Fine Gael’s Colm Markey has said that investing in Irish ports can help reduce emissions, foster job creation, and drive down electricity costs for consumers. The Midlands-North-West MEP added that billions could be generated for the Irish economy through the development of offshore wind facilities. MEP Markey has welcomed the European Parliament’s call on Wednesday...Read More
Fine Gael’s Colm Markey has called for the United Kingdom to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus programme. The Midlands-North-West MEP made the comments during a meeting of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, taking place in Westminster this week. Markey said students are losing out after the UK exited the scheme three years ago: “Erasmus transcends political...Read More
Fine Gael’s Colm Markey has warned that electricity bills will remain high unless Ireland speeds up the rollout of indigenous energy sources such as offshore wind production. The Midlands-North-West MEP was reacting to new figures, which reveal that electricity prices here are the highest in Europe The Household Energy Price Index, commissioned by the Austrian...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has urged the Oireachtas to follow the example set by the European Parliament and ban TikTok from staff devices. The Midlands-North-West representative said he has serious concerns about the security risks posed by the Chinese owned app. On Tuesday, the European Parliament told MEPs and staff to uninstall the app...Read More
Are you a highly motivated student or graduate with an interest in European affairs? Would you like to gain valuable experience working in the heart of the EU? Colm Markey MEP is hiring an intern to work in his Brussels office. The position is full-time and an allowance will be paid in line with European...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has said that new EU rules being voted on in the European Parliament today (Wednesday Jan 18th) will ensure that children are better protected against the possible harms of online video gaming, including addiction. However, the Midlands-North-West MEP wants more to be done to regulate so called ‘loot boxes’ or...Read More
A European Union-wide cap on electricity prices and major reform of the EU’s electricity market is urgently required to address soaring bills according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey. The Midlands-North-West MEP said the current system is not fit for purpose as currently, wholesale electricity prices are linked to the price of gas. That’s despite only...Read More
Grant schemes for older people should be modified to include access to assistive technology according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey. The Midlands-North-West MEP said that smart home devices can drastically improve everyday life for older people and allow them to live in their homes for longer. “Assistive technology can have a massive impact on older...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has said Ireland could play a leading EU role in cyber security following the Government’s move to boost defence spending. Recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces included the creation of a Joint Cyber Defence Command with 100 additional specialist personnel. The Midlands-North-West MEP said cyber security should be...Read More
MEP Colm Markey has called on Minister for State Malcolm Noonan to stop hiding behind the line from his officials and to put in place an assessment that would allow for the de-designation of Lough Funshinagh as a SAC. He made the comments ahead of a public meeting on the issue tonight (Monday July 4th)....Read More
Rural Ireland is being left behind by a Dublin-centric approach taken by successive Transport Ministers according to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey. He made the comments after the Economic and Social Research Institute found that the increased cost of certain transport items is contributing to a higher rate of inflation amongst rural households. The Midlands-North-West...Read More
The UK Government’s ‘reckless’ plan to override parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol breaches international law, doesn’t have the support of the majority of people or business in the north and is a disaster for the agri sector according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey. The Midlands-North-West MEP, who sits on both the European Parliament’s Committee on...Read More
The massive opportunity for offshore renewable projects in Ireland could be lost due to delays in the planning process according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey, who has described An Bord Pleanála as ‘not fit for purpose’. The Midlands-North-West MEP was reacting to concerns raised by a number of industry exerts that the system is not...Read More
Ireland’s status as a favourable tourist destination could be derailed by a range of issues across the tourism and hospitality sectors according to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey. Massive queues at Dublin airport, alongside the colossal price of hotel accommodation and the eyewatering cost of car rentals all play their part in hampering the industry’s...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has slammed a proposal for Ireland to sign up to a standardised European Rail Traffic Management System, which could cost at least €200m. The main aim of the ERTMS is to promote interoperability of trains across the EU and involves replacing national signalling equipment and operational procedures with a single...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has welcomed Cabinet approval of a new scheme to revive the Irish seed potato industry. The €3m in funding will come from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve – the EU’s emergency instrument to support countries negatively affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union. Markey, a member of...Read More
The European Commission’s proposal to update the Industrial Emissions Directive is a bureaucratic nightmare for Irish farmers and will do little to address our environmental challenges, according to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey. Today (Tuesday April 5th), the Commission proposed extending the scope of the directive to cattle farms and to a larger number of...Read More
Europe is at your feet. Take the first step…. With DiscoverEU! What is DiscoverEU? DiscoverEU is a programme of the European Union that gives you the opportunity to discover Europe. Travelling predominantly by rail, you will discover Europe’s stunning landscapes and its variety of cities and towns. You can apply during the two application rounds,...Read More
The European Commission’s €500 million support package for farmers is not enough to tackle the challenges facing the agri-food sector according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey, a member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee. It is one of a number of measures outlined by the Commission today (Wednesday) in response to the food security crisis,...Read More
The European Union (EU) has put in place a Temporary Protection Directive to allow Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Ukraine to move through the EU as EU citizens. It allows them to reside in Ireland for at least one year. They will also have access to the labour market, accommodation, social welfare, education and medical care. You...Read More
Is it time to radically overhaul the Irish education system? Covid-19 provided an opportunity to reform the Irish education system and the work has already begun. The CAO process has been changed to broaden the choice for students but should we go further and finally end the Leaving Cert points race? Hosted by Colm Markey...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has welcomed the findings of the latest Eurobarometer survey, which shows that Irish people have the most positive view of the European Parliament in the EU, and that health is a top issue they would like to see addressed. Ireland was also highest on the list of countries who believe...Read More
Carbon farming can play a major role in tackling climate change while offering new income opportunities for farmers but how will this new agricultural business model work and what are the key challenges ahead? This webinar heard from experts on the ground making carbon sequestration a reality and those developing the regulatory framework to implement...Read More
Converting old banks into remote working hubs would reinvigorate towns and villages and make them more attractive places to raise a family according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey. He was speaking as the Cabinet prepares to sign off on plans to give workers a legal right to request remote working from their employer. The Midlands-North-West...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has welcomed the results of a vote in the European Parliament on the future of animal welfare during transport. A majority of MEPs backed a report compiled by a Special Committee – which was set up to investigate alleged breaches of the rules – but rejected a number of measures...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has urged colleagues in the European Parliament to reject proposals to effectively ban the transport of calves, saying it will lead to serious animal welfare issues on farms in Ireland and across the EU. The measures were put forward by the Greens and will be voted on in the European...Read More
Irish students will be able to benefit from discounts and special deals across the EU once a new European Student Card is rolled out, according to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey. The e-card is a key initiative of the European Education Area, which aims to remove barriers to learning and improve access to quality education...Read More
Louth and Meath commuters shouldn’t have to fork out more to get to work than those living in Dublin, according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey. The Midlands-North-West MEP is backing the ‘Fairer Fares’ campaign, launched by Meath Cllr Sharon Tolan and supported by party colleagues. The Louth based MEP has made a submission to the...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey is calling for a three-to-four year strategy to re-establish the potato industry in Ireland. He made the call as efforts continue at EU level to find a temporary solution to allow the movement of seed potatoes from the UK back into Ireland. Markey, a member of the European Parliament’s Committee...Read More
Wind is both Ireland’s largest and cheapest renewable electricity resource. The Irish government has a target of 5GW of installed offshore wind generation by 2030 in its Programme for Government in addition to a subsequent target of 30GW of floating wind energy. If we can handle this transition successfully, it would be the remote, rural...Read More
Dear friend, It has been an honour to represent you as MEP for Midlands-North-West for over a year. 2021 has been challenging for us all but despite the pandemic, we have achieved a lot. I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Click...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has said he is disappointed in his parliamentary colleague Ciarán Cuffe following reports the Green MEP wrote to banks about lending practices to young farmers. Markey has joined calls for clarity from the party regarding its views on agricultural investment in light of the letter. MEP Markey said young farmers...Read More
Having spent much of my adult life involved in community development and in local government, I understand the importance of support of funding for community projects. I know also that the wide array of schemes and terms can be off-putting for some and I believe that groups could benefit even more if public...Read More
Is sustainable aviation fuel ready for take-off? Irish MEP Colm Markey and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary discuss the path forward. Recorded live in the European Parliament via Zoom Webinar on 9th November 2021. Programme Colm Markey MEP – Welcome & Introduction Michael O’Leary (CEO of Ryanair) – Click here for PowerPoint slides Dr Stephen Dooley...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has secured the tabling of a number of ‘crucial’ amendments to tomorrow’s (Wednesday October 19th) vote in the European Parliament on the EU Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions (Spyraki report). The amendments are intended to add to the text agreed in the Environment Committee by recognising ways in which methane...Read More
MEP Markey calls on employers to be flexible as office return looms M50 commuter chaos could become a thing of the past if employers fully embrace remote working options for staff according to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey. He made the remarks as the Cabinet confirmed a phased return to workplaces from September 20th*. The...Read More
With 55,000 remote jobs currently open across Europe, the potential for remote work to help to develop communities is immense. As a result of our experience during the pandemic, the mindset has changed and the move to remote working is now inevitable. Such a seismic change poses threats to communities across the EU but it...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has welcomed further talks between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the Common Agricultural Policy. Negotiations ended today without an agreement but all sides have agreed to resume discussions in June with the aim of reaching a compromise. He commented, “Although a deal wasn’t reached this week,...Read More
With the EU setting out its budgetary framework and strategic priorities for the coming seven years, many programmes have changed or been given a new focus. I thought it timely, therefore, to draw together this brief guide to EU funding which gives an overview and an explanation of some of the relevant funding programmes and...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has called on the Government to introduce a new bank holiday later this year to thank volunteers for their tireless efforts during the COVID-10 pandemic. The proposal comes during National Volunteering Week and coincides with a vote in the European Parliament to approve a new EU volunteering programme for young...Read More
Fine Gael’s Colm Markey has said the proposed EU COVID-19 Certificate is a major step towards normality, which will save Irish jobs and reunite families. The Midlands-North-West MEP has confirmed he will be voting in favour of the plans in the European Parliament this week (Wednesday) and questioned why two of his constituency colleagues are...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has described moves by some countries to alter the calculation method for allocating the €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve as an attempted ‘cash grab’ which goes against the spirit of EU solidarity. He made the comments at the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries (PECH) today (Monday) where members discussed a...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has said that Ireland needs to change the conversation around post second-level education and promote alternative paths. He was speaking as the Government prepares to launch its new Apprenticeship Action Plan later this month. It comes as the CAO system faces a revamp to incorporate apprenticeships and traineeships for the...Read More
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has told the European Parliament that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique opportunity to reinvent and reimagine rural communities. He was speaking during a debate on Thursday with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Janusz Wojciechowski on the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas. Commenting afterwards, the Midlands...Read More
During Lockdown it can be hard to juggle work and childcare. Here are a few simple little things that we have been doing to keep the kids active during lockdown.Read More
