Cutting costly emissions from thousands of public buildings would help the environment and save Ireland €200m a year – without requiring a single job loss.
ESB said they are working on connecting homes by today or tomorrow, but some customers in isolated areas will not be connected until towards the end of the week.
Pat Rabbitte announced that an independent commission will examine the possibility of putting high-voltage power lines underground instead of on large pylons.
Rebuilding the grid will take more than a decade and we are still at the start. Now is the time to change the process from an adversarial one to a truly participative project developed in the public interest, writes Ossian Smyth.
The MEP is calling on the EU Commission to fully investigate the health risks on humans and animals of high voltage overhead power lines such as those proposed by Eirgrid.
One of Enda Kenny’s own backbenchers has said the Taoiseach’s comments, linking construction of overhead pylons to emigration of young people, are “unfortunate”.
FIANNA FÁIL TD Christopher O’Sullivan is calling for the government to introduce a €100 voucher for over-65s who receive the Covid-19 vaccine, which they can spend on hotel accommodation and “eat in” food and drink for when businesses open back up.
“The over-65s have had to make huge sacrifices during this pandemic. Many would have had the pre-pandemic habit of heading to their local hotel with family members for Sunday lunch. The fear is that this habit may not continue. This encourages old traditions to start up again,” O’Sullivan said.
“Many over-65s have received no supports form the state during the pandemic. Pensioners are unable to avail of the PUP payment. A voucher scheme like this is the least we should be doing.”
The Cork South West TD said the voucher would also help hotels and restaurants that have had to shut during the pandemic.
What do you think: Should over-65s get hotel or food voucher after they receive Covid-19 vaccine?
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