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O’ROURKE – GOVT NEEDS TO TACKLE INSURANCE COSTS

Deputy Frank O’Rourke has called on the Government to give greater priority to reducing the cost of insurance

Insurance costs in Ireland remain stubbornly high as the Government last week published its most recent report from the Cost of Insurance Working Group.

“My concern is that the elevated motor insurance costs that we now have, will become the norm. Since being elected, I have persistently raised the unacceptable rise in the cost of motor insurance.  I pressed the Government to partner with other EU countries to fight the rising costs, and to-date we have received a deafening silence.”

“The National Claims Information Database is one of the key recommendation of the working groups report.  The legislation to establish the database was supposed to be enacted by the end of 2017. Now it seems it will not be even introduced until the second half of 2018 and that time-frame is far from certain.”

“A mechanism to set up an anti-fraud unit within An Garda Síochána was to be approved by the third quarter of 2017.  This has yet to be achieved and no solid timeline has been put in place for the approval of such a mechanism, much less the establishment of a unit.”

“Motor insurance costs have been a major issue for drivers in Ireland over the past number of years and Fianna Fáil has been to the fore in pressing the government to take action. The lack of action in relation to the recommendations of the working group is unacceptable.”

“The message must go out to all, that we are determined to get fairer motor insurance premiums for Irish motorists. Many Kildare motorists continue to make contact with me in relation to their rising costs, and I am determined to keep a focus on this important issue for them.”

“High motor insurance premiums have not gone away. The government has shown no sign that it is on top of this issue, as many continue to face unsustainable high insurance premiums.  This is a direct threat to our competitiveness, and increases the cost of living, and must be addressed,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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NAAS COMMUTER EXPERIENCE MUST BE IMPROVED – DIGNAN

Naas Fianna Fáil Candidate Terry Dignan has said that both short-term and long-term solutions are needed to improve the services for the thousands of Naas Residents who commute to work in Dublin every day.

Terry’s comments come on the back of a Public meeting Terry and James Lawless hosted on Thursday 18th April in Lawlor’s Hotel which focussed on public transport issues for local commuters out of which Terry and James have set up an action group with over twenty people signed up who want to see change.

Terry said, “James gave a very detailed update on the plans for the improvement in the Rail services. We had a pragmatic discussion on issues such as overcrowding on trains, lack of parking space, inadequate timetables, disability access and the feeder-bus service.”

“We also talked about short-term solutions such as having trains retrofitted with grab-handles and poles to improve safety. Longer-term solutions which James has been working on include extending the short-hop fare zone to Newbridge to ease demand at Sallins, and increasing the available Rail stock.”

Terry concluded, “I hope to be able to continue working with James on these and other issues if elected”

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DIGNAN CONCERNED AT ALLEGATIONS OF THREATS

Naas Fianna Fáil candidate Terry Dignan has expressed concern about the alleged threatening of a Councillor in relation to his opposition to the proposed Naas Inner Relief Road.

Terry was commenting on the allegation made by Cllr Darren Scully that an unidentified caller had threatened that €10,000 would be spent on a negative campaign to try and prevent him being re-elected.

Terry commented, “Integrity and transparency have to be the cornerstones of democracy both at national and local level. Every local representative should be able to vote in whatever way they believe represents the best interest of the people they were elected to serve. “

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CALDWELL AND COLTON SELECTED IN LEIXLIP

Cllr Bernard Caldwell and Valerie Colton have been selected to run as Fianna Fáil candidates in Leixlip in the Local Elections

Bernard and Valerie were selected at a Convention held in the Courtyard Hotel this evening.

Cllr Bernard Caldwell was a member of Leixlip Town Council for many years, before being elected to the County Council in 2014. He serves on the Board of Leixlip and District Credit Union and is also Director of Leixlip Festival.

           Cllr Bernard Caldwell

Bernard is deeply involved in Horseracing and has been on the Board of Horse Racing Ireland since 2008, representing persons employed directly in the Racing industry. He has also been Chairman of the Irish Stable staff Association since 2007.

Valerie Colton has lived in Leixlip for the past thirty-four years with her husband Gerry and two sons Andrew and Gavin.  

                     Valerie Colton

She served in the Defence Forces for 30 years having spent two tours with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, following which she worked as part of the Aide de Camp Staff under three Presidents at Aras an Uachtarain.

She retired in 2012, since when she has thrown herself into community projects in her local area.  She has been involved in community work for most of my life and has a proven track record of delivery. I work tirelessly on projects for the good of our community.