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The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) must clarify the process of securing traditional seaweed harvesting rights before any further commercial licences are granted, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore and the party’s Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Speaking after the issue of traditional seaweed harvesting rights was raised at today’s Oireachtas Fisheries […]

It is madness that the Government refuses to adopt solar energy on a large scale to protect consumers from price shocks in the energy market, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Wholesale energy prices are up 19% in just a month as war raged in the Middle East, yet the […]

The considerable potential of solar panels to reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels – and bring down energy bills for households and businesses – continues to be a blind spot for this Government, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “Simon Harris revealed over the […]

The Minister for the Marine must work with traditional seaweed harvesters in Conamara to ensure that their rights – and the ecology of the coastline – are protected, according to the Social Democrats’ Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Míde made her comments as she welcomed Jennifer Whitmore TD – the party’s spokesperson on […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) of being asleep at the wheel for failing to complete an investigation into suspected price gouging by energy companies. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “Soaring energy prices are feeding into the wider cost-of-living crisis and fuelling […]

The Government’s inability to provide a clear timeline for the delivery of the 2026 Climate Action Plan is putting Ireland on a road to financial and environmental ruin, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “The Climate Action Plan is crucial in setting out all the […]

The Government must immediately clarify if the postponement of carbon tax increases will reduce the budget for retrofitting and other climate action measures, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy and climate spokesperson, said: “We are in the middle of an unprecedented price shock when it comes the […]

Going big on solar is a no-brainer and the Social Democrats have a five-point plan to do that  Supports for solar panel installation need to be dramatically expanded and improved to help households cut their energy bills, according to Social Democrats Energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Solar panels are easy to install and […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called out an April Fools Facebook post by Wicklow GAA, describing it as tone-deaf in the absence of integration. The post announced the approval of a €160 milion redevelopment of Echelon Park in Aughrim, stating that the LGFA and Camogie Association would be sharing the stadium as “equal partners”. […]

Ireland is paying a high price because of successive governments’ failures on climate action and adaptation, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate, said: “The latest report from the Climate Change Advisory Council makes for stark reading. It confirms that 2025 was Ireland’s second warmest year […]