Search Results for 'Jim Higgins'

North-West MEP Jim Higgins has called for the establishment of an agri-ombudsman to investigate complaints from farmers. The Mayo native MEP said: "As inspection penalties against farmers continue to rise, it's clear that our agri-inspectors need to be pulled back into line. In the last four years penalties against farmers rose by a whopping 500 per cent, the total penalties rose to €4.7 million in 2012, up from just €780,000 in 2009."

As inspection penalties against farmers continue to rise, it is clear that AGRI inspectors need to be pulled back into line, MEP Jim Higgins said this week.

Ireland West Airport Knock this week welcomed the Government decision to reduce the air travel tax from €3 to zero and maintain the VAT rate at 9 per cent in the tourism sector as announced in the budget on Tuesday. A statement released by the airport said: “The airport believes this news will serve to continue to boost the tourism sector and encourage airlines to add more air access to the island and in particular to grow passenger numbers and overseas visitors through Ireland West Airport Knock. The airport now looks forward to working closely in the next few weeks with its airline partners on new services for 2014 to boost the number of inbound visitors significantly to the region.”

Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins yesterday along with a number of small farmers presented a petition to the European Parliament in relation to the Single Farm Payment.

Jim Higgins MEP has expressed concern at the increased number of fatal road accidents this year: “Unfortunately, 148 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year – an increase of 17 deaths compared to the same period in 2012,” the Midlands North West MEP confirmed.

Jim Higgins MEP for the Midlands-North-West (MNW) this week welcomed the European Parliament's decision to vote in favour of the new Tobacco Products Directive. The new Directive, once final negotiations are completed with Member States, will mean a raft of new measures aimed at stubbing the habit out, especially amongst young people.

Jim Higgins MEP for the North West has today warned motorists of the increased dangers this time of year with deer crossing roads and motorways. Jim Higgins, a member of the Transport Committee at the European Parliament said: "The deer signs remain in place all year round, so motorists used to travelling the same road in their daily routine might be blinded as to the presence of these warning signs. However in the coming weeks, there is a heightened chance of coming into contact with deer while driving."

The announcement this week of the redrafting of the EU constituencies for next year’s European Parliament elections has seen Mayo included in the new Midlands, North and West four seat constituency which stretches all the way from the Atlantic coast to the Irish Sea. Ireland has lost one seat in the parliament thanks to the accession of Croatia to the European Union, which has led to the redrawing of the boundaries and a reduction in a number of constituencies from four to three.

Galway voters may not have the chance to vote for former Galway GAA football manager, Dep John O’Mahony, as a Dáil candidate in the 2016 General Election. Instead he may become a European candidate for the North-West.

Jim Higgins MEP is delighted that the 116 000 line is finally in place in Ireland thanks to EU funding. The missing child hotline provides advice and support, taking calls from the general public, the family of the missing child, or the child him/herself. The service also supports the gardaí in their investigations.