-led and bad planning mistakes of the past towards a more sustainable, evidence-based and plan-led approach, grounded in the principles of sustainable development and local democracy, to benefit citizens, communities and the wider environment. The following are some of the key highlights of the new reform legislation:

Core Strategy: The centrepiece of the new legislation is the introduction of a requirement that each and every development plan prepared by local authorities must include an ‘Core Strategy’. The new ‘Core Strategy’ provision will require development plans to include of a statement of compliance demonstrating how the policies and objectives of the development plan are consistent with national and regional planning policy. This will ensure that all future zoning decisions and local planning policies are evidence-based; work towards the wider interests of the common good of the region and the State; maximise Exchequer investment in infrastructure and services; and grounded in the principles of sustainable development.

Consistency: Before now, planning authorities only had to ‘have regard’ to national and regional planning policy in preparing development plans and local area plans. As a consequence of this flexible wording, during the ‘Celtic Tiger’ era, enormous lobbying allowed large tracts of land to be grossly overzoned at inappropriate locations resulting in significant long-term economic, social and environmental costs to the State. The new legislation significantly raises the bar for planning authorities by requiring them to demonstrate within their development plan how they are implementing key Government policy, and by requiring them to justify where they consider themselves unable to implement certain policies. These new provisions implement the hierarchical planning system as envisaged under the Planning & Development Act 2000.

Oversight: The Planning and Development Act 2002, which allowed new zoning to take place during the preparation of local area plans, introduced a loophole whereby local area plans were effectively outside of Ministerial oversight, because the Minister has no powers to intervene and direct a planning authority to take specific action to amend their plan in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development. As a consequence, local area plans in many cases supplanted city or county development plans as the primary planning policy document and became the preferred vehicle for introducing new zonings. This unsatisfactory situation has now been corrected, with the legal requirement that local area plans must be consistent with the development plan and its ‘Core Strategy’ and the Minister now has full oversight over Regional Planning Guidelines, County/City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, including the powers to intervene if considered necessary.

While the overall provisions of the legislation should limit future instances of Ministerial intervention in development plans, the revised section 31 powers of Ministerial direction allow for a full consultative process with local authorities and the public when the Minister is considering whether intervention in a development plan is required to bring a plan back into line with national and regional policy.

Regional Dimension: The new legislation introduces a much stronger strategic regional dimension to land-use planning and transportation policy implementation. The Regional Planning Guidelines are a critical link between national and local policy and to ensure optimal State investment in the integrated and cost-effective delivery of infrastructure and services. Under the new legislation, the relevant regional authority together with the National Transport Authority will have a formal role in the preparation of development plans and, in particular, the ‘Core Strategy’. While the decision to adopt, alter or vary a development plan or local area plan will always remain a reserved function of the local elected representatives, there will be a requirement to fully set out the rationale and justifications where it is proposed to deviate from national and/or regional policy.

Alterations to Draft Plans: It will no longer be possible for last-minute amendments to development plans or local area plans involving major policy changes, including additional zoning or delisting of protected structures, to be made without these changes having been subject to full public scrutiny. Furthermore, all amendments to regional planning guidelines, development plans and local area plans must be the subject of Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive at each stage of the process. This measure enhances local democracy and removes the unsatisfactory situation whereby major last-minute changes could be made to a development plan or local area plan without prior public scrutiny. A similar provision for public scrutiny of all alterations to regional planning guidelines has also been included.

Preventing Sprawl: The legislation enshrines in law the principles of sustainable settlement patterns and planning for the best use of land, having regard to location, scale and density of new development to benefit from investment of public funds in transport infrastructure and public transport services. This should help to the unsustainable trends in car-based suburban sprawl, which was allowed to develop over the last decade.

Climate Change and Energy: The Act, and significantly for the first time in Irish law, introduces definitions of ‘Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas’ and ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’. All development plans must now include mandatory objectives to promote sustainable land-use and transportation strategies to reduce energy demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the necessity for adaptation to climate change.

Landscape Protection: The new legislation introduces a definition of ‘landscape’ in accordance with the European Landscape Convention (Florence Convention) and establishes a mechanism whereby the forthcoming National Landscape Strategy will be integrated into all county and city development plans.

Habitats and Biodiversity: A major feature of the legislation is the full integration of the provisions of the EU Habitats & Birds Directives into the planning system . As a result, all land-use planning policies and development management decisions must fully implement the very stringent protection afforded to designated European sites (Natura 2000), including potential indirect and cumulative impacts, through the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement. Furthermore, all development plans must also include measures for the protection and management of features of the landscape, such as traditional field boundaries, important for the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species.

Water Quality: The legislation transposes the provisions of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) directly into planning law. All development plans must include mandatory objective to promote the compliance of land-use planning policies and objectives with the provisions of the relevant River Basin Management Plans. This is essential to achieve ‘Good’ status in all water bodies by 2015 in accordance with our obligations under the WFD.

Overarching Environmental Objectives: It is now a mandatory requirement that all Development Plan include a statement of overarching environmental objectives which demonstrates how the development objectives in the development plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with the conservation and protection of the environment.

Rights of Way: The legislation introduces new strengthened provisions for public rights of way including a mandatory objective requiring that all development plans mark them on at least one of the maps forming part of the development plan and by indicating their location on a list appended to the development plan.

Flooding: The legislation provides for the full integration of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines issued by the Minister in November 2009 into the planning system. As a result, all future zoning decisions, including the review of existing zonings, will be required to be the subject of a full Flood Risk Assessment and, where necessary, lands de-zoned or down-zoned as appropriate.

Allotments: The legislation introduces a statutory definition of an ‘allotment’ and provides that local authorities may include objectives for the reserving of land for use and cultivation as allotments.

Compliance with Section 28 Guidelines: The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has issued a suite of best-practice guidance documents under S.28 of the Planning Acts including guidance on Flood Risk Management, Sustainable Rural Housing and Sustainable Urban Residential Development. All development plans must include a statement setting out precisely how the policies and objectives of the relevant plan implements these guidelines.

Retention Planning Permission: The practice whereby an applicant could circumvent the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive by applying for retrospective retention permission has been outlawed. It will no longer be possible to apply for retention planning permission where an application would have required an EIA, would have been required to be screened for EIA, or would have required an Appropriate Assessment pursuant to the Habitats Directive.

Enforcement: The planning enforcement regime has been strengthened to require that, following the issuing of a Warning Letter, an Enforcement Notice must also be issued by the Planning Authority unless there is a compelling reason not to do so (i.e. if a developer is taking appropriate remedial action). The relevant fines for carrying out unauthorised development have also been significantly increased. Furthermore, in respect of ongoing activities such as peat extraction and quarries, the seven-year rule for taking enforcement action has been removed. In addition, it shall be a mandatory requirement that enforcement action is taken against quarries where there is no planning permission or where there is a breach of planning conditions.

Substitute Consent and Quarries: A new ’Substitute Consent’ process has been introduced to enable development whereby developers, in some instances through no fault of their own (e.g. through a defect in the planning application), find themselves in a situation whereby they can no longer apply for retention planning permission due to the fact that it is ruled that the development would have required an EIA or Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive before being granted permission. In such exceptional circumstances, developers can only apply directly to An Bord Pleanála for leave to lodge an application for ‘Substitute Consent’ application to regularise the development, and there is no presumption in law that they will be allowed leave to apply or that their application will be successful.

By far the largest category of development, which is likely to require regularisation, are quarries. Many quarries expanded without the necessary consents and environmental assessments during the ‘Celtic Tiger’ era. A strictly time limited ‘sunset’ provision has been included in the legislation to allow quarries with a generally compliant planning record to regularise their activities. Again, applications for ‘Substitute Consent’ must be made directly to the An Bord Pleanála and full public participation provisions have been included. Quarries which commenced after 1964, never had planning permission or did not register under section 261 of the Planning Act 2000 will not be able to avail of this process. Once the ‘sunset’ provision has expired, all quarries which do not comply in full with planning and environmental law will be unauthorised and strict new mandatory obligations of enforcement by local authorities have been provided to ensure such quarries immediately cease operations.

Taking in Charge: The legislation amends the procedure for taking in charge of developments by local authorities on foot of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission. From now on, the local authority must take in charge developments on foot of a request of the majority of the owners of a development, as opposed to the majority of the occupiers of the development. This measure will greatly assist those who are seeking to have common areas of developments taken in charge and who are frustrated by doing so by occupiers who are not owner-occupiers.

In addition, specific measures have been introduced to allow local authorities to take in charge unfinished developments where enforcement proceedings have failed. This is an explicit measure to address the legacy of ‘ghost estates’ and unfinished developments.

Exempted Development and Environmental Assessment: The new legislation makes it explicit that all development, where it would require an Environmental Impact Assessment, must apply for planning permission. This removes a lacuna in the legislation whereby sub-threshold developments, which may have significant impacts on the environment, would in some circumstances not require planning permission.

Default Permission: The legislation removes the possibility of a default grant of planning permission being granted after the eight week planning application process as a consequence of an administrative error.

Schools and Broadband: New provisions have been introduced to allow local authorities to impose a financial levy new developments for the provision of school sites and the provision of high-capacity telecoms infrastructure such as broadband.

Children: Planning authorities are now obliged to specifically indicate in their consultation processes that children or groups / associations representing children’s interests are entitled to make submissions to inform the review of a development plan or local area plan.

Material Contraventions: It shall be a requirement that, where a planning authority intends to contravene its own development plan, adequate notice is given to all prescribed bodies and third parties. It will also be a requirement that the Manager of the local authority prepare a report as to how the contravention is consistent with national and regional planning policy and furnish it to the elected members.
Extension of Planning Permissions: Owing to the prevailing economic circumstances and, in particular, to ensure that planning permissions for renewable energy projects do not expire due to grid connection issues, applicants may apply for an extension of the life of a planning permission for a period of up to 5 years, subject to certain conditions, even where no works have been commenced.

Members of An Board Pleanála: The qualifying criteria for membership of An Bord Pleanala has been extended to allow the Minister to appoint one member who has satisfactory experience, competence or qualifications as respects issues relating to the environment and sustainability.

**Click here to access the draft statement of waste policy (for consultation) - PDF, 172k)**

Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley announced today that he was opening a public consultation on a Draft Statement of Waste Policy. The Minister said the draft policy was intended to map the future of waste management for the next decade and beyond.

"The fundamental aim of the new draft policy is to protect the environment, reduce costs for householders and businesses, while at the same time promoting job creation and innovation in the waste industry," Minister Gormley said. "Waste is not a problem that has to be buried or burned. Waste is a resource that can create jobs and improve competitiveness, and enhance prosperity."

Last November, the Minister launched a report underpinning the major review of waste management policy. The report, commissioned by the Minister on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, examined all aspects of waste management policy, from prevention and minimisation to the management of residual waste. The report was compiled by a group of Irish and international consultants led by Dr. Dominic Hogg of Eunomia Research and Consulting.

"This is the next step in developing a resource-based and sustainable waste policy for Ireland. By providing for a strong competitive waste industry, I believe we will see delivery of a cost effective service and high levels of environmental performance," said the Minister.

The Minister said that the three key objectives of the proposed policy were to ensure that the environment is protected and enhanced; to ensure that the cost of waste services are driven down for consumers and businesses while at the same time improving the quality of those services; and to provide the policies and incentives and flexibilities that will enable waste firms to continue to invest and innovate in delivering new technologies and additional jobs in the waste sector.

Key elements of the policy include targets to reduce residual waste levels available for landfill and incineration, additional levies for landfill and incineration, and new standards for the types of services consumers should expect.

"This new draft waste policy is ambitious, and it will have consequences. It will create jobs and enhance environmental protection. But I have to be clear that it will inevitably have consequences for the size and location of residual waste infrastructure."

"The policy decisions which will be taken by Government at the end of this process will affect everyone so I look forward to receiving a wide variety of views as part of the consultation process." The Minister also launched draft Regulations which would see a phased introduction of the provision of food waste collections for households. It is proposed that all authorised waste collectors would have to provide such a collection service for the main cities by July of next year, with the service being rolled out to other urban areas by January 2012. "These draft regulations are another step in ensuring Ireland is ready to meet its EU obligations for the diversion of biodegradable waste away from landfill," commented the Minister.

A third consultation was also opened by the Minister today, as he reopened the consultation on an Environmental Report, prepared according to Strategic Environmental Assessment requirements, to inform the policy making process for waste management in respect of a proposed Section 60 policy direction on a proposed cap to incineration capacity as a proportion of municipal waste arisings (available at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Waste/WasteManagement/FileDownLoad,20552,en.doc.)

The Minister explained that he was reopening the consultation to allow those who had made earlier submissions, and others, to provide their views in light of the publication of both the report underpinning the International Review of Waste Policy and of today's publication of the Draft Statement of Waste Policy.

"I have always championed the role of public consultation in the policy-making process and this is why I am encouraging all sectors to participate in this important consultation," concluded the Minister. All three consultations will be open for receipt of submissions until 1 October 2010.

Green Party senators Niall Ó Brolcháin and Mark Dearey are pushing for landmark legislation which will make Ireland the first country in the world to warn of the potential dangers of mobile phones through a unique labelling system.

The senators have published the mobile phone labelling bill along with Senator Mark Daly (FF).

“If passed, the legislation will ensure mobile phones are labelled with important information regarding radiation levels,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin.
“A warning label would be placed on handsets and packaging to show the possible health effects of using mobile phones.

“The bill would require mobile phone providers to warn both adults and children of the health effects of over-exposure and ensure that mobile phones meet with the required International Commission for Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standard," he said.

Senator Dearey added: “Staff employed in mobile phone stores, or any store licensed to sell mobile phones, will also have to be sufficiently informed on all health matters relating to mobile phones.

“There is growing scientific evidence of a risk to health by long term use of mobile phones and this bill is a practical proposal to warn the public about a potentially serious health problem. Ireland proved that it could take bold decisions when it comes to health when it pioneered the smoking ban.

“The labelling of mobile phones with information on levels of non-ionizing radiation and the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of each phone is being discussed around the world and I hope that Ireland can once again lead the way in implementing this legislation.

“I am pleased that the Green Ministers Gormley and Ryan have given their backing to this bill and I believe that it will set an important precedent in more ways than one," Senator Dearey concluded.

Photos are available from: http://bit.ly/mobile_bill

Green Party Galway Senator Niall O Brolchain has reaffirmed that the next section of the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead despite reports to the contrary last week.

Senator O Brolchain met with Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey, who has confirmed the next stages of the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead as planned.

Senator O Brolcháin said: “I have received a firm commitment from the Transport Minister that the next stages of the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead. Any reports to the contrary are quite simply scaremongering.”

Phase two of the project will link Tuam with Athenry.

“I will continue to lobby the Minister in this regard to protect the Western Rail Corridor from any cutbacks,” concluded Senator O Brolcháin.

Green Party Leader John Gormley today expressed his sadness at the death of well-known environmental campaigner Sean Dublin Bay Loftus.

Minister Gormley said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sean Dublin Bay Loftus. I have known Sean for a very long time and we worked together on Dublin City Council.

“Sean was a gentleman, always kindly and encouraging and a true environmental pioneer. He led the way even before the Green Party came into existence. Sean never wavered in his pursuit of the highest environmental ideals. He was a man of deep principle and conviction and he will be sadly missed by all those who care passionately about the environment.

“When I spoke to Sean a number of weeks ago in hospital he said how pleased he was about my Department's recent work to protect Dublin Bay and how delighted he was about the recent An Bord Pleanála decision to reject plans for an infill of part of the bay.

“He was fighting the good fight right up to the time of his death. I will always remember the encouraging notes he wrote to me in recent years when I became Minister for the Environment. And on a personal level I will miss his encouragement. To his wife Una, his family and his close friends I convey my deepest sympathy on behalf of the Green Party. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.”