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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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LAWLESS SPEAKS ON IRISH WATER IN THE DAIL

James Lawless TD spoke in the Dail today during the debate on Irish Water.

His full contribution is below:

“I thank the Acting Chairman for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the debate, although with only two Members on the Government benches, I am not sure it qualifies as a debate. I am glad, however, that this issue is now being brought to a head. It is an important issue but by no means the most important. The amount of airtime it has received in recent weeks has been disproportionate. Other matters such as health, education, transport, energy, broadband and housing are huge issues that have suffered owing to the inordinate focus placed on water provision in the set-up of this Dáil. Nonetheless, it is an important issue, one that has united and divided both this House and the wider public.” Continue reading “LAWLESS SPEAKS ON IRISH WATER IN THE DAIL”

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O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR BETTER RURAL BROADBAND IN NORTH KILDARE

Frank O’Rourke TD has again raised the issue of poor Broadband coverage in Newtown and surrounding areas in North West Kildare

Frank commented, ‘North West Kildare is only a few miles away from major Multinational IT companies. It simply beggars belief that there are still communities in Kildare which are not served with adequate broadband coverage.’

‘Access to an adequate broadband coverage, in terms of capacity and speed, is critical for a whole range of reasons. Businesses, those working from home, students trying to access educational material all require broadband coverage.’ Continue reading “O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR BETTER RURAL BROADBAND IN NORTH KILDARE”