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Extra Capacity needed on Maynooth and Sallins trains – Lawless

James Lawless TD recently questioned the Taoiseach on the need for better public transport for the greater Dublin area.

“Currently the car parks at the Sallins and Naas station are averaging 165% to 175% capacity and other stations in the area experience similar problems.  With the car parks operating so far over capacity, anyone arriving past 7.30 a.m. would have no chance at a space.  I have been advised by Irish Rail that they would gladly expand the car park, provided the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport allow funding.  With this, I requested the Taoiseach to ask the Minister to examine the issue.”

“In response to my question the Taoiseach agreed that passenger numbers on the train have now exceeded the levels of before the financial crisis yet there has been no action to improve the lines.  The Taoiseach indicated that this matter will be considered as a part of a 10 year investment plan that the government intends to publish in the coming weeks.  The plan seeks to upgrade train lines significantly through additional carriages, electrification and car parks.”

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We must support Young Teachers – James Lawless

James Lawless TD has said that greater support for Young teachers is vital for Ireland’s Education system.

James said, “I attended the conference of the Irish Science Teachers Association in Maynooth approximately six months ago where I again heard a call for greater emphasis on STEM subjects, a greater input into STEM teaching and a greater number of STEM graduates to enter the system.”

“I also met representatives of the Institute of Physics who had similar concerns. The issue is manifesting in a scenario where many science subjects are being taught by teachers whose primary degree may not have been in that particular science subject. For instance, a lot of biology teachers may be teaching physics or chemistry, which some refer to as the physical sciences. This is not ideal for a number of reasons. We also see gender imbalance. We see less of the physical sciences being taught in some girls-only schools. In some schools, these subjects are not even being offered. A lot of this links back to the difficulty we have in retaining or attracting STEM graduates into the profession at present and, despite numerous reports, the lack of action from Government on it.” Continue reading “We must support Young Teachers – James Lawless”

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James Lawless TD speaks in favour of Waste Reduction Bill

James Lawless TD spoke on the Waste Reduction Bill at Committee Stage last week. You can read the full transcript of James’ contribution here.

James said, “I support the principles of this bill, and we have consistently been and remain a firm defender of Ireland’s natural environment. We firmly support efforts to encourgage recycling and reduce waste”

“Recently I met with Margaret Brady of Zezuz Packaging to learn about their new product, the first compostable cup, which can be disposed of in the ‘brown’ bin, with other compostable waste. The technology and the products are already there. It remains to support them in the marketplace.” Continue reading “James Lawless TD speaks in favour of Waste Reduction Bill”

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Pressure on Naas Community College must be maintained – Lawless

James Lawless TD has said that it is paramount that pressure must be kept on the Department of Education to progress the build of Naas Community College as quickly as possible. 

There is a considerable demand for places in the school and this is a key part of the educational infrastructure for Naas and the surrounding areas complementing the existing schools by placing a co-ed ETB (Education and Training Board) school into the North Naas area to cater for students from all over the town but also places like Sallins, Kill, Johnstown, Rathmore and all that hinterland.

James said, “The school has received planning permission for a brand new building at Millenium park, Naas and will cater for over 1,000 pupils in a new state of the art building once the construction phase is completed.”

“However the delays have been frustrating for the school community and I have repeatedly brought them to the MInister’s attention. The Department and indeed the ETB  are 100% committed to this project, and great progress has been made despite scare-mongering from some opportunistic politicians, however the delays are causing understandable concern for many parents and the wider school community. Continue reading “Pressure on Naas Community College must be maintained – Lawless”

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O’Rourke and Lawless get commitment on St Catherine’s Park

Frank O’Rourke TD and James Lawless TD have secured a commitment from Minister Damien English that no road will be built through St. Catherine’s Park, Leixlip.

The commitment comes following a debate  specifically on St. Catherine’s Park in Leinster House this week.

James said, “I am delighted that the Minister has given his commitment that no road will be built in St. Catherine’s Park. I met with the group fighting to Save St. Catherine’s Park and commend their efforts. Following a recent vote at Kildare County Council, which I sat in the gallery alongside the group to watch the vote and lend my support, we have seen the council take steps to secure the park. I look forward to continuing to work with the Save St. Catherine’s Park committee in keeping pressure on the Department and Minister so that no interference comes from central Government on this matter.”