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LAWLESS CALLS FOR GREATER REGULATION OF QUARRIES

James Lawless TD spoke in the Dáil this week on a motion about quarries and their environmental impact.

James said, “While the economic activity associated with quarries can be important to counties such as Kildare and West Wicklow, rural areas suffer disproportionately from the environmental impact and deal with HGV traffic on poor rural roads. Broadford, Kerdiffstown, and Eadestown have all had to endure this. The EPA needs to be more proactive in its regulation of quarries if we are to protect our landscape and amenities such as our water supply.”

You can view the video here

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LAWLESS URGES EXPANSION OF NAAS HOSPITAL TO BE PRIORITISED

His comments come as Kildare County Council announce that it has decided to allow the HSE to extend the planning permission for a significant extension of Naas General Hospital. 

The extension would include a new endoscopy/day services unit as well as Physical medicine and oncology departments. 

James commented, “The extension of planning is welcome. However it also serves to highlight the HSE have stalled on this project since the original planning was granted in 2014. The endoscopy unit in particular is badly needed, I have visited the hospital to inspect existing facilities and I have raised this on the floor of the Dail with Minister Simon Harris. Whilst the planning is key and I welcome this decision, it is imperative that the HSE now press ahead with funding and concrete plans to develop this needed extension.”

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KEENAN CALLS FOR GREATER GARDA PRESENCE IN CLANE

Fianna Fáil election candidate Daniel Keenan has again raised the issue of a greater Garda presence in the Greater Clane area following the recent stabbing of a teenager in the town.

           Daniel Keenan, Clane Candidate

Daniel had previously outlined the absence of a full-time Garda Station in the town.

Daniel commented, “This type of crime is thankfully a rare occurrence in Clane. However, it still highlights the need for what I have  previously called for, an increase in Garda resources for all of the greater Clane area.  Most importantly, we need a Garda Station with a 24 hour response service.”

“I’m glad to hear the injuries are not thought to be life-threatening but this could have been so much worse. We need action sooner rather than later“

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LAWLESS HELPS SECURE BALYNA WATER SCHEME REFUNDS

James Lawless TD is pleased to confirm members of the Balyna Group Water Scheme will be refunded.

This scheme includes members from Broadford, Johnstownbridge, Cadamstown, Kilshanroe and surrounding areas.

James commented, “This is something I have regularly raised in the Dail and with senior council officials.The council will be writing to members in the coming week with this notice. This is not ordinarily done by the Department but given the exceptional circumstances residents will be getting refunds-something which is very welcome.”

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O’ROURKE URGES GREATER RURAL ACCESS TO BROADBAND

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed the publication of a recent survey by IBEC which states that nearly 80% of Kildare premises now have access to High speed broadband

However he says that gaps in broadband services in Kildare need to be addressed.

“Kildare has the second best connectivity out of the 26 counties in the country. However, we need to ensure that gaps in the service in rural areas in Kildare  are addressed.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE URGES GREATER RURAL ACCESS TO BROADBAND”