Latest news with #GovernmentFunding
Irish Times
19-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Ministers sought multiples of available funding as part of national plan review
From next week, a lot of Ministers will have more money to spend, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers indicated to the Dáil this week. The Government will have about €20 billion in new funding to distribute as part of its review of the National Development Plan (NDP), due to be announced on Tuesday. Overall, more than €165 billion had been allocated to the NDP, which runs until 2030. But the money available under the revised plan will be boosted by the €14 billion windfall from the Apple tax case as well as proceeds from the sale of AIB shareholdings and money that had been put away in State accounts including the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. READ MORE But even with the additional billions, it was never going to be enough to meet demands from various Ministers who, between them, had sought multiples of the sum available. Just days away from the scheduled announcement, there is no overall agreement on who should get what. On Friday there were five departments for which funding allocations had not been finalised. Coalition party leaders are set to meet on Saturday to try to resolve the issues. Funding decisions for housing , health, education and defence remained outstanding, with some sources maintaining that transport was also yet to be settled. The Government will decide formally on amounts for each area by Tuesday, but specific projects will not be announced. Chambers said housing, energy, water and transport in particular required additional investment. Housing This is probably the key area for Government, however, a new housing strategy cannot be published until the funding available under the NDP is decided. Minister for Housing James Browne has sought funding to meet overall housing targets, but also to cover investment in water services, critical to facilitating home building. Projects in the mix include the €1.3 billion sewage and drainage scheme for Dublin , which received the green light from An Coimisiún Pleanála last week, and the controversial proposal to bring water to Dublin from the river Shannon. The scheme to provide financial assistance to people who had homes affected by defective concrete blocks – which could cost more than €2 billion – also forms part of the package sought by the Department of Housing . Health Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill told an Oireachtas committee last month that while there were strong demands around housing, energy and water, she was making her case in the NDP review for investment in health infrastructure. A key element in her proposal is the digitalisation of health services, including electronic patient records, a project that could cost about €2 billion. The Minister has also been seeking funding for investment in community nursing units – in some cases for refurbishment to bring them up to Hiqa standards – as well as for a range of step-down facilities. Plans to develop elective-only hospitals – where beds would not be taken up by patients admitted through emergency departments – also form part of the Department of Health 's proposals. Education Informed sources suggest the Department of Education has been looking for about €2 billion for its school building programme. It has about 300 projects in the pipeline but rising costs have been an issue. And while pupil numbers are projected to drop nationally, they are increasing in many commuter belt areas. Defence Funding for defence is not usually seen as controversial, given the traditionally low levels of expenditure. However, Tánaiste Simon Harris , the Minister for Defence, is understood to have argued for a step change in how the area is treated. He has said publicly that Ireland cannot continue lagging behind in terms of defence spending internationally. He has said Ireland will commit to reaching the Level of Ambition 3 (LOA3), the highest goal set out by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which reported three years ago. This would include a 12-ship Naval Service and the provision of fighter aircraft. Transport Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien will be responsible for key projects over the coming years including the mammoth Dublin metro scheme – presuming planning permission is secured in the coming weeks. The metro project will cost many billions but some may fall outside the five-year framework of this NDP. However, there is also a Dart upgrade programme to be funded. Ministers were told earlier this year that most planned road projects could be funded assuming a €4 billion allocation covering 2026 to 2030. However, there were concerns over funding for the A5 road in Northern Ireland for which the Government promised €600 million (although there are doubts about this project following a recent court ruling in Belfast) as well as the €200 million Cork Northern Distributor Road and the €200 million Great Island Connectivity scheme (to Cobh).
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Rural Ontario Development Program launches in Clinton
Rural Ontario is getting an infusion of government money to pull from to try and ride out uncertain economic times. 'We sometimes feel like we're under the shadow of the GTA and the bigger cities, and we have a lot of residents, a lot of good businesses, and all these things help just promote those and strengthen them,' said Huron County Warden, Jamie Heffer. $20 million will be available over the next two years in the newly developed Rural Ontario Development Program. Rural municipalities, along with small businesses, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations in Rural Ontario can apply, starting Tuesday. The money can be used for economic development, employee attraction and retention, community infrastructure, and/or business development. 'Whether it's a medical clinic in a small community or a business centre or a wellness initiative to help people on the streets across Ontario, this type of funding makes a difference. And it builds confidence that there's so much more opportunity to grow,' said Ontario's Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, who announced the funding in Clinton this morning. Rural Ontario Development Rural leaders launch the Rural Ontario Development Program in Clinton on June 24, 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) While $20 million over two years may not sound like a lot of funding, the idea is to help fund a large number of small projects, rather than two or three large ones. Since 2019, the provincial government has invested $27.5 million in over 473 projects across Ontario, through the predecessor to the Rural Ontario Development Program, called the Rural Economic Development Program. 'The R.E.A.C.H Centre here in Clinton is a perfect example. What started out as a regional equine and agricultural centre, is now home to Fanshawe College. It's home to a local Montessori school. It's home to so much more. And they're looking to grow. That's exactly what we want to do,' said Thompson, who is also the MPP for Huron-Bruce. 'When we built this arena for just shy of $7 million, we got $500,000 in funding from the province. But over a period of a loan, that's a lot of money that you could be paying out in interest. So, every little bit helps,' said Municipality of Central Huron Reeve, Jim Ginn. DOWNTOWN CLINTON Downtown Clinton, Ont. on June 24, 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) Rural leaders hope if the government is bombarded with applications, as they expect they will be, it will be a sign that more investments in Rural Ontario are warranted. 'I'm hoping that if uptake is very strong, that perhaps we'll be seeing, more funds in it in another two years time,' said Rural Ontario Municipal Association Chair, and Mississippi Mills Mayor, Christa Lowry. 'This is extremely important for our small, rural Ontario. The opportunity to just have the government putting this kind of dollars into strengthening our rural communities. It's just a fantastic program that we're looking forward to,' said Heffer. 'It's an incentive and it kickstarts things. We did some public fundraising here for the R.E.A.C.H Centre, and when you know the other levels of government have kicked in some money, that helps people justify putting in some of their own,' said Ginn. Applications for the Rural Ontario Development Program open today, and close on Sept. 24.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- The Sun
Beachfront lido that's free to use to close this summer ahead of major renovation
ONE of the UK's best free lidos will close in the height of summer to undergo renovation works. Shoalstone Seawater Pool has experienced cracking due to harsh tides and will be closed off to visitors in a matter of weeks. 4 4 Shoalstone Pool in Brixham announced in 2024 that it had received Government funding to go towards a £750,000 pool upgrade. The pool's managers said the work would include the reconstruction of the north west corner after waves crashing against the pool caused cracks to appear. Sadly, work on the pool means that it will close to swimmers. David Thomas, operations manager said: "We'll be closing the pool in August for essential upgrades. "Thanks to a government grant, we'll be installing a new deep end, a raised deck, replacing railings, and reinforcing the walls to ensure safety for future generations." The website states that the pool could be closed off as soon as July to prepare for the repairs. An official date for the closure is yet to be announced. The swimming pool is 53 metres long making it one of the largest tidal pools in the world and sits on the edge of Shoalstone Beach in Devon. There is no entry charge, but they do ask for a voluntary donations. It asks for donations of £3.50 per swim, or £8 per family to help cover running costs. As well as regular swimming sessions, there are other activities like pooch-friendly swims, wellbeing days, fun days, twilight and night swims. New £4million lido to open in UK next year 4 On the side, the pool offers sessions of yoga and tai chi. They also hold Santa Runs and Beer Festivals for the people of Brixham and Torbay. The pool is tidal and relies on the sea to fill it, so it's always best to visit in the hours either side of low tide during the summer months. Shoalstone Pool is considered a gem for locals and visitors alike. One visitors wrote on Tripadvisor: "This venue is truly unique. A beautiful, well cared for seawater pool. I have spent many sunny days swimming in the pool, as an adult and child." Another added: "Why doesn't Brixham shout about this place? It's awesome! We found out about it by accident, from someone in a shop. It's a little further away from the harbour - but I always think the best places are the ones off the beaten track." A third said: "I had the best time in Shoalstone pool. So invigorating. Would definitely go again when next in beautiful Brixham. Easy to park and the views are amazing." Plus, here are the UK's best outdoor water parks and lidos – as temperatures are set to rise over the weekend. And another lido that's set to reopen this summer after three years – and an £8.75 million upgrade.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Electra Commences Early Works to Support Restart of North America's Only Cobalt Refinery
TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) ('Electra' or the 'Company') announces the launch of an early works program at its cobalt refinery north of Toronto, reaffirming the Company's commitment to onshoring North America's critical minerals processing and building a resilient, domestic battery materials supply chain. The early works program encompasses targeted site-level activities designed to prepare for the restart of full-scale construction. The initiative reflects growing momentum around the project, supported by strategic funding from both the U.S. and Canadian governments. The work, budgeted at approximately C$750,000, is particularly focused on advancing the solvent extraction facility. 'The early works program represents a critical step in transitioning the refinery site back to construction mode,' said Mark Trevisiol, Vice President, Projects at Electra. 'By focusing on key infrastructure, particularly in the SX area, we are ensuring the site is ready for a seamless ramp-up as soon as full funding is in place.' Work scheduled over the summer will focus on advancing high-priority activities in the solvent extraction (SX) area, which is a key component of Electra's hydrometallurgical refining circuit. Crews will relocate and install SX processing equipment previously delivered to site, pour reinforced concrete bases for the SX tanks, and complete structural roofing work on the SX building. In parallel, tender preparation and engineering support activities will proceed to facilitate the transition to full construction. These works follow a C$200,000 investment earlier this year into the septic, power and lighting systems, as well as the recent delivery and placement of the site's prefabricated electrical house, all further enhancing construction readiness. 'This project reflects our disciplined approach to advancing the refinery project,' said Electra CFO, Marty Rendall. 'The early works program enables us to build critical infrastructure and maintain project momentum while we work to finalize the remaining elements of our funding package.' The early works initiative is partially supported by a US$20 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act, announced in August 2024. This funding underscores the strategic role of Electra's refinery in strengthening domestic industrial capacity and securing North America's critical minerals supply chain. The project has also received support from Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund. 'Our early works program is a clear signal: Electra is not standing still,' said Trent Mell, CEO of Electra. 'The early works program lays the physical and operational groundwork to accelerate into full construction. We are confident in our project and its strategic importance. Preparing for the final leg of construction is a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering North America's only battery-grade cobalt refinery.' Electra's refinery is the only project in North America designed to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate at scale. By integrating advanced hydrometallurgical processing and pursuing low-carbon production pathways, Electra is redefining how critical minerals are refined, offering a cleaner, traceable alternative to overseas supply chains. Following a temporary pause in construction in 2023, Electra has continued to make strategic progress toward completing the remaining financing needed to bring the cobalt sulfate refinery into full commercial operation. With foundational funding already secured, including significant contributions from both the U.S. and Canadian governments, the Company is actively advancing complementary funding initiatives to support project completion. Backed by strong government endorsements and the refinery already significantly advanced, Electra expects it will be able to finalize the balance of the financing required to move the refinery into production. About Electra Battery Materials Electra is a leader in advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Currently focused on developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra is executing a phased strategy to onshore critical minerals refining and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. In addition to establishing the cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra's strategy includes nickel refining and battery recycling. Growth projects include integrating black mass recycling at its existing refining complex, evaluating opportunities for cobalt production in Bécancour, Quebec, and exploring nickel sulfate production potential in North America. For more information, please visit ContactHeather SmilesVice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Electra Battery Materialsinfo@ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as 'plans', 'expects', 'estimates', 'intends', 'anticipates', 'believes' or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Among the bases for assumptions with respect to the potential for additional government funding are discussions and indications of support from government actors based on certain milestones being achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are set forth in the management discussion and analysis and other disclosures of risk factors for Electra Battery Materials Corporation, filed on SEDAR+ at and on EDGAR at Other factors that could lead actual results to differ materially include changes with respect to government or investor expectations or actions as compared to communicated intentions, and general macroeconomic and other trends that can affect levels of government or private investment. Although the Company believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
RNZ News
07-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Expanded Lower Hutt medical centre to cater for 'daylight hours'
The Lower Hutt After Hours Medical Centre will move to the former Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre at the end of July. Photo: RNZ / Ruth Hill A former birthing centre in Lower Hutt, which was controversially mothballed four years ago due to lack of funding, will house an expanded after-hours medical service. Lower Hutt After-Hours Medical Centre - the only drop-in clinic for more than 100,000 Hutt Valley residents - is often forced to close its doors early to new patients, because it is unable to see everyone before 10pm closing time. Manager Mark O'Connor said the shift to new premises at the former Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre at the end of July would help alleviate some of the pressure. "The new clinic has 10 consultancy rooms, instead of the three-and-a-half we have now, and its waiting room is triple the size," he said. "Patients may still have to wait, but at least they won't be queuing in the wind and the rain, as they are now sometimes." The centre had also received Government funding to extend its opening hours to "daylight hours" during the week. Currently, its hours are limited to 5.30-10pm, Monday to Friday, and 8-10pm on weekends and public holidays. From late this year or early next year, it was planned to open from 8am every day. "Until now, Hutt Valley has been the only metropolitan area without daytime urgent care, so that's a big change," he said. "We never had the facility before here. "If you know our old building, we would never have been able to cope with that during the day, but with this new facility, it gives us that opportunity. We just have to resource it." Recruitment of additional staff could be a challenge, but the attraction of a new clinic would help with that. Lower Hutt After Hours Medical Centre is leaving its current cramped premises next month. Photo: RNZ / Ruth Hill "We need to close at 10pm, because most of my doctors are working at practices during the day, so we can't keep them too long." The new clinic was also upstairs from a radiology centre, which meant patients with suspected fractures would no longer need to go to Hutt Hospital's emergency department. Frustrated patients have taken to social media to complain about the clinic closing early. One woman - who was turned away last Friday, after trying to get an appointment with her own GP all week - said the doctor shortage was the biggest barrier. "If they can fit more people into the premises, but they don't have more doctors to do the hours, then they're going to have the same problems." A plan to turn the old Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre into a special care unit was developed when Labour was in power and was heavily supported by then-MP Chris Bishop. The birthing centre, which was owned by a charitable trust, closed in 2021. Te Whatu Ora took over the facility and planned to open a first-of-its-kind transitional care unit for sick babies in 2023, but this never happened. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
