Latest news with #ARP
Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sinn Féin calls for review of ARP as figures show rise in properties availing of scheme
Today at 11:55 Sinn Féin are calling for a full review of the Ukrainian Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) after figures show a 17pc increase in the number of properties receiving payment under the scheme this year. The ARP is a tax free payment that property owners receive for housing those fleeing the war in the Ukraine. Register for free to read this story Register and create a profile to get access to our free stories. You'll also unlock more free stories each week. Already registered? Log In
Calgary Herald
10 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
The 10 best ways to explore Edmonton's river valley this summer
Article content According to Kowalchuk, world-famous paleontologist Dr. Philip Currie has noted that dinosaur fossils can be found along the riverbanks, if one knows what to look for. These quiet, wooded paths might seem like simple trails, but they're part of a much older story, shaped by prehistoric life and glacial forces. Article content There's also rich Indigenous knowledge embedded in the landscape, Kowalchuk added. Papaschase Cree professor Dr. Dwayne Donald, along with his friend Dale Saddleback, has spoken about the deeper meaning behind the Cree name for the North Saskatchewan River: Kisiskâciwani-sîpiy. While often translated as 'fast-paced river,' it more accurately means 'river that moves at the speed of a fast-paced walk.' Article content 'And it's true: if you walk next to the river, you will see that this describes it perfectly,' she said. Article content Beyond these stories, the City of Edmonton shared even more reasons to be amazed. Spanning more than 20,000 acres, Edmonton's river valley system is the largest urban park network in Canada, Chu noted. You can travel from north to south using only trails, bike paths, or footbridges, connecting places like Northeast River Valley Park to Terwillegar Park without ever leaving green space. Article content Article content 10. Caring for Edmonton's river valley Article content Edmonton's river valley is a treasured natural space, one that both locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy, while also helping to protect. Article content Kowalchuk said the simple but crucial steps everyone can take is to stay on established trails, practice 'leave no trace' principles, and keep dogs on-leash to help preserve the delicate ecosystems within the valley. Article content 'It is so important that we protect the river valley and ensure our use of it respects the river valley's ecological integrity,' Kowalchuk said. Article content Meanwhile, guided by frameworks like the River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) and the Ribbon of Green strategy, the City sets policies to protect the environment while providing diverse recreational and cultural experiences, Chu said. These strategies focus on regulating development to maintain the valley's natural integrity, while offering strategic direction to safeguard the river valley and ravine system for future generations. Article content Article content The goal is for everyone to appreciate the valley's accessibility and free recreational opportunities, while understanding it's a community treasure that requires collective care. Article content 'Crucially, the City would want visitors to understand that this is a community treasure – a space everyone shares and has a responsibility to cherish and protect,' she said. 'By recreating safely and respecting the environment, these spaces are kept beautiful for all.' Article content Just sit and be Article content Finally, one might consider the simplest way to enjoy Edmonton's river valley might be the best way – grab a coffee, find a bench, and just let the wind rustle through the cottonwoods. Article content Because in a city always moving forward, locals or tourists alike, the river valley reminds us to slow down and love where we live.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Concern about impact of Goverment scheme for housing Ukrainian refugees
Concern has been voiced about the impact of a Government scheme for housing refugees from Ukraine on the private rental sector as new figures show the number of private properties being used has increased by 17 per cent since the start of the year. A record number of over 21,800 dwellings are currently being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. It represents an increase of over 3,100 additional properties being involved in the ARP scheme since January. Owners or tenants of such properties were entitled to claim a monthly payment of €800 for housing Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive but the sum has been reduced to €600 per month since June 1. A total of 21,803 properties are now being used as part of the ARP scheme to provide homes to almost 39,600 Ukrainian refugees with 16,900 hosts in receipt of monthly payments. The figures show that over €339 million has been paid to date to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the scheme was launched in July 2022. The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin's justice, home affairs and migration spokesperson, Matt Carthy. Not surprisingly, the largest number of properties involved in the scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently housing refugees from Ukraine. A child carrying a dog seen at Lviv Railway station (Image: Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308). The smallest number is 128 in Roscommon. The figures indicate that approximately one per cent of the Republic's 2.1 million housing stock is being used to house Ukrainian refugees with varying differences across the country. The proportion ranges from an estimated 2.4 per cent of all dwellings in Donegal to just 0.4 per cent of all homes in Roscommon. Other counties with a high proportion of their housing stock being used to accommodate refugees from Ukraine are Leitrim (2.2 per cent), Mayo (2.1 per cent) and Carlow and Longford (both two per cent). Less than one per cent of residences in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Kilkenny and Wicklow are involved in the scheme. The number of properties being used to house Ukrainian refugees has risen by at least 10 per cent since the start of the year in all counties with the exception of Kildare and Kilkenny where the increases were at a slower rate. Mr Carthy said Sinn Féin has never received a satisfactory answer from the Minister of Justice about the impact of the ARP on the private rental sector. The Cavan-Monaghan TD has sharply criticised how the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been operated in Ireland and claimed the ARP is 'deeply unfair and caused huge divisions within communities.' 'It gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing,' said Mr Carthy. He claimed the measure was also driving up rents particularly in parts of the country that traditionally had lower rents. Ukrainian refugee family waiting for train in station (sock) Mr Carthy said the numbers in some areas like Donegal were huge with over 2,000 properties being used for the ARP. He added: 'These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. There are 21,803 properties being provided by 16,900 owners which clearly means that a significant number of people have more than one property under this scheme. 'It indicates that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies,' said Mr Carthy. Asked by the Sinn Féin TD about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rented sector , the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, said his department was awaiting the outcome of an analysis being carried out by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Board. 'There is ongoing engagement by my department with the Department of Housing in respect of the scheme,' said Mr O'Callaghan. Property owners or tenants were originally paid a rate of €400 per month when the scheme was introduced before it was increased to €800 per month in December 2022 and lowered to €600 last month. Accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards in relation to structural condition, fire safety, ventilation and various facilities. The ARP scheme has been extended to March 31, 2026 in line with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive Separate figures provided by Mr O'Callaghan earlier this month show that the State had contracts with 670 different commercial properties including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation at the start of July to provide temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in addition to the ARP scheme. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Use of private properties to house Ukrainian refugees up by 17% this year
Concern has been voiced about the impact of a Government scheme for housing refugees from Ukraine on the private rental sector as new figures show the number of private properties being used has increased by 17% since the start of the year. A record number of over 21,800 dwellings are currently being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice. It represents an increase of over 3,100 additional properties being involved in the ARP scheme since January. Owners or tenants of such properties were entitled to claim a monthly payment of €800 for housing Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive but the sum has been reduced to €600 per month since June 1. Sinn Féín justice spokesperson Matt Carthy said the 'deeply unfair' scheme 'gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing.' File picture: Liam McBurney/PA A total of 21,803 properties are now being used as part of the ARP scheme to provide homes to almost 39,600 Ukrainian refugees with 16,900 hosts in receipt of monthly payments. The figures show that over €339 million has been paid to date to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the scheme was launched in July 2022. The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson, Matt Carthy. Highest numbers in Dublin, Donegal, and Cork Not surprisingly, the largest number of properties involved in the scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently housing refugees from Ukraine. The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308). Scheme uses 1% of Ireland's housing stock The figures indicate that approximately 1% of the Republic's stock of 2.1m homes is being used to house Ukrainian refugees with varying differences across the country. The proportion ranges from an estimated 2.4% of all dwellings in Donegal to just 0.4% of all homes in Roscommon. Less than 1% of residences in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Kilkenny and Wicklow are involved in the scheme. The number of properties being used to house Ukrainian refugees has risen by at least 10% since the start of the year in all counties with the exception of Kildare and Kilkenny where the increases were at a slower rate. 'Deeply unfair' scheme Mr Carthy criticised how the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been operated in Ireland and claimed the ARP is 'deeply unfair and caused huge divisions within communities". Mr Carthy said: It gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing. He claimed the measure was also driving up rents particularly in parts of the country that traditionally had lower rents. 'These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. There are 21,803 properties being provided by 16,900 owners which clearly means that a significant number of people have more than one property under this scheme. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, this month. Picture: Michael Shtekel/AP 'It indicates that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies." Department and RTB analysing scheme Asked by the Sinn Féin TD about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rented sector, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said his department is awaiting the outcome of an analysis being carried out by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Board. Property owners or tenants were originally paid a rate of €400 per month when the scheme was introduced before it was increased to €800 per month in December 2022 and lowered to €600 last month. Accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards in relation to structural condition, fire safety, ventilation and various facilities. The ARP scheme has been extended to March 31, 2026 in line with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Separate figures provided by Mr O'Callaghan earlier this month show that the State had contracts with 670 different commercial properties including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation at the start of July to provide temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in addition to the ARP scheme.
African Manager
10-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Textiles: local fabric production on a razor's edge
Exports from Tunisia's textile and clothing sector rose by 2.61% year-on-year by the end of May 2025, reaching 3,942 million dinars, according to Sabeur Ben Kilani, Director General of Textiles and Clothing at the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy. Imports in the sector also increased by 5.41%, amounting to 3,107 million dinars, he added during a study day held at the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP), dedicated to Tunisia's textile industry. Nearly 87% of all textile exports are destined for European markets, with France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and the USA as the main clients. Low local fabric production Ben Kilani noted that fabrics represent 67% of the sector's imports, most of which come from Europe. Alarmingly, local fabric production meets only 7% of the sector's needs, reflecting a lack of integration due to the absence of large-scale local companies capable of producing fabrics at the required quality and volume. Challenges facing the sector He highlighted several external challenges, including rising maritime shipping costs and delays, weakened European consumer purchasing power and strategic shifts in the EU market outlook for 2030. Internally, the sector faces shortages of skilled labor, high energy and water costs, burdensome administrative procedures, limited access to bank financing, complex customs and social security procedures and delays in completing the Monastir El Fejja collective wastewater treatment plant Other internal obstacles include outdated public procurement processes, weak regulation of products in the domestic market, limited technical inspection of imported goods, and poor coordination among stakeholders. Urgent action needed To tackle the labor shortage, Ben Kilani proposed forming a task force to draft an urgent action plan and better coordinate international vocational training programs. He also called for mobilizing funding and accelerating the Monastir El Fejja wastewater project. He urged more flexibility for financially struggling companies, revising late payment penalties, and simplifying the licensing process for businesses outside industrial zones. He also recommended involving the Textile Technical Center in support efforts and improving the list of products subject to import technical controls.
