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O’ROURKE AND COLEMAN WELCOME NEW SCHOOL BUS SHELTER

Frank O’Rourke TD and Cllr Michael Coleman have welcomed the construction of a Bus Shelter at St. Wolstans School in Celbridge

Frank commented, “I’m delighted to see the Bus Shelter installed on the Clane road beside St. Wolstans school. This was an issue that myself and Cllr Michael Coleman has been working on for some time at the request of all those that use public and school transport. This Bus Shelter will now give an improved standard for all those people waiting to get the Bus at this location.”

“I will continue to make representations for further Bus Shelters to be installed at the appropriate locations in North Kildare. I want to thank the NTA and Kildare Co Council for their assistance in delivering this Shelter.”

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O’ROURKE CRITICISES LACK OF ACTION ON INSURANCE COSTS

Frank O’Rourke TD has again highlighted Government lack of action in relation to reducing the cost of insurance as there is no sign of the National Claims Information Database being set up

Frank commented, “Insurance continues to be a critical issue for businesses and consumers. I know from my weekly clinics the negative effect of the high cost of insurance. It is putting excessive cost pressure on small businesses and putting a unfair burden on motorists.”

“The National Claims Information Database was supposed to be set up to provide transparency about the level of claims in Ireland. This was an important policy commitment to attract new entrants into the Insurance market in Ireland, and would not just bring down premiums but would also help tackle insurance fraud.”

“This National database was to be up and running last year. The Government seems to have washed its hands of setting up this database. As stated by our Finance Spokesperson, Michael McGrath TD, this database should be managed and controlled by the State, not by the insurance industry, and avoid competition law issues.”

“I will continue to press the Government to implement the recommendations from the Cost of Insurance Working Group. We need greater focus on reducing insurance costs as the average annual cost of motor insurance now stands at €750 compared with €450 in 2014, an increase of nearly 70%.”

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O’ROURKE – FUTURE OF SEAI RETROFIT SCHEME MUST BE CLARIFIED

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Minister for the Environment to clarify the future of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Deep Energy Retrofit Scheme

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting following confirmation from the SEAI that the scheme has run out of funding, with the demand far exceeding the level of funding available.

He explained, “There are homeowners in Kildare who are unsure of where they stand with their applications and worried about reimbursement. The demand for this deep retrofitting scheme is a clear indication that people are willing to make the necessary changes and play their part in tackling climate change, but they need to be able to access supports to carry out what can be very expensive works and they need to be confident in the scheme.”

“This latest issue is yet another example of Fine Gael mismanagement of its own policies. Only a few months ago the government launched a Climate Action plan with higher retrofitting targets and now today we have confirmation from the SEAI that it has reached its funding limit for this year and that new applications cannot be considered.”

“Just like the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan the government seems happy to don the hard hats, pose for photos, and announce new projects but the substance is not there. How can we expect people to make these big changes when they can’t be confident they’ll get the funding to do so? Minister Bruton needs to urgently clarify the situation for families who have already committed to these works and needs to tell us when a new retrofit scheme will be put in place.”

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O’CEARUIL URGES ACTION ON SCHOOL TRANSPORT SHORTAGE

Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil has urged Bus Eireann to take action and provide solutions to the many parents in the Greater Maynooth area who currently find them themselves without access to school transport on the eve of the new term.

                        Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil

Naoise said that dozens of parents from Rathcoffey, Kilcock and Maynooth have been in contact with him over the past number of weeks about transport for their children to school. Bus Éireann have told some parents that their children are no longer eligible for school transport and others have been left without any transport after the cancellation of a previous service.

Naoise said, “I’m finding it difficult to get answers from Bus Éireann but parental pressure and demand is key to finding a solution. I’ll keep working hard to get answers and ensure that children have a way to school and that the state provides that service.”

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LAWLESS URGES EXPANSION OF NAAS HOSPITAL TO BE PRIORITISED

His comments come as Kildare County Council announce that it has decided to allow the HSE to extend the planning permission for a significant extension of Naas General Hospital. 

The extension would include a new endoscopy/day services unit as well as Physical medicine and oncology departments. 

James commented, “The extension of planning is welcome. However it also serves to highlight the HSE have stalled on this project since the original planning was granted in 2014. The endoscopy unit in particular is badly needed, I have visited the hospital to inspect existing facilities and I have raised this on the floor of the Dail with Minister Simon Harris. Whilst the planning is key and I welcome this decision, it is imperative that the HSE now press ahead with funding and concrete plans to develop this needed extension.”