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LAWLESS AND O’ROURKE CRITICISE DELAY IN PROVISION OF NEW RAIL STOCK

Both Kildare North Fianna Fáil TDs have said that the allocation of funding to provide new rail carriages will do little to alleviate the overcrowding challenges faced by passengers in the short and medium term along the Kildare line following reports that the first contract for new carriages is unlikely to be awarded before the end of the year.

James Lawless commented, “I welcome this long overdue investment in Irish rail services, which is now serving a record number of passengers each year. It is vital to invest in Ireland’s public transport, if we are to reduce the congestion and environmental pollution that is plaguing our country. While the funding for new carriages is to be welcomed, it is disappointing that the first contract, for 41 new carriages, is not due to be awarded until the end of the year.”

“This end of year delivery will do little to reduce overcrowding on trains in the short to medium term as the lead-in time for the delivery of all carriages is extremely long. Irish Rail has also dropped plans to refurbish older carriages in the fleet, ruling it out on cost grounds.” Continue reading “LAWLESS AND O’ROURKE CRITICISE DELAY IN PROVISION OF NEW RAIL STOCK”

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KILDARE NORTH FIANNA FAIL PICK CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS

Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary chaired several selection conventions yesterday at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane. Seven candidates in total were selected to contest the local elections next May.

Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil and Cllr Paul Ward were returned unopposed for the Maynooth Electoral area.

Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick and newcomer Daniel Ronan Keenan were returned for the Clane Electoral area.

Cllr Michael Coleman was returned opposed for the Celbridge Electoral area.

Cllr Carmel Kelly and Brian Larkin were returned for the Naas Electoral area.

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LAWLESS RAISES COMMUTERS CONCERNS WITH NTA

James Lawless along with the seven other Kildare Oireachtas Representatives has met with the National Transport Authority to discuss public transport services for County Kildare.

James raised the following points :

1) Insufficient capacity on commuter trains going unto Dublin, and similarly insufficient capacity on LUAS trams feeding into the city.
2) insufficient space at Sallins Rail Station Carpark:
3) The need to change trains at Hazelhatch on homeward journeys to Sallins using the new City Centre services due to start next month.
4) The necessity for later trains returning from Dublin to serve Kilcock for commuters.
5) The need to expand the Feeder Bus Network.
6) Request on an update on Busconnects following Public Consultations.
7) The need for requested stops along the route of the 139 Bus service.

James has outlined the following response he received from the NTA.

Continue reading “LAWLESS RAISES COMMUTERS CONCERNS WITH NTA”

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O’ROURKE SLAMS LOSS OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST

Frank O’Rourke TD has said it is wholly unfair that children in need of psychology services in North Kildare have been left high and dry by a failure of the HSE to secure replacement consultants to cover gaps in services and maternity cover.


Deputy O’Rourke was commenting after securing new information from the HSE that shows that the towns of Celbridge, Clane and Maynooth are once again without the services of a child psychologist.

“For the past period, the towns of Clane, Celbridge and Maynooth have been without a child psychologist. Last July, one was appointed to serve Clane and Celbridge leaving Maynooth without one.”

“However, in recent days I have learned that the recently appointed psychologist has now gone on maternity leave. This wouldn’t be an issue if the HSE had prepared the ground and sought a replacement to ensure that there was no break in service.”

“We are now back to square one with no child psychology service for these three large, and growing towns.

“The HSE must secure the services of locum psychologists to ensure that waiting lists do not begin to grow. Longer term, two full-time permanent psychologists are needed to cover this area.”

“I have written to the Minister for Health seeking an update on plans for interim replacements. We need an urgent response from the HSE to allay the fears and worries of parents,” concluded O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON MAYNOOTH BUS ORBITAL ROUTE

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed news from the National Transport Authority that it will examine the feasibility of providing an Orbital Bus Route linking Ardclough, Straffan and Maynooth.

The NTA confirmed the study following representations made by Deputy O’Rourke.

Frank commented, “I received confirmation from the NTA that it will examine the potential of providing an Orbital Bus Route linking Ardclough, Straffan and Maynooth. This Orbital Route would provide residents in Ardclough and Straffan with a link to a regular bus and rail public transport service, a connection to the Maynooth Business Park, and a link to NUI Maynooth, opening up this area to the Rent-a-Room Scheme for student accommodation.”

“I am meeting Dublin Bus with the aim of improving the unacceptable service on Route 67 and 67X at the moment. Many bus commuters have made contact with me to highlight the poor service in recent times and we need to address this issue as well.”