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LAWLESS URGES PROGRESS ON THE MAYNOOTH GAELCHOLAISTE

James Lawless TD has called on the Minister for Education to deliver a programme of implementation for the structure of the proposed Maynooth Gaelcholáiste and urging all stakeholders involved to work together to progress the project

The call comes following a motion by the Maynooth Old Carton Fianna Fáil Cumman supporting the delivery of the school was passed during the Education segment of the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.

The motion was proposed by local Fianna Fáil members from Maynooth in attendance, including Cllr Naoise Ó’Cearúil and Colm Ó’Cearúil Continue reading “LAWLESS URGES PROGRESS ON THE MAYNOOTH GAELCHOLAISTE”

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O’ROURKE URGES ACTION ON MORTGAGE RATES

Frank O’Rourke TD has stated that fespite numerous Government pledges to tackle the issue of high variable mortgage rates, variable rates here are still nearly double the Euro area average

According to the recent Central Bank figures, the average interest rate on new mortgages in September of this year stood at 3.31%; this is nearly double the equivalent rate across the Euro area, which stood at 1.86%.

Continue reading “O’ROURKE URGES ACTION ON MORTGAGE RATES”

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O’ROURKE CALLS FOR INCREASE IN HAP PAYMENTS

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to increase the Housing Assistance Payments as the costs of renting increases.
“The low level of the supply of the housing units, is fuelling the rising cost of renting a home, and means that the current level of HAP funding is not enough, in many cases, for those seeking accommodation.”
“I know from my weekly clinics that our social housing list is rising most months. Kildare County Council’s housing waiting list has increased by nearly 1800 people in the last 12 months. The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. However, the level of funds under this scheme is not enough.”

Continue reading “O’ROURKE CALLS FOR INCREASE IN HAP PAYMENTS”

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LAWLESS SLAMS CLOSED HOSPITAL BEDS

At a time of major overcrowding crisis in our Emergency Departments, there are hundreds of hospital beds closed in the health service

James said, “In Naas General Hospital there are staff shortages reducing the capacity of inpatient hospital beds. 172 beds were lost to the health system for a variety of reasons. Worryingly 33% of the bed closures were as a direct result of staff shortages. In our own hospital in Naas there are currently two beds down due to staff shortages.”

“Despite a lot of hot air from successive Fine Gael Health Ministers, little or no progress has been made in stemming the flow of nursing and medical graduates out of the Irish health system, and even less progress made on attracting those professionals who emigrated from Ireland.” Continue reading “LAWLESS SLAMS CLOSED HOSPITAL BEDS”

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O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR HAZELHATCH FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS

Frank O’Rourke TD has again pressed for funding to be provided for Flood Relief measures at Hazelhatch in Celbridge

“I met with the Minister responsible for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, this week, to press for funding to be provided for Flood alleviation measures at Hazelhatch.”

“The Hazelhatch area is home to the GAA, Tennis Club and many residential estates and will be a home for new schools. I secured funding for interim flood alleviation measures in 2014 which proved successful. However, we need a long term solution to ensure that this area is protected from future flooding” stated Deputy O’Rourke. Continue reading “O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR HAZELHATCH FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS”