Monday began by opening a Multi Use Gaming Area (MUGA) in Aldborough Place in Dublin 1. The area, which was derelict, is now equipped with a range of sporting facilities which I’ve no doubt will be extremely welcomed and put to great use by the local community.
Later that afternoon, I headed out to the Casino in Marino to meet up with a number of historians from UCD’s historyhub.ie, who were getting ready to launch a video they have made to commemorate the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The video, which you can see here aims to right the wrongs in the telling of the story as it has developed over the years.
Across Wednesday and Thursday, I visited a number of the youth services in my area to see how they are getting on in the excellent work they are doing. The work groups such as, Bradog Regional Youth Service and the SWAN Youth Service are engaged in in reaching out to the young people who need them is second to none. They should be supported in every way possible.
The rest of Wednesday was spent in the Dáil. In the late afternoon I did a pre-record with Justin McCarthy for RTÉ’s Morning Ireland (for Friday) on the upcoming local and European Elections. With 23rd may firmly in our sights, everyone is gearing up for the period ahead. As the Director of Elections for Fine Gael’s Dublin candidate, Brian Hayes, I am already heavily involved in the planning and organisation for the coming weeks.
Wednesday night was taken up with a visit to Glasnevin Boxing Club and Phibsborough Fire Station.
On Thursday morning, I announced the 11 projects that are to benefit from a total of €50,000 which is to be used to promote an understanding of the EU among our young people. Having seen first-hand the work carried out by organisations such as the ones to benefit from the funding, I can testify to the impact they have on bringing the EU closer to home and the affect that has on young people’s lives. The projects target young men and women between the ages of 18-25. I wish the successful applicants the best of luck in their future endeavours and in their attempts to continue make the Union more accessible.
The rest of Thursday was given over to Dáil business, addressing the Seanad on the situation in Ukraine and the Irish Government’s position on it.
I was happy to see that this week recorded the ninth consecutive quarter of growth, according to Cpl’s Q1 Employment Monitor report. Also, the Government’s Stability Programme Update stated that the economy is performing well, and that this recovery is expected to strengthen in the coming years.
It was also great to hear that, as part of a wider national allocation of €15 million, €3 million will be given over to DublinCity to bring 135 long-term vacant local authority units back into use. Fantastic news for the families destined for these new homes in the future.