Commissioner Phil Hogan has at times been a controversial figure here in Waterford. People here worried about Kilkenny, his home county, getting more attention than Waterford for investment when he was a Cabinet Minister.He has been on a bigger stage since as Irish EU Commissioner and has a had a successful period in...
Express View
Airport in Waterford can alleviate pressure on Dublin
Airport in Waterford can alleviate pressure on Dublin
It was interesting to hear the head man in Aer Rianta and Dublin declare on Newstalk this past week that Dublin Airport is at full capacity.Dublin can no longer take new airlines from early morning to early evening peak times, only later times are possible outside of peak times.This must create opportunity for the...
Time for government to review farming sector
Time for government to review farming sector
Given the huge concern over the blockade at beef plants in the past few weeks, is it not time for Government to review the Sector? The beef farmers are in serious trouble, due to the fall in prices and find it hard to sustain themselves. The factory owners are at risk with little supply and the danger of lost...
Rural pubs closures rise
Rural pubs closures rise
Pub closures continue as revenue figures show 71 rural pubs closed in 2018 – 1,535 less pubs in rural Ireland than in 2005.Drinks Industry Group of Ireland analysis shows nearly 20% of (1,535) rural pubs closed between 2005 and 2018, compared to just 1% in Dublin. Revenue figures show the rural pub population...
Multi-Cultural Waterford growing
Multi-Cultural Waterford growing
Last week we attended a special event for India National Day where the advent of Multi-Cultural Waterford came up.Waterford has changed very much in last decade and a half with the strong Irish economy attracting labour from Europe but also further afield like India.There is a growing Indian community in Waterford...
Meat Industry Woes
Meat Industry Woes
The row among farmers with the beef industry is getting more serious with the blockade of lorries bringing cattle and workers layoffs.Good to see talks underway and hopefully a resolution can be found. The protest, some say, did serve to highlight the problem but got very serious with staff layoffs and no production...
Waterford lags national recovery
Waterford lags national recovery
The South East Economic Monitor 2018 shows that, despite some signs of improvement, Waterford continues to be left behind and is not enjoying a fair share of the national recovery.We carried this story last week and the report received much national press and radio which is a good thing, but being over negative can...
GAA World Games comes to Waterford
GAA World Games comes to Waterford
Great to see over 1,100 Gaelic footballers, hurlers and camogie players from all around the world come to Waterford for the GAA World Games 2019.As Mayor of Waterford, Cllr John Pratt said: “It is fantastic to see so many teams from around the world arrive in Waterford for a week-long tournament of Gaelic games. All...
Agora create 135 new jobs for Waterford
Agora create 135 new jobs for Waterford
Great to see the Agora Companies, the global publishing consortium, announce last week 135 additional jobs in its offices in Woodlock House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford as well as Waterford City.Collectively, The Agora Companies in Waterford employ 270 people. The additional 135 roles will be in all areas of the South...
Will legal system be changed to address compensation culture?
Will legal system be changed to address compensation culture?
The UK, USA and Ireland have a particular problem with a claims culture for small accidents or injuries. This is now so serious that small business are closing such as creches, shops etc.Motorists, especially younger ones, are finding it hard to get cover and drive.Householders see home insurance rise and medical...
EU-Mercosur Trade Deal to hit Irish beef?
EU-Mercosur Trade Deal to hit Irish beef?
After 20 years of negotiations, the European Union has concluded a trade deal with the four Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This is the largest trade deal that the EU has ever negotiated, covering 773 million people.It is a trade deal that may offer significant opportunities for Irish...
Climate Change pronouncements creates concern
Climate Change pronouncements creates concern
The Cabinet rolled up in a hybrid fuel bus to make big announcements on climate change.No electric public transport was just an example of how ill prepared we are.In less well off central European countries electric buses and trains are prevalent.We have a dispersed population with poor public transport and a high...