Tension over political 'pact' marks opening of Meath's Municipal District AGM

The meeting had just begun when outgoing Cathaoirleach, Independent Councillor, Nick Killian, started the nominations for the new Cathaoirleach and proposed Brian Fitzgerald, another Independent councillor who just celebrated 40 years in service, for the role. The nomination was seconded by Councillor Caroline O'Reilly from Fianna Fáil.
As the vote proceeded, Cllr Fitzgerald received support from his fellow colleagues; Fionnan Blake, Nick Killian, Maria Murphy, Gerry O'Connor, and Caroline O'Reilly. However, when it was time for Councillor Yvonne Everard to vote, she voiced some concerns before casting her support for Mr Fitzgerald.
Cllr Everard, who replaced former councillor Gillian Toole following her election to the Dáil, said that Ms Toole had been part of a 'pact' within the Municipal District and expressed her disappointment that she had not been consulted or included in any related discussions since taking her seat.
Her remarks prompted immediate pushback - the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Killian, said the meeting was not the appropriate time for such a discussion and declined to allow it to proceed further.
Cllr Maria Murphy (FG) also stated the issue was not a matter for the AGM while Cllr Blake (SF) suggested the topic could be addressed at a later time.
Before confirming her vote for Cllr Fitzgerald, Cllr Everard requested that her comments be noted. Meanwhile Cllr Fitzgerald voted for himself, making the election result unanimous.
The meeting then moved to the election of Leas-Cathaoirleach. Sinn Féin's Cllr Fionnan Blake, was nominated by Cllr Killian and seconded by Cllr Everard. Cllr Maria Murphy nominated Cllr Gerry O'Connor for the role.
With the support of of Cllrs Everard, Fitzgerald, Killian, O'Reilly, Cllr Blake was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach.

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Extra.ie​

3 hours ago

• Extra.ie​

Ex-Civil Servants get sweetheart 'rent deal' for Phoenix Park homes

Retired and current civil servants are living effectively rent-free under a sweetheart deal in secret 'ghost houses' in the Phoenix Park, has learned. The revelation comes as new rent reforms introduced by the Government were signed into law by President Michael D Higgins this week. It has sparked a political backlash and calls for OPW officials to appear before the Dáil spending watchdog. Retired and current civil servants are living effectively rent-free under a sweetheart deal in secret 'ghost houses' in the Phoenix Park, has learned. Pic: Google Maps As new legislation was fast-tracked in a bid to ease pressure on tenants across the country, it has emerged that there are six residential properties in the heart of Dublin's Phoenix Park that are managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) but do not exist on any publicly available official asset register. The OPW has refused to confirm the rents paid by current and former State employees living in the compound, but overall figures released in 2021 suggest that the average rent for such houses could be as low as €135 per month. Despite having individual Eircodes, the terrace houses are not listed on the Land Registry. A seventh property, a detached four-bay two-storey house, is occupied by a retired civil servant. Pic: File The compound, which comprises the Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) offices, borders the lavish Farmleigh House Estate, one of the State's official guesthouses reserved for the Taoiseach and foreign dignitaries. OSI, now Tailte Éireann, is responsible for the country's mapping records. The homes are inside a compound with 24-hour manned security that is not accessible to the public and requires advance approval to gain access. A rear entrance for residents is guarded with CCTV, a security fence and a code-accessed security door. The detached four-bay two-storey house was formerly named the 'Chief Superintendent's Residence' but is now a listed building. Pic: Getty Images understands significant taxpayer-funded renovations were carried out to the roof of the property, which was built in 1894. The Buildings of Ireland website, run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, notes its original use as a 'workers' house' and that it is 'in use' currently as a 'house'. The occupancy and existence of other lodges in the Phoenix Park have long been shrouded in secrecy by the OPW. It is the latest in a series of controversies involving the OPW, which found itsef in the public spotlight in recent months over the €336,000 spending on a Dáil bicycle shed; the €1.4m spent on a security 'hut' at an entrance to Government Buildings; and the use of another €490,000 of taxpayers' money on a 70m 'wall of shame' outside the headquarters of the Workplace Relations Commission. During the last Dáil, former OPW Minister Patrick O'Donovan was asked about the lodges in the Phoenix Park on three occasions. Patrick O'Donovan. Pic: Leah Farrell/ However, he refused to give the exact locations of the properties, citing 'privacy of individual residents/employees and to avoid potential security issues arising from highlighting individual properties that may be vacant'. In 2023, Mr O'Donovan told Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald there are 'clear criteria' identifying a suitable person to live in any of the Phoenix Park lodges. The OPW this weekend confirmed the properties are 'owned and maintained by the OPW' and that they are occupied by existing and retired Tailte Éireann staff and OPW employees. A spokeswoman said people associated with former staff members were allowed to remain in the dwellings after the State employees had left the accommodation or died. 'Historically, on occasion, individuals/ widowed spouses have remained in residential dwellings following their retirement and these decisions are dealt with on a case-by-case basis,' the spokeswoman said in a statement. Mary Lou McDonald. Pic: Tom Honan 'The properties referred to in this press query are owned and maintained by the OPW and occupied by Tailte Éireann (formerly Ordnance Survey Ireland) staff/ former staff and OPW staff. These are State-owned listed buildings, located in a confined campus on a secure site.' The spokeswoman said of the renovation works carried out on the Phoenix Park properties: 'Since 2021, the OPW has carried out a programme of remedial/maintenance works to the residences in the Tailte Éireann site in line with our obligations and the protected status of the buildings. 'Works included roof repairs, insulation, replacement of windows, lime plaster repairs and some internal repairs/maintenance. These works were approved at the appropriate level within the OPW.' However, the OPW has refused to say why the six 'secret' houses are not listed on any publicly available register or land registry. They have also refused to say how much rent is being paid for each property. The spokeswoman would only say: 'These properties are primarily allocated to staff in specific posts where there is a requirement for officials to be present on the ground as part of their employment/official duties, and this is reflected in the level of rent charged,' they said. Former Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos In response to parliamentary queries from former Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan in 2022, thenOPW minister Mr O'Donovan said there were 41 lodges and properties in the Phoenix Park. In 2021, rent from the lodges in the Phoenix Park generated an income of €53,830 for the Exchequer. As eight of the properties were not occupied at the time, this means the remaining 33 lodges were generating an average of just €1,631 rental income per year, or €135 per month. The average rent in Dublin at the time was more than €1,800. But over the past four years, this has soared to an average of €2,350. Ms Hourigan had sought a list of OPW-owned dwellings and habitable structures in the Phoenix Park, as well as clarity on whether the properties were occupied. However, the former TD was not provided with details of the state-owned properties. The homes in the Phoenix Park are not registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) as the OPW, as a public body, is exempt from doing so. Last week, the Government announced changes to reform the rental sector as it comes under pressure to ease the unprecedented accommodation shortage. The major shift was announced by Housing Minister James Browne as part of plans to attract more private investment into the rental market, aiming to boost supply while enhancing protections for tenants. As a result of the measures, from midnight on Thursday, the entire country became a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ). Social Democrat TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Aidan Farrelly, this weekend said the controversy-plagued State agency must appear before the committee to answer questions about the secret properties. The Kildare North TD told 'Based on what has been presented, I think management in the OPW should come before PAC to answer questions about the origins of these houses in terms of ownership, planning permission, maintenance and occupancy. 'Given that this is ultimately funded through the Exchequer, I'll be writing to the chairman of PAC [Sinn Féin TD John Brady] to request that we issue correspondence to the OPW to answer questions on the same,' he said. 'There are questions here about decision-making processes that I believe members of PAC and the wider public will have great interest in hearing the answers to amidst a worsening housing crisis.'

Irish Independent

10 hours ago

• Irish Independent

The Sunday Independent's View: Time is running out for the Government to get a grip on housing

For the Government, it offers an opportunity for reflection as it nears the halfway stage of its own first year. What has been achieved since coming into office again in January? The administration has been accused of seeming less like a new broom than a threadbare old brush; not so much sweeping clean as brushing the country's problems under a rug to be tidied up later. But defenders of the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael-led Coalition would no doubt argue it has been faced with a series of obstacles since the start of the year, most notably the still unresolved threat of tariffs from Donald Trump. There is also the worsening international ­situation, which last week saw Ireland join other countries in pulling embassy staff from Iran as the conflict with Israel continues. These, however, are matters with which all our partners are having to deal. It is no excuse for not dealing robustly with domestic matters. The legislation programme for the summer term of the Oireachtas lists a number of bills as a priority, including the Defence (Amendment) Bill which will remove the so-called triple-lock on Irish troops serving abroad, as well as measures tackling air pollution, cyber security and terrorism. All important matters, no question about it. The logjam in planning and services is well documented But none directly addresses the deepest issue confronting the country: that is, of course, the lack of supply, and crippling cost, of housing. Last week there was more bad news as the Central Bank revised downward its forecast for the number of houses that will be built between now and 2027 — also the midway point of the 34th Dáil, a date which the Government may find itself careening towards at an alarming pace. This year, it now expects 32,500 homes to be built, well short of what is needed to make a significant dent in the target of 300,000 by 2030. The logjam in planning and services is well documented. Historically, it has often felt as if Irish bureaucracy stymies rather than stimulates innovation. No wonder we lag far behind comparable EU states when it comes to infrastructure. The apparent lack of urgency to break through these roadblocks remains a bigger concern. The Government already seems to have ­retreated into explaining rather than doing, as if seeking to justify in advance the failure to meet its own target, which it has already accepted is inevitable. The appointment of the former HSE chief ­executive as chair of the newly revamped An ­Coimisiún Pleanála may make a difference. If anyone has experience of cutting through red tape, it is Paul Reid. Health is another area where much-needed change sadly comes a cropper. Ministers must act swiftly to hand him the power to green-light the infrastructure projects needed to house an estimated population of six million by 2040. No other achievements by this Government will be worth a penny candle if the crisis in housing does not ease dramatically. The summer recess is set to begin less than a month from now, on July 18. When TDs and senators return in September, all eyes will be on the presidential election and it will be the winter solstice before we know it. It is still not too late to get a grip on housing, but it soon might be if more time is wasted.

The Journal

12 hours ago

• The Journal

Why are so few candidates dipping their toe in the water in the race for the Áras?

IT'S JUST A few months out from the presidential election, yet the public is none the wiser about who is interested in the top job, despite months of speculation about the runners and riders. The political parties have been very much in assessment mode trying to figure out who they might put forward, but the government parties do not appear to be in a rush to get the campaign going. Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin confirmed this week that his party is still taking 'soundings' from people who might be interested in running. Yesterday, Martin said he was not aware of any engagement with former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood over becoming the party's candidate for the Irish presidency, despite Eastwood stating that he may be interested. MEP Barry Andrews has ruled himself out of running for the party, with some chatter that his colleague MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú might be interested. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has long been talked about, but while some diehard fans of his within the party would only love to see him make a comeback, it is understood in party HQ, dredging up the past is not being viewed as a good move. In case you're wondering, Martin has also ruled himself out . Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris confirmed this week that presidential candidate nominations for the party will open in early July and will close in mid July. If there is more than one candidate, then a ballot will be held during the summer and the winner announced probably in September. Former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has not ruled herself out, with some party sources stating she is 'everywhere', which speaks to her drumming up support. However, others state that MEP Sean Kelly is also keen to throw his hat in the ring, even if it is only to spark hustings within the party. Harris told The Journal in March that he thinks competition for the candidacy would be 'healthy' for the party. So other than the two main government parties, who else is in the mix? While there had been talk that the united opposition would come together to nominate a candidate, they haven't been able to get their act together. Names such as Senator Frances Black and TD Catherine Connolly have been mentioned as possibilities. Advertisement However, Black told Newstalk recently that while she was initially approached about being a possible candidate, the senator said she has heard nothing since. Whether that was a message for the Left to pick up the phone and get a move on, it remains to be seen, as Black stated she is over 98% certain she isn't running . Connolly is understood to be a favourite among many Left-leaning parties, but some sources state the Labour Party have some issues with the nomination. One person who might fit the brief is MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan who has confirmed that running is something he might consider. Flanagan said that he believes he has a chance of winning the election, with his appeal across a number of different constituencies as a three-time independent MEP for Midlands North West. And what about Sinn Féin? Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has not ruled out a run for the upcoming presidential election. When asked yesterday if she was considering putting her name forward, O'Neill said Sinn Féin is working its way through deliberations on putting forward a candidate. Not a no then. MEP Lynn Boylan also stated on RTÉ Radio yesterday that she wasn't going for the job. Party president Mary Lou McDonald has also ruled herself out . Who else might be runners in the race? Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said his party intends to run a candidate in the presidential election, though name has been forthcoming. Businessman Peter Casey has declared he wants to run again. He got 23% of the vote in the presidential election in 2018 but he didn't fare too great in the European Elections where he got 3% of the vote in the Midlands-North-West constituency. Other names that have been mentioned include Irish Times columnist Fintan O'Toole, who said he would not rule out a bid but that he would not do it alone. Former TD and co-founder of the Social Democrats Róisín Shortall topped a newspaper poll before Christmas as the favourite to be Ireland's next President at 32%. Related Reads 134 members of the Oireachtas say they will not nominate McGregor for the presidency Mairead McGuinness has 'made no decision' on presidential bid after Micheal O'Leary's endorsement Senator Frances Black 'open to the conversation' of running for president Shortall told the Mail on Sunday at the time that she 'hasn't decided' what her next move will be, so watch this space. There remains speculation about a few RTÉ stars who might run, such as Liveline's Joe Duffy, who is due to exit from his role with the broadcaster at the end of this month, which could be timely. Presenter Miriam O'Callaghan, who was talked about as a possible runner back in 2018, is also still in the mix, with some pointing to her new memoir that has recently been released. Comedian/actor and RTÉ presenter Tommy Tiernan was also quizzed in a recent interview with RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor, where he didn't categorically rule out the prospect. Of course, there's also MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who hasn't been shy about his ambitions to be the next president. The chances for his candidacy are slim though as candidates need the backing of 20 members of the Oireachtas or four councils to get on the ballot paper. This gives political parties a major advantage, given the numbers. While we generally have a better idea during the summer of who the candidates, things are moving at a slower pace this time around. It's understood that given the previous bloodbath presidential election campaigns, the main political parties are wary of a long campaign and what it might unearth about any potential candidates. A short, snappy campaign is being favoured. Michael D. Higgins, the current president was inaugurated for his second term on 11 November 2018, meaning the next presidential election is scheduled to take place on or up to 60 days before 11 November 2025. But at this rate, it could be late-August or early September before we finally see how the ballot paper might shape up. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. 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