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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.

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LAWLESS JOINS NAAS STUDENTS ON CLIMATE PROTEST

James Lawless TD joined some of the students protesting for Climate Action on the streets of Naas today

James commented, “Their generation gets that change is needed and urgently. At Dail level I have supported and spoken on bills to divest fossil fuel investments, to ban new fossil fuel explorations, to reduce waste, to ban single use plastics and many more. With the world heating more in the last 150 years than the previous 5,000 the time for action is now.”

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES MOYGLARE CYCLE TRACK APPROVAL

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed the announcement that a footpath and cycle track will be provided on the Moyglare Road in Maynooth.

Frank commented, “I have made representations, on behalf of the residents on the Moyglare Road, to have a footpath and a cycle track provided on the Moyglare Road. Given the growth in residential properties and the new secondary schools coming on stream together with the existing houses and GAA Club this is an important piece of infrastructure. This work is planned to be completed by September/October of this year.We must continue to provide adequate footpaths to encourage people to walk and cycle.”

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O’ROURKE SLAMS CRIPPLING INSURANCE COSTS

Frank O’Rourke has said insurance providers need to pass on some of their massive profits to consumers and called on the Government to immediately implement the recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group.

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting following reports that three insurance companies in Ireland made a combined profit of €200 million last year and said, “Insurance companies are raking it in by imposing huge premiums on consumers for their home, motor and business insurance. Individuals across Kildare cannot keep up with rising motor and home insurance costs and businesses such as nightclubs, marts and childcare facilities are considering closing down because of the massive increases in public liability and business insurance.”

                            Frank O’Rourke TD

“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 – that just makes good business sense. Insurance premiums continue to rise far in excess of what is fair or justified. These rising costs are a huge burden on customers, business, charities, and sports clubs. It is very important that the recommendations of the working group, formed to tackle rising insurance costs, are implemented immediately. So far it appears little has been done in this regard.”

“The establishment of a national claims database is just one step we can take. The legislation for this database was enacted some time ago, yet it languishes in the Department. In addition to the database the establishment of a dedicated Garda insurance fraud unit is one action which is often brought up by businesses and communities as an essential measure.”  The Department must do more to prevent rising insurance costs. There are options on the table but little has been done to date while premiums continue to rise. The Minister ought to take this matter more seriously and step up efforts before we see the closure of more businesses and homeowners taking risks with their homes”, concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN KILCOCK

Frank O’Rourke TD  has welcomed the confirmation of news that Traffic Signals are going to be installed at the junction of Ryebridge in Kilcock.

Frank commented, “Residents from Ryebridge Estate had contacted me over the last number of years highlighting the need to improve traffic management for cars trying to get onto the Old Galway Road from their estate at the Enfield/Summerhill junction.” 

“I am delighted that we now have confirmation that Traffic Lights will be installed in the coming months which will bring benefit to the residents of Ryebridge. I have also been informed that there will be a cycle track installed by the end of this summer form Ryebridge Estate to Kilcock Town Centre via the Mill Lane.”

“I want to acknowledge the work of the Council, the developer and the Residents in the Estate for their work with me in relation to this project. I look forward to the works been completed as soon as possible.”