Tag Archives: Timmy Dooley TD

Clare TD Timmy Dooley has called on Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe to make the report on the sale of Aer Lingus available to appropriate Oireachtas Committee. It’s been confirmed that the Government has now received the expert report on the controversial proposed sale of the State airline and any sale would require the backing of the Dáil. Deputy Dooley, the Fianna Fáil transport spokesman, explained, “The disposal of the State’s shares in a company must receive the support of the Dáil. For that reason, it is only right that public representatives from all sides are given the opportunity to examine the expert advice on hand. “The Oireachtas Transport Committee has held numerous discussions on this issue and has met and questioned all stakeholders involved in a possible sale of Aer Lingus. It is only right that the Committee, which has representatives from all parties as well as independents, would receive a copy of the report without further delay.”

Aer Lingus’ decision to cancel flights between Shannon and Boston between March 29 and April 8, is not going down well in the county. In particular, reports that the Shannon service is being temporarily sacrificed to free up an aircraft to operate a Dublin-US service have not been met with a warm welcome in the Mid West. In a statement, the airline said the flight on April 2 is not affected but other services will not operate. “We are currently communicating directly with customers impacted by the cancellations. We have made a number of alternative travel options available to impacted customers, including alternative routings or alternative dates of travel. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and are doing all possible to minimise the disruption to customer’s travel plans”. Asked if facilitating Dublin services was in fact the reason for the Shannon cancellation, an Aer Lingus spokesperson said, “We have less long-haul aircraft available than are required to meet our operational …

The chairman of the Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee has been requested to invite Aer Lingus chairman, Colm Barrington and its CEO, Christoph Mueller to appear before the committee. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Timmy Dooley said they should appear before the committee to answer the questions that remain outstanding surrounding connectivity following the IAG presentation last week. Deputy Dooley commented, “Both Mr Barrington and Mr Mueller need to address the serious concerns that have been raised by those involved in the tourism sector who recognise the importance of our connectivity to the United States and Heathrow. The current links are also of fundamental importance for the pharmaceutical industry in the Cork region and for the engineering and financial services sector in the west of Ireland. “The significant concerns that have been raised regarding the potential downside risks of the proposed takeover bid remain outstanding. The proposal to retain the Heathrow slots as outlined by Willie Walsh earlier …

Reports that Cratloe Post Office is to close have brought a strong reaction from Fianna Fáil TD, Timmy Dooley. He was reacting to a directive from An Post that the office will close in March 2015. “I am shocked at news that An Post plans on closing Cratloe Post Office in March of next year. When An Post first considered closing the Post Office in June, the local community came together and put forward a comprehensive business plan. However, this has now been rejected by An Post,” he said. Continuing, Deputy Dooley said, “I am absolutely shocked that An Post cannot see the benefit and value of the post office to the local community in Cratloe. The business plan presented included proposals on making the post office a viable business. “If the Post Office was to close, then the adjoining shop may also have to close. This would rob the village of two vital local amenities. Rural Ireland has already …

THE dramatic increase in the number of house repossession applications in Clare, from seven to 120 over the last 12 months, has been described as “startling”. The Court Service has confirmed 11 orders for house possession were granted last month, compared to none in September 2013. It has emerged that at least one of these 11 orders was granted by consent, while over 33 of the current civil bills for possession are first-time applications, as cases can be adjourned a number of times before they are brought for a full hearing. MABS money advisor, Liam O’Connell, who is a qualified solicitor, stated the decision to close a legal loophole last year, following a 2009 High Court case involving Start Mortgages versus Gunne, made it much easier for lenders to repossess properties. In addition, he explained there is an increasing trend where banks are now deeming mortgages to be unsustainable. The president of the Clare Law Association, Mairéad Doyle, said banks …