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Following a motion by Cllr Michael Coleman at the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Council, there will be free parking over Christmas in Celbridge and Leixlip.
There will be free parking (illegal parking will be enforced) in Celbridge and Leixlip from 10am on Monday 18th December 2017 to 4pm Tuesday 2nd January 2018.
Frank O’Rourke TD and James Lawless TD have secured a commitment from Minister Damien English that no road will be built through St. Catherine’s Park, Leixlip.
The commitment comes following a debate specifically on St. Catherine’s Park in Leinster House this week.
James said, “I am delighted that the Minister has given his commitment that no road will be built in St. Catherine’s Park. I met with the group fighting to Save St. Catherine’s Park and commend their efforts. Following a recent vote at Kildare County Council, which I sat in the gallery alongside the group to watch the vote and lend my support, we have seen the council take steps to secure the park. I look forward to continuing to work with the Save St. Catherine’s Park committee in keeping pressure on the Department and Minister so that no interference comes from central Government on this matter.”
New information released by the Central Bank shows that the overall customers affected by the tracker mortgage scandal is now 33,700 an increase of 13,600 on what was previously reported
“The real story behind the latest figures is that the Central Bank had to flex its muscles to force the lenders to reveal the latest figures. I welcome the stronger approach being adopted by the Central Bank and together with Michael McGrath, our Finance Spokesperson, I had called for the Central Bank to be more aggressive in its approach with the banks. This approach is paying dividends,” stated Deputy O’Rourke.
“We must ensure that priority is given to ensure that all customers affected get the justice they deserve.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON TRACKER MORTGAGES”
Cllr Rob Power has expressed delight at the approval of Enterprise Ireland funding for a digital hub in Naas. The Mid East Regional Innovation Think Space (MERITS) is a new build project that will cluster Irish and international new technology companies in a collaborative space in Naas town centre.
Rob said, “I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve secured the funding for this project. Establishing a Digital Hub in the town not only secures short and long-term employment in the local area but puts Naas on the map internationally as a place to start and grow a digital business.”
Enterprise Ireland has granted €2M toward the Digital Hub which will be matched by Kildare County Council. The project which was drawn up by the Kildare Local Enterprise Office, is expected to pay for itself within three years. The proposal will see Kildare County Council design and build the facility on a section of state owned lands adjacent to the council Headquarters at Aras Cill Dara, Naas. .”
“I’m really optimistic about what the Digital Hub means for Naas. Ten to fourteen years ago the Irish tech sector was a very niche industry confined to Dublin. But as the industry matures so too does the workforce. Where once companies worried about locating in the city centre to attract younger workers, the sector is now witnessing an increasing demand for housing and quality of life for families. Over the next decade, I’m confident that Naas can take on any town in the country in this respect – and win.”
“I’ve been calling for a project like this since 2015 when I wrote a proposal to establish funding for hubs in every county across the country. That proposal was subsequently included in the Fianna Fail election manifesto in 2016. In March of this year I also made a direct call for Kildare County Council to begin the process of seeking funding for a Digital Hub in Naas.Congratulations are due to Kildare County Council CEO Peter Carey, Head of Kildare LEO Jacqui McNabb and their teams for the outstanding work to date on this project. The ambition they’ve shown in identifying Naas as a regional leader in digital enterprise will play a vital part in the towns future
James Lawless TD today introduced legislation to allow greater scrutiny of who is paying for advertising on Social Media Platforms
James said, “We are all aware of the substantial and increasing role of social media and online fora on our public discourse and in the political sphere. Yet the many rules and safeguards which have emerged in the traditional spaces, everything from disclosure of donations to campaign fund caps, to a requirement that all printed materials must carry a label saying who printed and published them. None of these checks are present in the online space as the legislation has not kept pace with technology.”
“I introduced my social media transparency bill in the chamber today. The bill applies only to 1) paid political advertising 2) deliberate usage of multiple fake accounts for political purposes (bots).” Continue reading “LAWLESS INTRODUCES SOCIAL MEDIA TRANSPARENCY BILL TO THE DAIL”