Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed confirmation that motorists over the age of 70 can now renew their driving licences by post.  
At present only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis are invited to renew it by post. As a temporary measure, given the situation with COVID-19, the RSA, through its licensing service the NDLS, will expand the postal renewal option, to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years.  
Those 70 years of age and over will be contacted directly by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and invited to renew their licence or permit by post. 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “In these difficult times it’s important that we take practical steps to protect those most vulnerable to the disease and that includes older people. Taking away the need for them to present at an NDLS centre to renew their licence is one such measure. 
“As well as this, those 70 and over do not need to provide a medical report when applying for their licence unless they have a specific medical condition. This is a temporary exemption which takes some pressure of the health system and is in place until the end of the year. 
“You do not need to contact the NDLS directly about your application as they will be sending out application packs to those whose licence is up for renewal. There is no fee required as customers 70 years of age and over are exempt from paying the cost of a driving licence or permit renewal. 
“For anyone unsure about their renewal date, given the periods of extension since the pandemic began, they can check the expiry date calculator tool has been developed on ndls.ie,” he concluded. 

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien has said the clear direction given from Government that construction and development are essential services in level four of the COVID-19 plan will ensure that vital housing projects are progressed.
The Minister said it is important that all local builders and developers in Fingal are aware of the fact that construction is now clearly listed as essential service.
Commenting he said, “While the construction sector closed down at the beginning of the pandemic the industry has adapted swiftly and work practices have changed to ensure social distancing and health measures are taken into account.
“It’s imperative that the health and wellbeing of the approximately 150,000 workers in the sector remains the key priority and it is also important that they know the work they do is essential and can continue.
“I want to see house builds completed, new projects get off the ground and adaptation works take place. It is important that we make up for ground lost to COVID-19 and that we reach the maximum possible output.
“The construction sector is not only a key driver of our economy, both locally here in Fingal and nationally, but it is also vital to addressing our most pressing social problem – our housing shortage,” he concluded.

Local Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD, has welcomed the allocation of €39,000 for Fingal County Council for three projects under the Community Monuments Fund.  
The Community Monuments Fund was established as part of the €1.4m in additional capital earmarked for national monuments under the Stimulus Plan. Its core objective is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites. 
Under the fund, €15,000 has been allocated to Drumanagh privy, €12,000 has been allocated to the Martello Towers, at Drumanagh and Skerries and €12,000 has been allocated to St Marnocks and St Catherines Churches in Portmarnock and Rush.  
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This is really welcome funding and means that conservation works can be carried out on these monuments. These are significant attractions in Fingal but they are in need of support to enhance their presentation and also to build resilience so that they can withstand the effects of climate change. 
“Recognising the significance of archaeological heritage is so important, especially in these challenging times. These monuments are attractions, they can be places of recreation and they offer comfort to many people,” concluded Minister O’Brien.