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More Improvements needed on Kildare Line – Frank O’Rourke

New off- peak services on the Kildare Line will be provided during 2018 according to Frank O’Rourke TD.

“The National Transport Authority have confirmed that new off-peak services will be provided on the Kildare Line during 2018. This is welcome news and ensures that we continue to improve the local the services on the line servicing Hazelhatch in Celbridge and Naas.”

“Travelling by car into the city centre is becoming almost impossible. We must provide an alternative by improving our public transport services. We know that service improvements are on the way for Kilcock bus commuters, a new orbital bus route linking Naas to Blanchardstown via Clane, Rathcoffey and Maynooth will come into service shortly and additional off-peak services on the Maynooth line will be provided this year. I have also pressed for improved services on Bus Routes 66 and 67 and for improved services on the Kilcock rail line as the Kilcock Park & Ride comes into use this year.” Continue reading “More Improvements needed on Kildare Line – Frank O’Rourke”

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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.”

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O’ROURKE – INCREASED CAPACITY NEEDED ON KILDARE LINE

Frank O’Rourke TD has again pressed Iarnrod Eireann to provide increased capacity on the Hazelhatch/Kildare Rail Line, for Celbridge and Naas rail commuters, as the numbers using the service grows.

“Since the Grand Canal Dock Line opened in 2016, the number of passengers, using the Kildare Line is increasing. The Kildare Line has now opened up commuters to the heart of the City Centre and more capacity is required.”

“I have raised the matter with Iarnrod Eireann and the National Transport Authority (NTA). Commuting to Dublin City Centre by car from North Kildare is now becoming almost impossible at peak times. Once we provide a regular and reliable public transport service, people will use it.”

“The reduction in the fares for Naas/Sallins users earlier this year, together with the opening up of the Kildare Line to the heart of the City Centre, is making the Kildare Line more attractive for commuters, and we must respond by providing more capacity.”,concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKES URGES GOVT TO TACKLE PENSION EQUALITY

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to review the gap in State Pension pay between men and women, which is currently unfair, and a road map should be proposed for dealing with this inequality.

Frank explained that the current State Pension Scheme hampers women’s ability to qualify for the State Pension. He said that only 16% of women qualify for the full pension and are receiving around €35 less per week in their pensions.

Frank said, “The 2012 band changes, made by the previous Government, to how State Contributory Pensions are calculated have had a detrimental effect on over 35,000 people, including 23,000 women.”

“Time taken out of the workforce and careers, by women, to care for their children or their loved ones, is time lost paying into a pension. This is an unfair situation.”

“I have received many calls to my constituency office in relation to this issue. The Government must now set out a road map to end this unfair situation. The desired impact of our Dail motion last week is quite clear – equality of treatment between men and women in relation to pension contributions.”

“There is now an urgent need to provide an incremental pathway to address the pension anomalies through the Social Insurance Fund. Men and women should be treated equally in terms of their State Pension payment. I will continue to liaise with my colleague Deputy Willie O’Dea our Spokesperson on Social Affairs on this issue,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKE – KILDARE NEGLECTED IN RURAL RENEWAL SCHEME

Frank O’Rourke TD has stated that the Government has neglected Kildare in its Town and Village Renewal Scheme, as it has only secured a fraction of the funding available.

Frank pointed out that the Government announced over €21 million in funding under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, but Kildare has only secured €416k, the third lowest allocation in the country.

Frank said, “As I said in April when this scheme was advertised, counties like Kildare are often left out of the debate about the challenges that rural Ireland experience.  As I know from my clinics, in Johnstownbridge, Derrinturn, Carbury, Newtown, Prosperous, Clane, Ardclough and Kilcock, Kildare has rural Ireland challenges as well. We must fight for increased resources for our rural communities in Kildare.”

“The recession had a severe impact on many smaller towns in Kildare. As we recover, it is important that Kildare secures its fair share of resources under schemes, such as the Town and Village Renewal scheme.”

“Ardclough is only village in Kildare North that has received funding. Ardclough Multicultural and Craft educational centre will receive €76,680.00, and this is a welcome development.”

“However, many other towns in North Kildare merits consideration for funding under this scheme. This Government has totally neglected these towns.”

“In recent years, I have worked with many community and business groups in relation to Shop Front / Town Centre Improvement Grant Scheme with Kildare Co Co. We have seen the benefits of this scheme for many towns in the county and Kildare deserved better treatment from this Government under the town and Village Renewal scheme,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.