Green Party Cllr liases with OPW to clear blocked fish pass at Ormonde Weir

"We must protect the Nore for wildlife and as a natural resource and amenity for Kilkenny"

Green Party Councillor for Kilkenny, Maria Dollard today met with an OPW representative at Ormonde Weir, the large weir which extends across the River Nore at Lacken. “It has come to my attention that the Weir is in urgent need of maintenance as there is a considerable build up of debris” said Maria “and I am aware that this is the responsibility of the OPW. I am delighted that they agreed to meet me on site today and have committed to developing a programme of work that will begin this summer.

The need to maintain the Weir is increased in light of the recent news of funding for a Watersports Hub to be located in the grounds of the County Council offices, on the banks of the River Nore and across from Kilkenny Castle. “I was delighted with the news of the new Hub and this gave me the push to pursue the cleaning and maintenance on the Weir. Our beautiful River Nore is a resource for us to enjoy and protect and the maintenance of the Weir is an important part of that. The clearing of the debris will benefit wildlife, those on the water but also those of us looking on from the banks” said Maria. Maria says she will follow up with the OPW on their commitment to begin works on clearing the fish pass and surrounding area, which at the moment is blocked. “Protecting our Salmon spawning grounds and keeping fish passes clear is the most urgent need at the Ormond Weir right now and although it has been blocked this year, I have every confidence that it will be cleared in plenty of time for next year. Following the initial works, OPW representative have committed to developing a plan of work that will see the issue of collected debris on the remaining part of the Ormond Weir being addressed over the next few years and an ongoing programme of maintenance developed into the future, as we look forward to our new Watersports Hub and the enjoyment of the river Nore amenity for years to come.”

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Legislation to Cap Excess Profits for Energy Companies

By Maria Dollard • September 4, 2023

New bill to combat high electricity costs welcomed by Kilkenny Councillor by Liam Kelly O’Rourke Kilkenny People 01 Sep 2023 4:48 PM Kilkenny Green Party Councillor, Maria Dollard, has welcomed the publication of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill. The Bill provides a cap on the market revenues genered by non-gas generators in the wholesale electricity market between December 2022 to June 2023. The estimated proceeds from the cap on market revenues are in the range €80 million to €150 million and these will now be retained and used in the electricity sector to provide financial supports to households and businesses affected by high energy prices. Cllr Dollard, commented: "This is good news for Kilkenny consumers who will see the money collected ring fenced to be returned to consumers who have been paying way too much for electricity for a long time now. We need to support those on the lowest incomes. There’s no doubt some people are being hit harder than others and without access to good insulation, bills can be very high for some, especially older people and people with reduced mobility." Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, claimed the move would 'ease the impact of high energy prices on electricity consumers' and stated he intends to bring this Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas when the Dáil resumes after the summer recess. https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local-news/1287190/new-bill-to-combat-high-electricity-costs-welcomed-by-kilkenny-councillor.html