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O’ROURKE PUSHES FOR FOOD HUB IN KILDARE

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to replicate the National Food Innovation Hub, recently established in Cork, in Kildare, given the significant number of food companies based in Kildare

“Kildare is home to many food based companies. It is essential that we sustain the growth in our food export business, given the challenges that Brexit present. UK, alone, accounts for more than 40% of Irish food exports and Kildare is home to many companies exporting to the UK.”

“I have campaigned for the area of North Kildare to be designated as a Food Hub. Kildare County Council’s CEO has also supported calls for the area to be designated as a Food Hub.”

“Recently, the National Food Innovation Hub was established to create a business innovation network at Moorepark involving dairy companies, Moorepark Technology Ltd (MTL), incubator companies and public-private partnership based R&D programmes with a research focus on food processing, quality and nutrition.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE PUSHES FOR FOOD HUB IN KILDARE”

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O’ROURKE URGES ACTION ON MORTGAGE RATES

Frank O’Rourke TD has stated that fespite numerous Government pledges to tackle the issue of high variable mortgage rates, variable rates here are still nearly double the Euro area average

According to the recent Central Bank figures, the average interest rate on new mortgages in September of this year stood at 3.31%; this is nearly double the equivalent rate across the Euro area, which stood at 1.86%.

Continue reading “O’ROURKE URGES ACTION ON MORTGAGE RATES”

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O’ROURKE CALLS FOR INCREASE IN HAP PAYMENTS

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to increase the Housing Assistance Payments as the costs of renting increases.
“The low level of the supply of the housing units, is fuelling the rising cost of renting a home, and means that the current level of HAP funding is not enough, in many cases, for those seeking accommodation.”
“I know from my weekly clinics that our social housing list is rising most months. Kildare County Council’s housing waiting list has increased by nearly 1800 people in the last 12 months. The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. However, the level of funds under this scheme is not enough.”

Continue reading “O’ROURKE CALLS FOR INCREASE IN HAP PAYMENTS”

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O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR HAZELHATCH FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS

Frank O’Rourke TD has again pressed for funding to be provided for Flood Relief measures at Hazelhatch in Celbridge

“I met with the Minister responsible for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, this week, to press for funding to be provided for Flood alleviation measures at Hazelhatch.”

“The Hazelhatch area is home to the GAA, Tennis Club and many residential estates and will be a home for new schools. I secured funding for interim flood alleviation measures in 2014 which proved successful. However, we need a long term solution to ensure that this area is protected from future flooding” stated Deputy O’Rourke. Continue reading “O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR HAZELHATCH FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS”

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O’ROURKE CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Frank O’Rourke, has again highlighted the need to provide supports for older people, as CSO figures show a significant increase in the number of older people acting as carers for their loved ones and relatives.

Between 2011 and 2016, there has been nearly a 20% increase, from 24,746 to 29,311, in the number of people, aged 65 years or older, providing care for their loved ones.

“Since being elected, I have highlighted the need to prepare for the change in demographics.  In 2006, there were 468,000 people aged 65 or older in Ireland, but by 2041, the number of people in this country aged 65 or older will be 1.4 million.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE”