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O’ROURKE INTRODUCES BILL TO BROADEN ACCESS TO HAP

Frank O’Rourke TD introduced a bill into the Dáil last night that seeks to allow families facing eviction access the HAP scheme sooner.

Frank commented, “This Bill aims to prevent families from entering homelessness, by making changes in access to HAP. As it stands, a family served with a tenancy termination notice can only access HAP as their eviction date looms. My Bill seeks to give families access to HAP at a much earlier stage of their notice period, thereby giving time to seek and secure alternative accommodation. As well as the social implications, my Bill also makes economic sense, as it costs the state significantly more to house families in emergency accommodation, than in a stable home assisted by HAP.”

You can see Frank speak in the Dáil here

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LAWLESS AND KELLY DISAPPOINTED AT PLAYGROUND VANDALISM

Councillor Carmel Kelly has expressed her bitter disappointment at the recent vandalism in the new Sallins Playground which has resulted in the closure of the facility

Carmel said, “I’m really sad that our playground is closed. There are some out there who just do not appreciate how long we have waited for this fabulous facility. The re-opening date unknown at this time.”

James added, “It is very disappointing that a small group of people would sabotage their own area. The community in Sallins waited a long time for a facility like the playground and it is incredibly frustrating that it would be deliberately damaged. Anti-social behaviour at the playground has been an issue since it opened in June and it is important that secure fencing is now provided ahead of the official opening in November so that it can be an amenity for Sallins for years to come.”

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES FUNDING FOR ABBEY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Frank O’Rourke, has been informed by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne TD, that Celbridge Abbey Community Project is to receive additional funding of €35,000.
Frank had made strong representations and had many meetings on their behalf to have funding approved.

“Earlier this year, I met with the Board of the Abbey Community to discuss the requirement for funding for 2019. We had secured some additional funding towards the end of 2018. An extensive proposal for funding was submitted to the Department for their consideration. I fully supported this proposal.”

“I have now been informed that funding of €35,000 is now approved for Celbridge Abbey Community Project.”

“The Abbey Community Project is providing a very valuable service for the people of North Kildare. It is providing a much needed mental health service with dual diagnosis for many people.”

“Given that the state is referring people to the Abbey Project in Celbridge, it is only right that state funding be provided to the Project. The reality is if the Abbey Community Project didn’t exist or closed its doors tomorrow, the state agencies wouldn’t be able to deal with the high demand for the services.” stated Deputy O’Rourke.

“The Celbridge Abbey Community Project opened in 2007, the staff is very passionate about the services that they provide through the Project. I know that through the Project’s valuable work, lives are being saved.”.

“I raised the requirement for funding in the Dáil with the Taoiseach and I was subsequently contacted by the Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne TD , who has now confirmed this additional funding.”

“The provision of treatment services in Kildare has been identified as a priority by both the Government and the HSE. It is now time that the state financially supports the Abbey Community Project.”

 

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O’ROURKE RAISES WAITING TIMES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS

Frank O’Rourke TD spoke on the unacceptable waiting times for children with special needs requirements in getting an appointment for an Assessment of Needs with the HSE.

Waiting times average 2 years and the delay in any diagnosis has a knock on effect at a critical stage in a child’s development, causing further delays in accessing essential services and supports, such as Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech and Language Therapy.

You watch Frank speak here

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LAWLESS RAISES MAYNOOTH TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE DAIL

James Lawless TD raised the recent chronic traffic congestion in Maynooth town in the Dáil this afternoon

James asked the Tánaiste to ensure government prioritises work on the second motorway interchange.

James said, “This is one part of the puzzle in relieving pressures across the town which have brought traffic to a standstill of late.”

Raising Traffic Congestion in Maynooth with Tánaiste in Dáil

I raised the recent chronic traffic congestion in Maynooth town in the Dáil this afternoon and asked the Tánaiste to ensure government prioritises work on the second motorway interchange – this is one part of the puzzle in relieving pressures across the town which has been at a stanstill of late.

Posted by James Lawless TD on Thursday, October 3, 2019