Latest news with #DaraCalleary
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre launches ‘bold' five year plan
The plan was officially unveiled by Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, highlighting the critical role of community-led initiatives in national social development. The new plan focuses on key areas that are vital to community development, including: Expanding child care capacity: Ensuring more families have access to quality, affordable childcare. Improving community facilities: Enhancing spaces that support community engagement, education, and wellness. Enhancing mental health services: Providing more comprehensive mental health support for all age groups. Supporting integration of new and emerging communities: Offering resources to foster inclusion and community integration. Investing in staff development: Addressing workforce constraints through robust staff retention and development programs. Speaking at the launch, Minister Dara Calleary said: 'This strategic plan is a powerful example of how local leadership can drive meaningful change. 'Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre is not only responding to the current needs of its community—it is planning boldly for the future. 'I am proud to support this initiative with funding from my Department under the Community Centre Investment Fund and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have across the region.' Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre is committed to fostering a resilient, inclusive community,' said Sandra Cribben, Project Coordinator. 'With this strategic plan, we are reinforcing our mission to serve South Sligo and beyond, prioritizing collective action and long-term growth,' she added. The strategic plan was developed with input from a variety of community stakeholders and service users ensuring that the needs and aspirations of local residents are at the forefront of the company's efforts. 'By embracing innovation and community engagement, we are not just planning for the future—we are building it. 'This strategic plan represents our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of South Sligo, creating a foundation for a thriving, inclusive community for years to come,' said Brendan McAuley, Chairperson, Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre. Fergal Landy, CEO, Family Resource Centre National Forum said: 'The Family Resource Centre Programme has always been about empowering communities through human rights-based development. 'Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre's new strategic plan aligns perfectly with this vision, and their focus on inclusivity and helping families will be key in strengthening community resilience for years to come.' Sharon Bowles, Manager, Sligo County Child Care Committee said: 'Access to quality childcare is fundamental to a child's development. 'It provides a solid foundation for learning, social skills, and emotional growth. Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre's focus on expanding childcare capacity will ensure that more children in South Sligo have the opportunities they deserve to thrive, while also supporting families in balancing their personal and professional lives.' The launch brought together elected representatives, community leaders from Tubbercurry, and service providers, and local families, all united by a shared vision for a resilient and connected community.
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Tesco invests in Irish operations with €5m facelift of Co. Mayo store
TESCO has invested €5m in its Irish operations with the complete refurbishment of a store in Co. Mayo. Over the past 10 months, the store in Ballina has undergone a major transformation, the British supermarket chain confirmed this week. The store in Market Square, which has been open while the works were underway, now boasts self-service checkouts, a deposit return machine, in-store bakery, and an off-licence. New perimeter paving, ramp access, handrails, and barrier protection have also been added, while customers can also now find a wide selection of Mayo-based brands on its shelves, including Connacht Milk, Western Brand Group, O'Hara's of Foxford, MMM Family Bakery, Hanley Catering and Westport-based Cabots foods. 'The store has undergone a huge change with upgrades to every aspect of the shop including shelving, lighting, fridges, floor design, as well as a new entrance porch and new look façade to the building,' store manager Séamus McGowan said this week. 'New lighting and heating were also installed as well as a new fully insulated solar roof, which will make the store much more energy efficient,' he added. Speaking at the official reopening of the store, Mayo TD and Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary said: 'I'm thrilled to see the transformation of Tesco Ballina, into a truly modern store, which the people of the town and surrounding areas can enjoy for many years to come.' He added: 'Tesco has always played a big part in the community here in Ballina and I look forward to many more years of engagement with the retailer.' Tesco Ireland CEO Geoff Byrne says he's delighted with the newly renovated store. 'This newly revamped store marks a significant milestone for Tesco as we celebrate more than 27 years of a presence in the region,' he said. 'We're proud to be part of the local community in Ballina and we are passionate about supporting brilliant local producers and helping to promote local businesses across County Mayo.' See More: Ballina, Ireland, Mayo, Tesco
The Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Where is the Government at with plans to abolish means testing of the carer's allowance?
DURING LAST YEAR'S general election, disability services and support for carers became a flash point that political parties were keen to capitalise on. All of Ireland's main political parties, including Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, committed to abolishing the means test for the carer's allowance. After both parties re-entered government with the Regional Independents, they made a commitment in the Programme for Government to 'significantly increase the income disregards for Carer's Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government'. 'Income disregards' refers to the amount of money a person can earn per week while still qualifying for the Carer's Allowance. What is the Carer's Allowance? The Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection to people who care for someone because of their age; an illness; or a disability. The payment is means-tested, which means that a person's income and assets are taken into account by the Department when determining if they qualify for the payment. In 2025, the expenditure on the Carer's Allowance scheme is estimated to be over €1.2 billion. There are currently 100,853 recipients of Carer's Allowance. Advertisement So, where do things currently stand? As part of last year's Budget, the income disregard was increased from €450 to €625 for a single person and €900 to €1250 for carers with a spouse/partner. This took effect from 3 July 2025. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said this change will make the scheme more accessible to people who previously did not qualify. The increase in the disregard means that 5,280 current recipients will receive a higher payment. As a result of this, the Department says 99% of existing Carer's Allowance recipients will now get the full rate of their entitlement. However, many people who are caring for a loved one say this does not go far enough. Family Carers Ireland is appealing to the government to increase the income disregard to €750 for a single person and €1500 for a couple in this year's Budget. The organisation also wants to see the payment increased from €260 to €325 per week. With approximately three months to go until the Budget, for now, it remains unclear what approach the Social Protection Minister will take. What we do know is that, in line with the Programme for Government commitment, there will be a further increase in the income disregard. Responding to a PQ on the matter last week, Minister Calleary said: 'It is important that we make progress in a way that is sustainable and which does not unduly limit our scope to support other vulnerable groups in society.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- Climate
- RTÉ News
€13.6m paid out to households impacted by Storm Éowyn
Over 60% of the €13.6m paid out in humanitarian assistance after Storm Éowyn went to Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, according to new figures. Storm Éowyn brought a record-breaking mean wind speed of 135km/h at Mace Head in Galway, along with gusts measuring 183km/h at the same weather station. 768,000 homes, businesses and farms were left without power as a result of the storm on 24 January. Meanwhile, 115,000 homes were left without water, with hundreds of thousands more under threat as a result of the power outages. The Government's Humanitarian Assistance Scheme sets out to provide supports to people living in properties impacted by extreme weather events, such as Storm Éowyn. As of 3 June, €13.6m was awarded to 55,700 applications, as detailed by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary at the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Social Protection on 11 June. Well over half of the awards were for residents in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, according to briefing documents released to RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme under the Freedom of Information Act. There were 18,756 awards to homeowners in Galway totalling over €4.7m - the most of any county in Ireland. The State awarded 10,127 payments worth over €2.3m to people in Mayo, and 5,808 awards totalling just under €1.6m in Roscommon. Leitrim is the county with the highest average award at €301.52 - 3,076 applications were awarded a combined €927,464. Cavan, Clare, Longford, Monaghan, Sligo and Westmeath all had over 1,000 successful applications for the scheme. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides income-tested financial assistance to households and is administered by the Community Welfare Service. It is available in three stages: Stage 1 provides emergency support in the immediate aftermath of the event. Payments under Stage 1 are not income tested and are generally for essential food and clothing based on the immediate need of individuals; Stage 2 and 3 provide income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Cash boost as €160 or €285 social welfare payment hit accounts of 126,000 TODAY as ‘check eligibility' alert issued
THOUSANDS of families are set for a major boost as a huge social welfare payment is set to land in their accounts within hours. Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has announced that over 126,000 families will receive the 2 Dara Calleary announced the boost can still be bagged up until September 30 Credit: PA 2 Thousands of families will see €160 or €285 cash sent to their bank accounts Credit: Getty Images - Getty The payment is designed to support eligible families with the There are two rates of payment for the scheme, which are €160 for children aged 4 to 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in The payments totalling more than a whopping €47,500,000 will be made this week to over 126,000 families with over 221,000 They will be notified if an automated payment is sent to families by post or through their MyWelfare account on their official website. READ MORE ON CASH BOOSTS Commenting on the boost for families, Calleary said: "I am delighted to announce that the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments for 2025 commence from today. "This scheme is so important in terms of supporting "This week, my Department will issue automatic payments to over 126,000 families in respect of over 221,000 children." For those who haven't been notified or applied for the major boost, the scheme is also open for applications until September 30 for eligible families. Most read in Money The payment will be issued once the application is processed and if eligible for it. He added: "The costs associated with children both starting and returning to school can put a lot of financial pressure on families throughout the country. Jack Chambers discusses his family budget & criticism not enough done for kids on surgery wait lists "The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides valuable support to families to assist with these costs and I would urge anybody who has not yet applied to check their eligibility for the scheme." REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ALLOWANCE You can get the payment if you have a child that qualifies, and: You are getting a qualifying social welfare payment, or are participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme. See Your household is within the BSCFA income limits (see 'Income limits' below) You and each child you claim the BSCFA for are residents in Ireland. If you are getting a social welfare payment, you must be getting a Child Support Payment (previously called an Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) with it, but there are some exceptions to this. If you get a qualifying social welfare payment but don't get a Child Support Payment, you can claim the payment if: The rules of your payment do not provide for a child payment (for example, Maternity Benefit and Adoptive Benefit), or Your spouse or partner's income is over the specified limit for your payment, but your overall household income is within the BSCFA income limits. However, you must meet the other rules to get a BSCFA. Your child must be aged between 4-17 on 30 September in the year you apply, or aged between 18-22 and returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you apply. And your HOUSEHOLD INCOME Your total household income must be less than the amounts set out in the table below. The total household income includes: Your weekly social welfare or Health Service Executive payments, and Any other income you may have, including wages Capital (such as savings, investments, and any property you have excluding your own home) When your income is assessed from your wages, the department looks at your income before it's taxed, but they don't include PRSI and a standard travel allowance of up to €20 a week. However, some social welfare payments are not included in the means test. Payments not included in the means test include child benefits, rent supplements, working family payments, higher-level education grants, blind welfare allowances, and so on. All capital is assessed in the means test, including savings, investments, shares and property that's not your own home. The income limit is increased by €62 for each additional dependent child.
