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O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON MAYNOOTH BUS SERVICE

Fianna Fail TD, Frank O’Rourke, has welcomed the decision by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to seek tenders for the proposed new Bus Service linking Naas, Clane, Rathcoffey, Maynooth, Blanchardstown and Blanchardstown Hospital

‘I have campaigned hard over the last year or so for this bus service. Last year, the NTA confirmed to me, following my representations, that they would consider this bus service. I am delighted now, following further representations, that the NTA will seek tenders for this new service in the next two months,’ stated Deputy O’Rourke after making representations this week to the NTA to have the tenders sought as soon as possible’ Continue reading “O’ROURKE WELCOMES PROGRESS ON MAYNOOTH BUS SERVICE”

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O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR MAYNOOTH RING ROAD

Frank O’Rourke TD has raised the requirement for a Maynooth Ring Road at a meeting with Kildare County Council and officials from the Department of Housing Planning Community and Local Government in recent days

“The traffic trying to negotiate travelling through the town of Maynooth is reaching standstill points at many times during the day. The traffic challenge is being raised with me by local businesses and by residents in Maynooth on a constant basis and at my weekly clinics.”

“I am in Maynooth Town Centre at least 5 or 6 times each week and I see the problem first hand. We are seeing residential units being developed on the Old Dublin Road, the Straffan Road and the Dunboyne Road. All this is going to lead to further traffic disruptions,” Continue reading “O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR MAYNOOTH RING ROAD”

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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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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.