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LAWLESS CONFIRMS RETENTION OF NIGHTLINK SERVICE

James Lawless is pleased to announce that following his representations,Bus Eireann have agreed an extension to the 126N nightlink service.

Following these discussions, the company has agreed to extend the service for the next six weeks to see people up to and past the Christmas period.

James commented, “While Bus Eireann maintain that the service is operating at a loss, the NTA have agreed to cover costs over the next few weeks to ensure people have a safe means of transport to get back home from Christmas outing in Dublin.”

“The service will be examined again in the New Year. I want to thank Bus Éireann and the NTA for working with me on extending the service and I will press in the interim for clarity and consultation on what happens in the new year.”

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LAWLESS HELPS SECURE BALYNA WATER SCHEME REFUNDS

James Lawless TD is pleased to confirm members of the Balyna Group Water Scheme will be refunded.

This scheme includes members from Broadford, Johnstownbridge, Cadamstown, Kilshanroe and surrounding areas.

James commented, “This is something I have regularly raised in the Dail and with senior council officials.The council will be writing to members in the coming week with this notice. This is not ordinarily done by the Department but given the exceptional circumstances residents will be getting refunds-something which is very welcome.”

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LAWLESS RAISES COMMUTERS CONCERNS WITH NTA

James Lawless along with the seven other Kildare Oireachtas Representatives has met with the National Transport Authority to discuss public transport services for County Kildare.

James raised the following points :

1) Insufficient capacity on commuter trains going unto Dublin, and similarly insufficient capacity on LUAS trams feeding into the city.
2) insufficient space at Sallins Rail Station Carpark:
3) The need to change trains at Hazelhatch on homeward journeys to Sallins using the new City Centre services due to start next month.
4) The necessity for later trains returning from Dublin to serve Kilcock for commuters.
5) The need to expand the Feeder Bus Network.
6) Request on an update on Busconnects following Public Consultations.
7) The need for requested stops along the route of the 139 Bus service.

James has outlined the following response he received from the NTA.

Continue reading “LAWLESS RAISES COMMUTERS CONCERNS WITH NTA”

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O’ROURKE SLAMS LOSS OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST

Frank O’Rourke TD has said it is wholly unfair that children in need of psychology services in North Kildare have been left high and dry by a failure of the HSE to secure replacement consultants to cover gaps in services and maternity cover.


Deputy O’Rourke was commenting after securing new information from the HSE that shows that the towns of Celbridge, Clane and Maynooth are once again without the services of a child psychologist.

“For the past period, the towns of Clane, Celbridge and Maynooth have been without a child psychologist. Last July, one was appointed to serve Clane and Celbridge leaving Maynooth without one.”

“However, in recent days I have learned that the recently appointed psychologist has now gone on maternity leave. This wouldn’t be an issue if the HSE had prepared the ground and sought a replacement to ensure that there was no break in service.”

“We are now back to square one with no child psychology service for these three large, and growing towns.

“The HSE must secure the services of locum psychologists to ensure that waiting lists do not begin to grow. Longer term, two full-time permanent psychologists are needed to cover this area.”

“I have written to the Minister for Health seeking an update on plans for interim replacements. We need an urgent response from the HSE to allay the fears and worries of parents,” concluded O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON MAYNOOTH BUS ORBITAL ROUTE

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed news from the National Transport Authority that it will examine the feasibility of providing an Orbital Bus Route linking Ardclough, Straffan and Maynooth.

The NTA confirmed the study following representations made by Deputy O’Rourke.

Frank commented, “I received confirmation from the NTA that it will examine the potential of providing an Orbital Bus Route linking Ardclough, Straffan and Maynooth. This Orbital Route would provide residents in Ardclough and Straffan with a link to a regular bus and rail public transport service, a connection to the Maynooth Business Park, and a link to NUI Maynooth, opening up this area to the Rent-a-Room Scheme for student accommodation.”

“I am meeting Dublin Bus with the aim of improving the unacceptable service on Route 67 and 67X at the moment. Many bus commuters have made contact with me to highlight the poor service in recent times and we need to address this issue as well.”