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O’ROURKE SECURES COMMITMENT ON HAZELHATCH FLOOD ALLEVIATION

Frank O’Rourke TD has received a commitment from the Minister for OPW, Mr. Sean Canney TD that together with Kildare County Council, plans will be prepared to design and implement flood alleviation works on the Hazelhatch Road in Celbridge

‘Flooding along the Hazelhatch Road has had a serious effect on the community in that part of Celbridge. Celbridge GAA, Celbridge Tennis Club, the School and 700 houses have been badly affected and we need to get a permanent solution to minimise the risk of further flooding in the area.’ Continue reading “O’ROURKE SECURES COMMITMENT ON HAZELHATCH FLOOD ALLEVIATION”

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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”