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LAWLESS AND O’ROURKE CRITICISE DELAY IN PROVISION OF NEW RAIL STOCK

Both Kildare North Fianna Fáil TDs have said that the allocation of funding to provide new rail carriages will do little to alleviate the overcrowding challenges faced by passengers in the short and medium term along the Kildare line following reports that the first contract for new carriages is unlikely to be awarded before the end of the year.

James Lawless commented, “I welcome this long overdue investment in Irish rail services, which is now serving a record number of passengers each year. It is vital to invest in Ireland’s public transport, if we are to reduce the congestion and environmental pollution that is plaguing our country. While the funding for new carriages is to be welcomed, it is disappointing that the first contract, for 41 new carriages, is not due to be awarded until the end of the year.”

“This end of year delivery will do little to reduce overcrowding on trains in the short to medium term as the lead-in time for the delivery of all carriages is extremely long. Irish Rail has also dropped plans to refurbish older carriages in the fleet, ruling it out on cost grounds.” Continue reading “LAWLESS AND O’ROURKE CRITICISE DELAY IN PROVISION OF NEW RAIL STOCK”

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James Lawless speaks on News at One on Drone Legislation

James Lawless TD was on RTÉ News at One today to discuss the legislation governing the usage of Drones which he has drawn up in response to recent events in Britain.

James said, “There is an urgent need for this legislation to become law to prevent similar issues in Irish Airports that have been seen at Gatwick Airport before Christmas and Heathrow in recent days.”

You can listen to James being interviewed here

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O’ROURKE DEMANDS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR HOMECARE

Frank O’Rourke TD has pressed the Government for additional resources to be provided for Home Care Packages for the Kildare region, a region falling behind other areas in terms of the number of packages needed.

Frank commented, “Winter can be a very difficult time for older people and their families. It’s also a period when hospitals are under pressure. As I established earlier in 2018, the Kildare Wicklow region has a significantly higher waiting list for Home care packages than other area. In June, we had 724 people on the waiting list, which proportionally was much higher than other areas.”

“It makes little sense to delay giving home care supports to people that need them and have been approved by the HSE to get them. It goes against the Government’s stated aim of ensuring people can continue living in their home if they so choose to do so. It is also leading to unnecessary overcrowding in our hospitals. There are many older people in hospitals that are ready to be discharged but are unable to return home as the necessary home care supports have not been put in place.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE DEMANDS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR HOMECARE”

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LAWLESS AND KELLY HOST GREENWAY OPEN EVENING

A large crowd – several hundred – turned out in Sallins Community Centre to view and give their views on the proposals for the Grand Canal Greenway which was hosted by Cllr Carmel Kelly and James Lawless TD.

Cllr Kelly professed herself very pleased with the large numbers that attended and encouraged local people to have their say on the proposals by making a submission to Kildare Country Council by the 18th of January.

Pictured are James Lawless TD, Cllr Carmel Kelly and County Council candidate Brian Larkin

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LAWLESS WELCOMES PLANNED SALE OF NAAS SHOPPING CENTRE

James Lawless TD has welcomed the news that the Naas Shopping Centre is to be put up for sale in March. James has been actively involved with trying to expedite the sale and development of the site for many years.

James commented, “I have had multiple meetings with NAMA, KCC, many potential buyers, the sellers and the receiver of this development over the past few years. With the imminent arrival of Dunnes to Naas Main Street, the trading environment is changing and the final sale of this property will accelerate that.”

James added, “The preference of KCC and myself is for the centre to be bought and developed as a shopping centre but any serious proposal should be considered. Whatever happens next, this is the start of a new chapter for Naas town.”