North West MEP criticises EU over potential triggering of Article 16
A North West MEP has strongly criticised the European Commission’s recent proposed triggering of Article 16 of the Northern Irish protocol. During a debate in the European Parliament on the EU’s vaccination strategy, President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said mistakes had been made and that she deeply…
North West MEP says Western Rail Corridor should be a priority
Sinn Féin MEP, Chris MacManus, says the Western Rail Corridor should be a priority as the EU revises its transport funding programme. MEPs debated the Trans-European Transport Network this week. He says projects included in the plan receive 85 per cent of EU funding, meaning the cost for the Irish…
MacManus wants Irish fishing rights around Rockall protected
A north west MEP is calling on the Irish government to protect Irish fishing rights off Rockall. The area around the uninhabitable rock off the north west coast of County Donegal is being disputed following Brexit, with an Irish fishing vessel recently boarded by Scottish authorities claiming the Irish had…
Covid Support Scheme too restrictive, says MacManus
A Midlands North West European Parliament member is calling for reform of a Covid business support scheme that he says is too restrictive. MEP Chris MacManus says the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme does not cover a variety of businesses such as event management, business events, artists, taxi drivers, suppliers and…
MacManus calls for assistance for BEAM scheme participants.
The Midlands North West MEP Chris MacManus, is demanding the Department of Agriculture reach out to BEAM scheme participants. The member of the European Parliament Agricultural Committee, comments came in response to widespread confusion from scheme participants, in relation to whether they are on course to meet…
Mercosur trade deal ‘on ice’
The Mercosur trade deal between the EU and four South American countries is effectively on ice according to Sinn Féin’s Chris MacManus. It follows an amendment passed in the European Parliament this week. Opposition to the pact has been growing due to concerns over deforestation in the Amazon. The deal…
MacManus calls on EU President to investigate if Hogan broke Commission’s code of conduct
A midlands north-west MEP is calling for the EU Commission President to investigate if Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan violated the Commission’s code of conduct. It follows the Commissioner Hogan’s attendance at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden, Co Galway where more than 80 people were present in breach of…