The Independent Broadcasting Bill 2017 which seeks to extend support to the broadcasting of local news and current affairs by providing funding which will strengthen and promote diversity in media. Independent, public service broadcasting has an important place in our society and we must do more to value it.
There has been a significant shift in advertising spending towards social media platforms, and traditional media organisations are increasingly starved of revenue. Continue Reading →
I was in Birr Castle recently for the switch-on of the I-LOFAR radio telescope which is Ireland’s part of a giant European telescope which can scan deep space. It works as a set of distributed nodes which each send data back to a central supercomputer.
The Castle has been a home for astronomers for centuries since the original Lord Rosse built the world’s biggest telescope there in the 1800s. The technology has changed but the intention remains the same and the current Lord Rosse was on hand to send the latest model live with us last week. Continue Reading →
I have been nominated by the party membership to contest the next general election. The selection convention held in the Westrgrove, Clane selected two Fianna Fáil candidates to run in the next general election. It is a tremendous honour for me to be nominated by the members in Kildare North to contest the next election on behalf of the party. I would especially like to thank those cumainn that nominated me including Kill, Sallins, Naas, Prosperous, Carbury, Kilshanroe, Kilcock and the Old Carton cumann, Maynooth as well as all the individual party members who placed their faith in me again. Continue Reading →
A receiver has been appointed for Naas Town Centre. This appointment comes after years of uncertainty on the town centre site. I have been championing this project for some time and have held a series of meetings with NAMA, Kildare County Council, the former owners and a number of other stakeholders to advance the project. The appointment of a receiver is a significant step and this will allow the project to proceed to sale. The appointment of this receiver was essentially the final hurdle in allowing a sale of the project to take place. Continue Reading →
I was delighted to introduce my second Bill at first stage in the Dáil yesterday. The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Bill 2017, which you can read in full here, aims to legislate for the use of Drones. You can also read the transcript of my speech introducing the Bill here. I have met many organisations, hobbists and other stakeholders to ensure the Bill provides saftey and best pracitises without taking away the enjoyment of Drone use. Continue Reading →