Greens’demandfor Govt:‘NoShannon LNGproject’
FRONTLINE staff at University Hospital Kerry have taken a brief break from the fight against the Coronavirus to say thank you to the people of Kerry for their ongoing support in the battle to contain the virus.
On Monday 40 members of UHK’s frontline staff and management recorded a video message to thank the people of Kerry for their continued support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The video, which is available to view on the hospital’s social media channels, was recorded on
FIANNA Fáil Kerry deputy Norma Foley has slammed the Green Party’s key demand for government of an end to the Shannon LNG plan, saying she would resist it to the hilt as a member of the parliamentary party.
The Green Party is fiercely opposed to the plan on the basis that it would likely see fracked US gas imported to the State as LNG.
Their opposition is also based on the fact it would also tie the Republic into greater dependency on a fossil fuel, as the Greens also demand a minimum of a seven per cent reduction per annum in carbon emissions between now and 2030.
An end to Shannon LNG is emerging as one of the party’s key demands as it enters negotiations to form a government with FF and FG. The party met earlier this week to consider and seek greater clarity on aspects the front lawns of UHK and features the hospital team providing a simple message, ‘We Hear You’.
“Staff and Management at UHK wanted to say thank you to the people and businesses of Kerry, near and far, who have been incredibly supportive and generous,” said UHK General Manager Ferghal Grimes.
“We wanted also to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kerry residents across the county for staying home – we know it takes mammoth effort especially during this beautiful weather,” said Mr Grimes.
Mr Grimes said that the public’s support and of the joint framework document.
It is far from clear how a Government could put the kibosh on such an advanced project in the private sphere, with the backing it has already achieved at EU level.
The party’s demand also comes after the EU Commission warned the State of hefty fines for not securing gas supply.
Fianna Fáil deputy for Kerry Norma Foley said she considers the demand too high a price to pay for a coalition with the Greens.
“I am very mindful of the environment and the green agenda but I would be very disappointed if the Green Party is making this a redline issue in negotiations and I would do everything to resist it.
“This is a project that has been ongoing for years and years and is vitally important not just for North Kerry, but the whole county in terms of jobs - now more so than ever in light of the COVID crisis,” Deputy has been of great assistance in the fight to control the virus’ spread in Kerry.
“We are urging you to continue to do this so that here at the hospital, we have sufficient capacity to give every patient the level of resource they need to recover.”
“Your amazing efforts to date have undoubtedly meant that a lower than expected number of people have presented at the hospital with Covid-19 symptoms. We ask that you continue to observe HSE guidelines concerning social distancing and self-isolation,” he said.
“Our own team in UHK have been incredible
Foley told The Kerryman.
“Twice this project has secured major backing from the EU and I would be disappointed that the Green Party would not see the bigger picture in North Kerry, a region waiting years for the jobs this would entail.
“And by the time this project comes to pass it is quite possible that the gas involved would be of a different kind altogether.” during this crisis, making significant sacrifices to be at the frontline day in day out”.
“While we are facing significant challenges and testing times in the Health Service, it is incredibly uplifting to know that the people of Kerry are there to support us. Whether it is a donation of PPE or provisions for the team, or even a simple postcard with a message of support, it means so much to us and helps us get through the day.”
“We have been overwhelmed with the kind gifts and messages of support from the community, and we wanted to just say Thank You, We Hear You”.