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Frank O’Rourke – Unacceptable delay in rolling out Broadband plan

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Frank O’Rourke, has called on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment to intervene and bring clarity to the roll out of the National Broadband Plan as delays persist in the roll out of broadband connections in rural areas in County Kildare.

“It is time for the Government to outline a timeline for the signing of the contract for the National Broadband Plan, as there is only one company – Enet – left in the running after Eir pulled out of the process earlier this year.”

“The delay in the roll out and the signing of the contract is having a serious impact on the hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses who are still waiting to be connected to the network.”

“My understanding is that more than 13,000 homes and businesses, or 15% of the total, across the county of Kildare fall under “State led intervention” category for roll out of Broadband. Some of these homes and businesses are within a few kilometres of major IT Multinational companies and could face waits for another 3 to 5 years to secure high speed broadband.”

“The Government’s record on broadband provision is disgraceful.  The National Broadband Plan was launched in 2012 and it was due to be completed by 2016. We now hear from the Minister that it could be 2023 before it is fully rolled out nationally.”

“The current impasse cannot be allowed to continue.  The Minister needs to announce a date for the contract to be signed so that the scheme can be rolled out to the areas that need it most” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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Frank O’Rourke – Waiting lists for Homecare Packages Unacceptable

Frank O’Rourke has criticised the Government for failing to properly resource the Home Care Scheme.

Deputy O’Rourke made the comments after obtaining information which shows that 724 people in the CHO 7 Hospital Group, which includes Kildare, West Wicklow and parts of Dublin, are currently waiting for home care supports.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “It’s unacceptable that so many older people are waiting for access to vital home care supports. These people have already been assessed by the HSE and it has been determined that they need additional home care supports. It’s perfectly clear for all to see that the Government simply isn’t providing the necessary resources to ensure people get access to the home care supports that they need.

“I have raised this issue directly with HSE management and have asked for details on how the waiting list for home care supports will be cleared. The replies that I have received to date leave a lot to be desired as the HSE have made it clear that they do not have the funding needed to meet demand. HSE management have said that the matter is in the hands of the Minister for Health Simon Harris for consideration.

“It makes little sense to delay giving home care supports to people that need 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.

“Minister Harris and his Government colleagues need to ensure that the Home Care Support Scheme is properly resourced. We all know that there are limited resources, but the current situation is only leading to increases costs in the long run due to overcrowding in hospitals and a scarcity of beds in nursing homes,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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James Lawless TD gives oration at the Noel Lemass Commemoration

It was an honour to deliver the ortation at this years Capt. Noel Lemass commemoration in Glenncullen, Co. Wicklow. I spoke about Captain Noel Lemass and the service the Lemass family gave to Ireland. Reflected on the history of the party and how it had always evolved to meet changing circumstances and must continue to do so.

From electoral lows in 1927 and 2011 to the highs of 1932, 1959, and subsequent years in Government the party has continually renewed to lead Ireland. I also detailed what the future holds for Fianna Fáil in a modern Ireland as the party and the country adapt and grow with societal changes today.

Well done to the organising committee of Vice President Arthur Griffin, Aidan O’Connor, Sean Haughey T.D., and the wider Lemass Family who run this commemoration annually. You can read my full speech here or watch below.

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Four New Classrooms at Newtown National School welcomed

Local Fianna Fáil Representatives have welcomed the announcement that four new classrooms will be provided at Newtown National School.

James Lawless TD commented “A number of weeks ago I had pleasure of visiting Newtown National School with local Cllr Paul Ward. Meeting with teaching staff it was very clear that the school had reached full capacity and urgently required additional classrooms. Having raised this with the Minister for Education in the Dáil I am delighted to confirm that four new classrooms will be provided for the school. I look forward to continuing to work with the school to aide their development and advocate for the teachers and students in Newtown.”

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Naoise O’Cearuil welcomes opening of Maynooth Cycle Link

The Maynooth Harbour Cycle Link was officially opened today by the Minister for Transport and Tourism, Shane Ross, in the Harbour Field today.

I’ve worked with my council colleagues and council staff over the past three years to bring this to fruition.
Another example of an excellent facility available in Maynooth. It’s time to start promoting Maynooth as a tourist destination from a national and international level.