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O’ROURKE SEEKS CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR KILDARE

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to invest in infrastructure to improve local services, and facilitate the delivery of new housing units

This can be achieved under the €200m Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund. Deputy O’Rourke renewed his call after meeting with Department of Housing officials this week again.

‘The relatively low capital investment programme that the Government announced in the Budget is disappointing.  Given the low cost of capital with nearly negative interest rates, the Government has been given a unique opportunity to address some of the infrastructural deficits that are evident in places like Kildare.’ Continue reading “O’ROURKE SEEKS CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR KILDARE”

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LAWLESS WELCOMES ADDITIONAL GARDAI FOR KILDARE

James Lawless TD has extended a cautious welcome to the announcement that extra Gardaí are to be deployed to Kildare

This was just an issue that James raised in the Dáil last week during an emergency debate on Garda coverage in Kildare North.

“At the time I highlighted with the Minister that we are lowest in terms of Garda numbers per head of population and call for an immediate increase in numbers.”

“While the additional recruits are very welcome a step change is needed to adequately resource our county. Reactionary management of man power in Kildare North is not good enough. We need consistent growth in our emergency service numbers. I will continue to press the Government to lobby for better Garda numbers in the county.”

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GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT ON ORKAMBI SAYS O’ROURKE

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to intervene in the dispute between the HSE and the supplier of a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis patients

The HSE and Vertex Pharmaceuticals entered price negotiations after the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics found Orkambi was unjustifiably expensive.

Currently, there are around 1,200 people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. However, this country apparently not only has the highest rate of the disease per head of population in the world, but also has some of the worst types, because of the particular genotype prevalent in Ireland.

‘Orkambi is very expensive but a lot of people in the trials have done very well and it’s been a life-changer for many people. We need to ensure that the Government facilitates the process of securing the supply of this drug and should consider a pan EU supply framework for the procurement of this drug if the supplier does not have meaningful engagements with the HSE,’ stated Deputy O’Rourke.

‘Constituents have raised this issue with me and I strongly feel that this drug should be available for our Cystic Fibrosis patients. I, together with our party’s Health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher TD,   will continue to put pressure on the Government to adopt a hands-on approach to secure a resolution to these negotiations,’ concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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LAWLESS WELCOMES ADDITIONAL MAYNOOTH STREET CLEANING

James Lawless TD is pleased to announce that he has secured additional street cleaning for Maynooth town following meetings with Kildare County Council County Manager Peter Carey and Director of Services Niall Morrisey on the matter

“The issue of litter in the streets, particularly over the weekends in Maynooth has become topical recently. With the college at full capacity street cleaning services needed to be increased. I have had many locals come into my Maynooth office off the Main Street raising this very valid concern.”

“I brought this issue to the attention of both Peter Carey and Joe Boland in the council. At our meeting I explained the urgent need for this service to provided. Following this it has been agreed that an initial six day service will be provided in the New Year subject to budget approval by the council.” Continue reading “LAWLESS WELCOMES ADDITIONAL MAYNOOTH STREET CLEANING”

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O’ROURKE PROPOSES IMPROVEMENTS TO NEW PARKING LAW

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke says legislative change is needed to deal with outstanding problems with vehicle parking in Kildare

Deputy O’Rourke made the comments after putting forward an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill 2016 which is currently being debated by the Dáil. If accepted, the amendment will enable Local Authorities to make small alterations to parking bye-laws to deal with problems as they arise.

“Currently Kildare County Council has to go through a full public consultation process when making changes to parking bye-laws. This is needed for ensuring there is proper oversight associated with large scale changes to bye-laws, but it is unnecessarily restrictive when dealing with small issues,” explained Deputy O’Rourke.

“For example the council has to undertake such a public consultation, which includes seeking advice from the Garda Commissioner, when simply wanting to add an additional disability parking place. This is an unnecessarily complicated process and actually discourages Local Authorities from making practical changes to parking arrangements in towns and villages.”  

“The Road Traffic Bill is currently being debated in the Dáil and I have put forward proposals to deal with this problem. If accepted, my amendment will enable Local Authorities to make minor alternations to parking spaces, loading bays and the positioning of parking payment machines. This will allow for parking related problems to be dealt with as they arise and will also help cut down on excessive costs.”

“This is a common sense proposal and I am hopeful that it will receive cross party support. There are a myriad of parking related problems in Kildare and it is important that the Local Authority is equipped to deal with these issues,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.