Overwatch Report

Cobh and Harbour Chamber

January–April

[Community] Support for Cobh town and upgrading of the R624 Road

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Noel McCarthy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Kathleen O'Meara Public Affairs Consultant

on behalf of Yes (client not named)

January–April

[Transport] Lobbying by a group of CIE pensioners for the Minister for Transport to require the Board of CIE to increase their pension

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Kathleen O'Meara (Former DPO)", 'role': 'Senator (Seanad)'} {'name': 'Ciarán Ahern', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Pa Daly', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry

January–April

[Housing] Housing Supply, planning challenges and government supports

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Kevin 'Boxer' Moran", 'role': 'Minister of State (The Office of Public Works)'}

Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry

January–April

[Trade] Impact of US tariffs on Ireland and Government mitigation measures

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Kevin 'Boxer' Moran", 'role': 'Minister of State (The Office of Public Works)'} {'name': 'Nina Carberry', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Anti-Social Behaviour and Garda Resources in Athlone

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Kevin 'Boxer' Moran", 'role': 'Minister of State (The Office of Public Works)'}

Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry

January–April

[Energy and Natural Resources] Port infrastructure investment for offshore wind development

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Nina Carberry', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry

January–April

[EU Affairs] Impact of EU regulations on business costs and competitiveness

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Nina Carberry', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Ibec

January–April

[Agriculture] Concerns about low levels of afforestation and improving the national forestry programme

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Barry Delany', 'role': 'Director (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Ibec

January–April

[Agriculture] Government support for the forest sector following Storm Eowyn

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Michael Healy-Rae', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'} {'name': 'Barry Delany', 'role': 'Director (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)'}

Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi GKB (State Counsellor of Biafraland , Honorary Humanitarian Activist President of an Independent Transterritorial Global Medical Healthcare Network beyond Ireland , and Eminent International Black Irish Advocate for Peaceful Pan-Africanism)

January–April

[Community] 2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces. Professor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". Citizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). Place of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Social Media All Oireachtas Members', 'role': '2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". \n\nCitizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). \n\nPlace of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of UK Birth).'} {'name': 'Social Media All Senators', 'role': '2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". \n\nCitizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). \n\nPlace of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of UK Birth).'} {'name': 'Social Media All TDs', 'role': '2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". \n\nCitizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). \n\nPlace of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of UK Birth).'} {'name': 'Social Media All MEPs', 'role': '2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". \n\nCitizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). \n\nPlace of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of UK Birth).'} {'name': 'Social Media All Local Authority Members', 'role': '2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". \n\nCitizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). \n\nPlace of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of UK Birth).'} {'name': 'Social Media All Councillors', 'role': '2025 Irish Presidential Election (Declaration News) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (State Counsellor of Biafraland) is a Declared Independent Irish Candidate for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi proudly describes himself as an "Irish Biafran". \n\nCitizenship: Irish (Republic of Ireland). \n\nPlace of Birth: London, United Kingdom (He Also has Northern Irish Citizenship by Virtue of UK Birth).'}

Habitat for Humanity Ireland

January–April

[Housing] A letter informing about Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy campaign 'Home Equals'.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Letter All TDs', 'role': "The letter gave information regarding Habitat for Humanity's work in Ireland, the organisation's global advocacy campaign 'Home Equals' and a call-to-action, encouraging policy-makers to sign Habitat's 'Invisible Billion' petition, which asks the G7 to prioritise housing and put it on the agenda ahead of the conference later this year."} {'name': 'Letter All Senators', 'role': "The letter gave information regarding Habitat for Humanity's work in Ireland, the organisation's global advocacy campaign 'Home Equals' and a call-to-action, encouraging policy-makers to sign Habitat's 'Invisible Billion' petition, which asks the G7 to prioritise housing and put it on the agenda ahead of the conference later this year."} {'name': 'Letter All MEPs', 'role': "The letter gave information regarding Habitat for Humanity's work in Ireland, the organisation's global advocacy campaign 'Home Equals' and a call-to-action, encouraging policy-makers to sign Habitat's 'Invisible Billion' petition, which asks the G7 to prioritise housing and put it on the agenda ahead of the conference later this year."} {'name': 'Letter All Councillors', 'role': "The letter gave information regarding Habitat for Humanity's work in Ireland, the organisation's global advocacy campaign 'Home Equals' and a call-to-action, encouraging policy-makers to sign Habitat's 'Invisible Billion' petition, which asks the G7 to prioritise housing and put it on the agenda ahead of the conference later this year."}

Ibec

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] Policy supports required for the Experience Economy sector

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Brian Keegan', 'role': 'Adviser to Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Development and Zoning] Government renovation grants, while addressing the housing crisis, are leading to the full conversion of town centre buildings—including ground floors—into residential units. This is accelerating the decline of commercial space in towns

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cummins', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'} {'name': 'Seán McKeown', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Michael Quinn', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Ivan Grimes', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Waterford City and County Council)'} {'name': 'Niall Cussen', 'role': 'Planning Regulator (Office of the Planning Regulator)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] Call to Review Grant Criteria Based on Employee Numbers and include freelancers & contractors when considering company size

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cummins', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Employment] Increasing difficulty in contracting freelancers and confusion over types of contracts necessary. When is a contractor an employee?

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cummins', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Housing] Planning departments across local authorities are under-resourced, leading to significant delays in processing applications and progressing critical development

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cummins', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Development and Zoning] Regulation of Short-Term Lettings - Current policy links planning permission with STTL registration, creating confusion and fear among potential providers.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cummins', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] • Infrastructure investment to bring energy ashore at Waterford—grid capacity, ports, and planning readiness are all essential. • A commitment from Government to actively support Waterford’s inclusion in the offshore wind buildout—not just as a zone on a map, but as a strategic energy hub

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'John Cummins', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'} {'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Banking and Financial Institutions] • Encourage financial institutions to modernise lending criteria to include contractors and self-employed professionals. Current lending policies risk sidelining a growing segment of the workforce

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Economic Development and Industry] Reform Public Procurement to Support MSMEs and Ensure Fair Competition

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[EU Affairs] Reduce Competitiveness & Over Regulation

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi - Black Irish Politician , Presidential Election Candidate , and Independent Political Lobbyist for a United Island of Ireland.

January–April

[Justice and Equality] 2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces. Despite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Professor Doctor Obi is a

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Social Media All Oireachtas Members', 'role': '2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nDespite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi is a Proud "Irish Biafran".'} {'name': 'Social Media All Senators', 'role': '2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nDespite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi is a Proud "Irish Biafran".'} {'name': 'Social Media All TDs', 'role': '2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nDespite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi is a Proud "Irish Biafran".'} {'name': 'Social Media All MEPs', 'role': '2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nDespite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi is a Proud "Irish Biafran".'} {'name': 'Social Media All Local Authority Members', 'role': '2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nDespite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi is a Proud "Irish Biafran".'} {'name': 'Social Media All Councillors', 'role': '2025 Irish (Ireland) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Actively Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate during the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces.\n\nDespite What Wikipedia (& Online News Media) Reports May Imply: Prof Dr Joseph Obi separately holds Citizenship(s) of (both) the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.\n\nProfessor Doctor Obi is a Proud "Irish Biafran".'}

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber

January–April

[Development and Zoning] Improved Services & Infrastructure. Improved delivery of water infrsatructure and services. Without timely upgrades, rural towns risk being left behind.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Billy Kelleher', 'role': 'MEP (European Parliament)'}

New Ross NeedlecraftLtd

January–April

[Tourism] Request to Wexford Co Council for funding.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Eddie Taaffe', 'role': 'Director of Services or Equivalent (Wexford County Council)'}

Alcohol Forum Ireland

January–April

[Health] Advocacy regarding the deficit in core funding for Alcohol Forum Ireland to operate an under 18s alcohol and drug service in Cavan and Monaghan

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Matt Carthy', 'role': 'TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)'}

CRAOL

January–April

[Communications] A. Craol, with matched CBSS funding from Coimisiún na Meán has conducted an extensive audience survey. The aim of the amárach survey is to report audience feedback and take measurements in the Community Radio sector. B.That the Programme for Government includes the continuation of the rollout of the Future of Media Commission's Community Media Scheme for CRAOL for 2026

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': "Patrick O'Donovan", 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)'} {'name': 'Alan Dillon', 'role': 'Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)'}

Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi - Black Irish Politician , Presidential Election Candidate , and Independent Political Lobbyist for a United Island of Ireland.

January–April

[Justice and Equality] 2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. Prof Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Social Media All Oireachtas Members', 'role': '2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. \n\nProf Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an Irish Wikipedia Editor.'} {'name': 'Social Media All Senators', 'role': '2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. \n\nProf Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an Irish Wikipedia Editor.'} {'name': 'Social Media All TDs', 'role': '2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. \n\nProf Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an Irish Wikipedia Editor.'} {'name': 'Social Media All MEPs', 'role': '2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. \n\nProf Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an Irish Wikipedia Editor.'} {'name': 'Social Media All Local Authority Members', 'role': '2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. \n\nProf Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an Irish Wikipedia Editor.'} {'name': 'Social Media All Councillors', 'role': '2025 Ireland (Irish) Presidential Elections: Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi is Robustly Contesting as an Independent Irish Candidate at the 2025 Elections for the Office of President of the Republic of Ireland & Supreme Commander of the Irish Defence (Defense) Forces ; irrespective of whether He (Professor Obi) appears on any Wikipedia (Election Candidates) List or Not. \n\nProf Dr Joseph Obi openly confirms that He (Doctor Obi) refused to pay a USD$10k Bribe to an Irish Wikipedia Editor.'}

Polio Survivors Ireland

January–April

[Health] To ask the Minister for Health about changing income eligibility criteria for the medical card.

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Jennifer Carroll MacNeill', 'role': 'Minister (Department of Health)'}

SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG T/A SAFE Ireland

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Sector Forum

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Cuan)'} {'name': "Jim O'Callaghan", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'}

SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG T/A SAFE Ireland

January–April

[Justice and Equality] Cuan 'Hardest Stories' Campaign Launch 26th February

Public Officials Lobbied

{'name': 'Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe', 'role': 'Chief Executive Officer (Cuan)'} {'name': "Jim O'Callaghan", 'role': 'Minister (Department of Justice)'}

Lobbying Tracker

Most Lobbied TDs