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Pressure on Naas Community College must be maintained – Lawless

James Lawless TD has said that it is paramount that pressure must be kept on the Department of Education to progress the build of Naas Community College as quickly as possible. 

There is a considerable demand for places in the school and this is a key part of the educational infrastructure for Naas and the surrounding areas complementing the existing schools by placing a co-ed ETB (Education and Training Board) school into the North Naas area to cater for students from all over the town but also places like Sallins, Kill, Johnstown, Rathmore and all that hinterland.

James said, “The school has received planning permission for a brand new building at Millenium park, Naas and will cater for over 1,000 pupils in a new state of the art building once the construction phase is completed.”

“However the delays have been frustrating for the school community and I have repeatedly brought them to the MInister’s attention. The Department and indeed the ETB  are 100% committed to this project, and great progress has been made despite scare-mongering from some opportunistic politicians, however the delays are causing understandable concern for many parents and the wider school community. Continue reading “Pressure on Naas Community College must be maintained – Lawless”

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Better Homecare needed to tackle Hospital Overcrowding – O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD says the Government needs to focus on making additional home care packages available to older people in order to resolve the hospital overcrowding crisis.

Deputy O’Rourke made the comments after receiving new information which shows that 589 people over the age of 75 were stuck on trolleys in Naas General Hospital in 2017.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “One of the key problems in hospitals right across the country is the lack of home care supports to help older people to return to their own homes. Many older people are stuck in hospital wards and are unable to return home after receiving the all-clear from their consultants due to the delays in sanctioning home care packages. This is a serious problem which is exacerbating the overcrowding crisis in our hospitals.” Continue reading “Better Homecare needed to tackle Hospital Overcrowding – O’Rourke”

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O’Cearuil delighted Maynooth has retained Purple Flag status

Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil has expressed his delight at Maynooth retaining Purple Flag status.

Similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag Award aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres in the evenings and at night. Accredited towns and cities have proven that they are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home after dark and provide a good mix of venues.

This award which recognises Maynooth as a ‘must-visit’ location and will continue to be beneficial as a marketing and promotional tool, placing the town amongst a small number of towns and cities to have achieved this standard. Maynooth will continue be marketed locally, nationally and internationally as a town of excellence with a rich mix of dining and cultural venues and a vast range of events and festivals.

Cllr. Naoise Ó Cearúil spearheaded the initiative to apply for this award and received widespread support for his proposal in 2016. Once adopted by the council, the County Kildare Chamber and KCC managed the application and the retention of the project.

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Progress on Liffey Bridge in Celbridge – Frank O’Rourke

Frank O Rourke TD has welcomed the appointment of a consultant to carry out a feasibility study on the options available for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Liffey Bridge and to select one.

“The National Transport Authority (NTA) have informed me that a consultant, Clifton Scannell and  Emerson Associates have been appointed to undertake a feasibility study which will identify the potential options to address the issues for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Liffey Bridge and recommend a preferred option.”

“I believe that the consultant will have their work completed by the end of Quarter 1 this year. I have made representations to provide a safer option for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the bridge and I am delighted that we are now seeing progress.” Continue reading “Progress on Liffey Bridge in Celbridge – Frank O’Rourke”

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More Improvements needed on Kildare Line – Frank O’Rourke

New off- peak services on the Kildare Line will be provided during 2018 according to Frank O’Rourke TD.

“The National Transport Authority have confirmed that new off-peak services will be provided on the Kildare Line during 2018. This is welcome news and ensures that we continue to improve the local the services on the line servicing Hazelhatch in Celbridge and Naas.”

“Travelling by car into the city centre is becoming almost impossible. We must provide an alternative by improving our public transport services. We know that service improvements are on the way for Kilcock bus commuters, a new orbital bus route linking Naas to Blanchardstown via Clane, Rathcoffey and Maynooth will come into service shortly and additional off-peak services on the Maynooth line will be provided this year. I have also pressed for improved services on Bus Routes 66 and 67 and for improved services on the Kilcock rail line as the Kilcock Park & Ride comes into use this year.” Continue reading “More Improvements needed on Kildare Line – Frank O’Rourke”