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LAWLESS RAISES RETURNING EMIGRANTS’ INSURANCE WOES

In a recent Dáil debate on soaring motor insurance costs James Lawless TD called on the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. to examine the issue whereby emigrants returning home from other European Union countries are unable to secure motor insurance back home in Ireland

James Lawless TD, “I have encountered a number of situations in my clinics which are crucial to this debate. One is the situation of emigrants returning from abroad. Thanks to the putative economic recovery we are beginning to see some people returning home. Many people spent the recession abroad, including in the EU. One individual approached me recently who, on his return from spending six years in Spain, found that he was unable to get insurance cover in Ireland. He has a clean driving history and a full no-claims bonus, but it is non-transferable even within EU states.”

“Surely within the EU we could align our no-claims bonus provisions and driving history to the extent that we should be able to address such cases. I ask the Minister to examine that issue. Hopefully, it will be presenting more frequently as many more people return home after working abroad.”

“It now falls to the Minister to move on this issue and I will continue to raise it to enable returning emigrants live up to the EU promise of freedom to work, travel and live within the union without coming up against as basic a blockage as this on an individual’s budget.”

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON MAYNOOTH EDUCATION CAMPUS

Frank O’Rourke has welcomed news that construction on the Maynooth Education Campus is to commence shortly 

Frank was informed of the news by the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton TD following a Parliamentary Question he had tabled in recent weeks.

“The Minister for Education informed me that the contractor responded to the Letter of Intent on the 21st March last. The response is currently being examined by the Education and Training Board’s Design Team” stated Deputy O’Rourke.

“The minister has stated that assuming the contractor has complied with the requirements of the Letter of Intent, it is envisaged that construction of the new school will commence on site shortly.”

“This is the final step before the formal award of the Contract and I want to compliment all those involved, from the Board of Managements, Principals, and parents who have fought hard to secure this project for Maynooth and surrounding areas,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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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”

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O’ROURKE PROPOSES IMPROVEMENTS TO NEW PARKING LAW

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke says legislative change is needed to deal with outstanding problems with vehicle parking in Kildare

Deputy O’Rourke made the comments after putting forward an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill 2016 which is currently being debated by the Dáil. If accepted, the amendment will enable Local Authorities to make small alterations to parking bye-laws to deal with problems as they arise.

“Currently Kildare County Council has to go through a full public consultation process when making changes to parking bye-laws. This is needed for ensuring there is proper oversight associated with large scale changes to bye-laws, but it is unnecessarily restrictive when dealing with small issues,” explained Deputy O’Rourke.

“For example the council has to undertake such a public consultation, which includes seeking advice from the Garda Commissioner, when simply wanting to add an additional disability parking place. This is an unnecessarily complicated process and actually discourages Local Authorities from making practical changes to parking arrangements in towns and villages.”  

“The Road Traffic Bill is currently being debated in the Dáil and I have put forward proposals to deal with this problem. If accepted, my amendment will enable Local Authorities to make minor alternations to parking spaces, loading bays and the positioning of parking payment machines. This will allow for parking related problems to be dealt with as they arise and will also help cut down on excessive costs.”

“This is a common sense proposal and I am hopeful that it will receive cross party support. There are a myriad of parking related problems in Kildare and it is important that the Local Authority is equipped to deal with these issues,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.