Recent news & updates

Here, you'll find updates on my progress as Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform and T.D. for Carlow-Kilkenny. Click on the categories below to filter my posts for the issues you're interested in.

Hot school meals extended to 11 more schools in Carlow-Kilkenny

Team Mal Noonan

Aug 1

Hot school meals extended to 11 more schools in Carlow-Kilkenny

Children in nine more schools in Kilkenny and two more schools in Carlow are set to receive free meals as part of the expansion of the...

Rail review recommends big improvements for Carlow-Kilkenny

Team Mal Noonan

Jul 31

Rail review recommends big improvements for Carlow-Kilkenny

The final report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was published today. The report sets out a vision for Ireland’s rail network...

Boost for EV drivers as Paulstown gets fast charge centre

Team Mal Noonan

Jul 29

Boost for EV drivers as Paulstown gets fast charge centre

EV drivers in Carlow and Kilkenny will soon find it easier to charge their cars with a new charging centre in the works at Paulstown.

Increased grant ceilings and more time for works - Built Heritage Investment Scheme open for 2025

Team Mal Noonan

Jul 29

Increased grant ceilings and more time for works - Built Heritage Investment Scheme open for 2025

Grant ceilings increase from €15,000 to €50,000 as the scheme opens three months earlier, allowing more time for completion of works.

Headstarting curlews - a new initiative to save the species

Team Mal Noonan

Jul 26

Headstarting curlews - a new initiative to save the species

This week I met some of the conservationists involved in trying to save our curlews, as they prepared 30 ‘headstarted’ chicks for release.

New social housing development approved for Kilkenny

Team Mal Noonan

Jul 5

New social housing development approved for Kilkenny

The Department of Housing has announced today a €12.5m investment for 40 social housing units in Kilkenny.

At last! Nature Restoration Law finally approved!

Team Mal Noonan

Jun 17

At last! Nature Restoration Law finally approved!

Incredible news from Luxembourg today where the Nature Restoration Law has finally been approved at a meeting of the EU Environment Council.

Later evening train announced for Kilkenny

Team Mal Noonan

May 30

Later evening train announced for Kilkenny

I delighted today to share the news that Carlow and Kilkenny will soon be serviced by a later evening train and enjoy an additional...

Sister act - a landmark agreement between Wild Nephin and Yosemite

Team Mal Noonan

May 23

Sister act - a landmark agreement between Wild Nephin and Yosemite

Today marks the beginning of a Sister Park agreement between Wild Nephin National Park in Mayo and Yosemite National Park in California.

€200,000 for Kilkenny under strand one of THRIVE fund

Team Mal Noonan

May 23

€200,000 for Kilkenny under strand one of THRIVE fund

Kilkenny is one of 26 town centres set to benefit from up to €200k funding under THRIVE: the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

A review of wildlife legislation is coming soon

Team Mal Noonan

May 19

A review of wildlife legislation is coming soon

The biggest review of wildlife legislation for a generation will commence shortly. It's vital that the public has their say.

€2.7 million for local biodiversity projects in 2024 LBAF

Team Mal Noonan

May 16

€2.7 million for local biodiversity projects in 2024 LBAF

I've announced our €2.7 million Local Biodiversity Action Fund today, with €181,000 for projects in Carlow and Kilkenny.

Carlow Kilkenny sports clubs benefit from record sports funding

Team Mal Noonan

May 9

Carlow Kilkenny sports clubs benefit from record sports funding

There's fantastic news for local sports this morning as almost €1 million in sports equipment grants is headed to a range of sports clubs...

Announcing Ireland’s first Marine National Park!

Team Mal Noonan

Apr 21

Announcing Ireland’s first Marine National Park!

Today I'm launching Ireland’s first Marine National Park - Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, with the Conor Pass as its gateway.

Free hot meals in 30 more Carlow-Kilkenny Schools

Team Mal Noonan

Apr 17

Free hot meals in 30 more Carlow-Kilkenny Schools

Children in 20 more schools in Kilkenny and 10 more schools in Carlow are set to receive free meals as part of the expansion of the Hot...

Community monuments to get €7.4 million in 2024

Team Mal Noonan

Apr 13

Community monuments to get €7.4 million in 2024

Today I announced the recipients of our 2024 Community Monuments Fund - providing vital conservation funding of €7.4 million to 140...

Nature Restoration in Glenveagh National Park

Team Mal Noonan

Apr 11

Nature Restoration in Glenveagh National Park

I recently visited Glenveagh National Park in Donegal, where I had the opportunity to witness one of the most ambitious nature...

Funding for Kilkenny and Carlow outdoor recreation projects

Team Mal Noonan

Mar 28

Funding for Kilkenny and Carlow outdoor recreation projects

Kilkenny and Carlow are set to benefit from €380,000 in funding for 14 outdoor recreational projects. This is part of the Outdoor...

World Water Day: €1.2m for water quality projects

Team Mal Noonan

Mar 22

World Water Day: €1.2m for water quality projects

The Community Water Development fund supports the grassroots work of local communities and volunteer groups in improving water quality.

€9 million in built heritage grants announced today!

Team Mal Noonan

Mar 14

€9 million in built heritage grants announced today!

677 heritage projects will benefit from €9 million this year under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund.

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