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Fianna Fáil to introduce Bill to protect rights of Community Employment participants

Frank O’Rourke TD has said that Fianna Fail is to introduce a Bill to prevent Jobpath from denying participants from taking up a place on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme, the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) or the Tús Scheme.

“In recent years, I met with both the former Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar TD, and the current Minister for Employment and Social Protection Regina Doherty TD, and made strong representations to them, to have the CE and Tus Schemes made more flexible.”

“In effect, many people feel that they are being unfairly coerced into Jobpath and would prefer to take up a place on a CE, RSS or Tús scheme. In many instances, this would be more appropriate and suitable to the needs of both the community and the individual concerned. I also want to ensure that we facilitate older people on the scheme.” Continue reading “Fianna Fáil to introduce Bill to protect rights of Community Employment participants”

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Elevated Car Insurance rates can not become the norm – O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to provide a renewed focus on reducing the cost of motor insurance further, as the average premiums are still €300 higher now than they were in 2014.

“I appreciate that recent CSO figures show that the cost of car insurance fell by approximately 12% over the last year, but the average annual cost of insurance now stands at €750 compared with €450 in 2014.”

“My concern is that this elevated motor insurance cost will become the norm. Since being elected, I have persistently raised the unacceptable rise in the cost of motor insurance.  Last month, I pressed the Government to partner with other EU countries to fight the rising costs, and we received a deafening silence.” Continue reading “Elevated Car Insurance rates can not become the norm – O’Rourke”

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Funding needed for Storm Emma clean-up – O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to provide compensation to those worst affected by the recent severe weather conditions, as Kildare starts the clean-up and opens up the road network.

“Kildare County Council should be provided with extra funding to assist with the repairs and clean-up associated with the recent severe weather conditions.  Special allocations should be provided to repair roads, grants for Residents Associations, and funding to repair our water infrastructure are issues that need to be urgently considered and actioned by central Government.” Continue reading “Funding needed for Storm Emma clean-up – O’Rourke”

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Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil welcomes Funding for Maynooth Footbridge

A new footbridge on Mill Street Maynooth has gotten the go ahead after years of campaigning by Cllr. Naoise Ó Cearúil.

The matter was raised by the Maynooth based councillor once again at the March meeting of the Maynooth Municipal District.

Cllr. Ó Cearúil has long highlighted how the current bridge does not cater for the huge number of pedestrians crossing it every day. Commenting on the matter, he said “We have a situation where young children and all other pedestrians have had to walk on the road as there is not enough space on the footpath. I have seen first hand where women with buggies have had to walk on the road and it is not good enough and I’m afraid of any accidents happening. I’ve been looking for this footbridge for some time and I’m delighted for our town that it has gotten the go ahead”.

Kildare County Council confirmed to the councillor that they had confirmation of funding the National Transport Authority of €410,000 to proceed with Phase 5 of the Maynooth North-South Corridor. They also confirmed that a detailed design of the phase will commence in summer 2018.

Darren Smyth, General Manager of Manor Mills Shopping Centre commented that, “We have seen from the centre’s point of view that this is really needed. Not only for our shoppers but for the safety of all pedestrians in the town. Its been great to work with Naoise again on another project”.

Ó Cearúil concluded by saying, “I only received confirmation on the day of the meeting that the funding had been secured and I will continue to press for improvements for the betterment of our town”.

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Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil makes announcement on Patricks Day Parade

Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil has announced that due to the disruption caused by the adverse weather, the Maynooth St Patrick’s Day Parade are still taking applications.

Naoise said, “I’m entering the final hurdle in organising this year’s parade. This is my fourth year organising it and it continues to be a challenge I enjoy.”

“Due to the weather over the past week, we are accepting late applications. Please spread the word and ensure that we have another great year at our largest annual community event.”

“If anybody is aware of anybody that would be available as stewards on the day, please PM me. We really need as many bodies as possible.”