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O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROPOSED PARK AND RIDE AT CELBRIDGE

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed the inclusion of a proposed Park and Ride Bus Facility adjacent to Celbridge and Junction 5 on the M4 as part of the BusConnections proposal to make Bus Transport more attractive to commuters and launched by the National Transport Authority (NTA)

Deputy O’Rourke welcomed the news, having rasied the matter at a recent meeting with Dublin Bus.

“The National Transport Authority (NTA) outlined this proposal in its BusConnects Plans, which includes a suite of initiatives designed to transform bus services in the Dublin region.  A Park and Ride for Bus commuters in Celbridge is included as part of its proposals.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROPOSED PARK AND RIDE AT CELBRIDGE”

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O’ROURKE – GOVT NEEDS TO TACKLE INSURANCE COSTS

Deputy Frank O’Rourke has called on the Government to give greater priority to reducing the cost of insurance

Insurance costs in Ireland remain stubbornly high as the Government last week published its most recent report from the Cost of Insurance Working Group.

“My concern is that the elevated motor insurance costs that we now have, will become the norm. Since being elected, I have persistently raised the unacceptable rise in the cost of motor insurance.  I pressed the Government to partner with other EU countries to fight the rising costs, and to-date we have received a deafening silence.”

“The National Claims Information Database is one of the key recommendation of the working groups report.  The legislation to establish the database was supposed to be enacted by the end of 2017. Now it seems it will not be even introduced until the second half of 2018 and that time-frame is far from certain.”

“A mechanism to set up an anti-fraud unit within An Garda Síochána was to be approved by the third quarter of 2017.  This has yet to be achieved and no solid timeline has been put in place for the approval of such a mechanism, much less the establishment of a unit.”

“Motor insurance costs have been a major issue for drivers in Ireland over the past number of years and Fianna Fáil has been to the fore in pressing the government to take action. The lack of action in relation to the recommendations of the working group is unacceptable.”

“The message must go out to all, that we are determined to get fairer motor insurance premiums for Irish motorists. Many Kildare motorists continue to make contact with me in relation to their rising costs, and I am determined to keep a focus on this important issue for them.”

“High motor insurance premiums have not gone away. The government has shown no sign that it is on top of this issue, as many continue to face unsustainable high insurance premiums.  This is a direct threat to our competitiveness, and increases the cost of living, and must be addressed,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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CARMEL KELLY LAUNCHES RE-ELECTION BID

Popular Sallins Councillor Carmel Kelly launched her re-election bid this evening in Café Grange in Sallins.

Carmel has been a Councillor in 2016, and during that time was one of the Founders of the Midsummer Arts Festival which is taking place again this year.

An impressive crowd gathered for the launch with several TDs and Senators travelling for the occasion. Among the speakers were Anne Rabbitte TD, Brendan Smith TD, James Lawless TD, Frank O’Rourke TD and her fellow candidates Brian Larkin and Terry Dignan,

Carmel said in her address that her sole ambition in being returned to the Council was to serve the people to the utmost of her ability and that she was a  passionate believer in the power of Community.

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O’ROURKE : CRIPPLING BUSINESS INSURANCE LEADING TO CLOSURES

Frank O’Rourke TD has said that the crippling cost of business insurance is leading to closures of nightclubs, marts, leisure and childcare facilities across the country.

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting following reports of business insurance and public liability costs increasing by up to eight fold.

Deputy O’Rourke explained, “Having spoken to businesses and Kildare Chamber of Commerce, I am aware that insurance premiums for some owners have increased by a multiple of eight. That is completely unacceptable and is not sustainable. “SMEs, who bear the brunt of these increases, make such a contribution to their local economies but the increase in insurance coupled with other increases which they have encountered over recent years, is proving too much for many and they are considering closing. “

“To add insult to injury, we recently learned that three of the country’s main insurance companies made a combined profit of almost €200m in 2018. They are raking it in by imposing huge premiums on consumers for their home, motor and business insurance. “While I accept that the personal injury awards are far too high in Ireland and that they are a key contributor to the rising insurance costs, I do not accept insurance companies not passing on some of their profits to their customers. “

“The reason the situation is out of control is due to the lack of delivery by the Government, they have not implemented the recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. The long promised Judicial Council which will set limits for claims is nowhere to be seen and the national claims database and a dedicated Garda insurance fraud unit is yet to be set up. “

“The Fianna Fáil Party recently put forward a motion calling on the Government to take a number of steps to address rising insurance costs – I believe it is high time this Government takes our steps seriously. This needs to stop before we see the closure of more businesses and further job losses”, concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKE DEMANDS ACTION ON BURST WATER MAIN

Celbridge Burst Water Mains raised by O’Rourke Local Fianna Fail TD, Frank O’Rourke, has met with Irish Water to raise the issues surrounding the water main which burst again in Celbridge in January.

“The 12 inch water main burst in Celbridge in January. This water main services many homes and businesses in Celbridge. When it burst, it caused major disruption to residents, businesses, nursing homes, schools etc. I met with Irish Water in the Dail last week to highlight the disruption caused, and to see what action was being taken by Irish Water to address the problems.”

“Irish Water acknowledges the difficulties caused, and have given me a commitment that they are going to carry out an inspection to check the integrity of the 700m long pipe, which will include the bedding along the water main. They have committed to putting a plan in place to replace this section of water main, if that is what is required after they complete the inspection and survey which I have requested.”

“This is a very positive outcome. Irish Water will be engaging with me to update me on this project, once they have all the information collated. I also received a commitment from Irish Water that they will engage with Kildare Co Co to ensure that should such a water main burst again, that the response will be more responsive and plans would be put in place to have a round the clock response. I will continue to raise the issue with Kildare Co Co and Irish Water to ensure that they address the underlying issue around water supply for Celbridge.” Concluded Deputy O’Rourke.