The Byrne Blog

MINISTERIAL VISIT TO DULEEK AND LAYTOWN

2009-11-30T11:03:00.003Z

At my request, the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, paid a visit to both Duleek and Laytown Garda Stations last Friday to meet with local Gardai and examine the issues affecting the new East Meath Garda District.

The new East Meath Garda District including the areas of Laytown / Bettystown and Duleek was recently established in recognition of the huge increase in population in the region and the specific needs of communities here.

It is clear however that with the recent population expansion, extra Garda numbers are needed, particularly in the Duleek area. I brought Minister Ahern to the area to continue to push the case for extra Gardai for Duleek. We had an open and frank discussion and Minister Ahern has promised that he will do all he can to progress the matter.

The Gardai in Duleek and Laytown are doing a fine job and I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Gardai to build safer communities in East Meath. I will keep on top of this and will do my best to ensure that our communities have the Garda presence they need.

My speech in the Dail on Wednesday about Stamullen Bus Transport

2009-11-28T16:59:00.001Z

Deputy Thomas Byrne: A Cheann Comhairle, this is the first time I have had an opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment, and I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to speak on the issue of public transport, with particular reference to the needs of my constituents in Stamullen, Gormanston, Greenanstown and surrounding areas.

The rural transport service in Meath has recently set up a shuttle service between the townland of Greenanstown, the village of Stamullen and the village of Gormanston, which is designed to enable commuters from Stamullen to connect with Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services at Gormanston. To establish this project on a long-term basis, the Meath Accessible Transport Project, also known as Flexibus, has submitted an application seeking funding from the Government’s smarter travel fund. Flexibus is the rural transport group operating in Meath and it has shown itself to be committed to serving the needs of communities in Meath that do not have access to any other kind of public transport, such as Stamullen.

Stamullen is a fast growing town populated mainly by young families, but it has no full-time public transport system. In fact, the population of Stamullen village is about 2,500, while the population of the Stamullen electoral division is about 6,500. In 2007, The Irish Times reported that three quarters of all houses in Stamullen had been built in the five years to 2006. Stamullen is probably the largest town in Ireland without a scheduled Bus Éireann service. With a large population explosion in the area, there was clearly a great need for public transport in Stamullen and its environs. The rural transport service in Meath has responded to this, and in October 2009, it began operating services on a trial basis from Greenanstown through Stamullen village every morning and evening that connects directly with Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services at Gormanston, approximately two miles from the village. The Bus Éireann service travels to Balbriggan and onto Dublin city centre via the airport and the port tunnel.

I worked very closely with Bus Éireann and Flexibus to get this shuttle bus off the ground, and both companies are fully supportive of it as a pilot project. The innovative aspect of the arrangement is that there is integrated ticketing with the Bus Éireann service. When a person buys a ticket on the Flexibus shuttle in Stamullen, the ticket is valid with Bus Éireann, while ten journey tickets are also sold.

In my opinion, the service has been an overwhelming success to date. The pilot will end very shortly, but I have received many requests from constituents to retain the route, which has proven to be a speedy and efficient mode of transport for Stamullen commuters. Flexibus has submitted an application under Transport 21 and the smarter travel programme, and this should be supported at Government level because it is succeeding in reducing the amount of traffic leaving Stamullen and giving people the opportunity to complete their journey to work in Dublin purely public transport means. I support the application for the funding of this project, and I understand that the Minister is considering it. I would be very grateful if the Minister approved it to allow the project to continue on a full-time basis.

Deputy Barry Andrews: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. The provision of public transport services in rural areas is being developed under the Department of Transport’s rural transport programme. The Government’s commitment to rural transport is clearly stated in Towards 2016 and in the national development plan. The development of rural transport is also a key objective in the Government’s sustainable travel and transport plan, known as “Smarter Travel- A Sustainable Transport Future” and in the Department’s sectoral plan under the Disability Act 2005.

The renewed Government programme also contains a commitment to explore the provision of a full-scale transport system in rural areas using the network expertise of Bus Éireann and the resources of the school and health transport systems. The rural transport programme was launched in February 2007 and mainstreamed the former pilot rural transport Initiative, which ran from 2002 to 2006. Its principal objective is to help to address social exclusion related to unmet public transport needs in rural areas. Thirty six rural community transport groups are being funded under the rural transport programme, which is now operational in every county. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas, having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources.

Pobal administers the programme on behalf of the Department of Transport and neither the Minister nor his Department has any role in the day-to-day management of the programme, including allocating specific funds to particular groups or for services. Arrangements for the provision of services funded under the programme are matters for individual rural community transport groups. Local communities know best where the transport needs are in their rural areas and how best to address those needs. The Department of Transport’s role is one of facilitator through financial and administrative support, but communities themselves have the lead role in developing the transport services to fulfil these needs.

The maintenance and development of rural passenger transport services is one of the principal objectives of the Department of Transport. It is, therefore, vitally important that the resources available for rural transport are utilised as cost-effectively as possible and that best possible service is achieved from these resources. In that regard, earlier this year, the Minister for Transport asked Bus Éireann to work with Pobal to explore the potential for achieving better rural transport service delivery through closer working and better resource utilisation between the various service providers. Arising from this, a number of pilot initiatives have been instigated to explore how the various transport services in rural areas might be jointly developed so as to enhance their coverage and take-up.

In addition to Bus Éireann, the initiatives involve the Health Service Executive, in its capacity for providing transport to access health services; the Department of Education and Science, in respect of school transport services; Pobal, in respect of rural transport services; and voluntary bodies, such as the Irish Wheelchair Association. Pilot projects are being developed in the north west and north east to explore how existing transport providers might make more effective use of their individual resources by working in closer co-operation with each other. The types of pilots envisaged for collaborative action include “collect and connect” type services; hospital feeder services; co-ordination of disability services; ticketing integration; co-ordinated information provision and journey planning; and increased synchronisation of partner systems and processes. The Minister for Transport is hopeful that these pilots will prove successful and so provide the paradigm for rural transport in the future. The Minister looks forward with interest to hearing of the outcomes to these pilots in due course.

As part of the north east pilot projects, a commuter “connect and collect” service serving the Stamullen area is being trialled. The pilot service is operated by Flexibus, the community transport group which operates rural transport programme-funded services in County Meath, and it involves morning and evening bus services which link with the Bus Éireann service between Drogheda and Dublin. The pilot projects do not have an identified budget line as they are primarily about utilising existing financial and operational resources in the best manner possible in order to meet their objectives. However, a small amount of additional rural transport programme funding was made available to Flexibus to pilot the Stamullen commuter “connect and collect” service to the end of 2009. The project partners recognised the very considerable potential this service could offer in providing public transport to a community of some 4,000 persons and considered it was important that the pilot should be supported.

It is not possible at this stage to make any commitments in relation to funding for the rural transport programme for 2010. As Deputies are aware, the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommends the termination of the rural transport programme. The Government is considering all the recommendations in the special group’s report and decisions will be made by the Government in the context of the budget for 2010 and later years. The Department of Transport has received an application from Flexibus for funding under the Department’s Smarter Travel project fund in respect of a proposal to provide an integrated commuter service with Bus Éireann and Irish Rail. The proposal involves a service that links commuters in Stamullen, Greenanstown area, to the mainline service to Dublin operated by Bus Éireann and Irish Rail.

The Smarter Travel project fund was established in June 2009 and the closing date for submitting an application was on 9 September. The Flexibus application is one of 121 applications received by the Department. The assessment process for the applications is nearing completion, as Deputy Byrne pointed out, and successful projects will be announced in the next few weeks.

FUNDING FOR FLEXIBUS STAMULLEN SERVICE

2009-11-27T10:00:00.003Z

Speaking in Dail Eireann on Wednesday night, I called on the Minister for Transport to grant funding to Flexibus from the Smarter Travel Project Fund so that the company can continue providing an integrated commuter service with Bus Eireann from Stamullen.

Since October 2009, Flexibus (Meath Rural Transport) have been operating bus services through Stamullen village which connect directly with the Bus Eireann services at Gormanston bus stop. I have worked closely with both Bus Eireann and Flexibus to get this connector bus, which operates on the basis of integrated ticketing.

Flexibus now seek funding to maintain this integrated commuter service on a full-time basis as the pilot run will end in December. I have received many requests from constituents to retain this route which has proven to be a speedy and efficient mode of transport for Stamullen commuters.

With the large population growth in the area, there is a clear need for good public transport in Stamullen. In response to my request, the Minister has assured me that the development of rural passenger services is a principal objective of the Department of Transport. I am told that the assessment process for the applications is nearing completion and that successful projects will be announced in the next few weeks.

I would encourage as many residents as possible to use the service so as to ensure that it is viable to run in the long-term by Flexibus. I will keep the pressure on at the highest levels of government to ensure that this commuter service can continue.

GRANT FUNDING DELIVERED FOR KENTSTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL

2009-11-24T10:19:00.001Z

I am delighted with the news that Kentstown National School has been given grant approval of €240,000 for the construction of 1 new classroom, 2 new resource rooms, along with funding to purchase an existing prefab.

This is fantastic news for parents and families in the area and follows strong lobbying and a meeting I organized between the board of the school and the Minister for Education.

Kentstown is a growing community and the school is under pressure. I am glad that the board will be able to spend this money themselves, in a new scheme which replaces the old scheme of providing prefabs.

CONSTITUENCY CLINICS

2009-11-23T10:22:00.003Z

I will be holding the following clinics this weekend:

Nobber Hall - Thursday, 26th November @ 8pm
Lobinstown Inn, Lobinstown - Saturday, 28th Novmeber @ 12pm
Muldoons Pub, Drumconrath - Saturday, 28th November @ 1pm
Royal Breffney Lounge, Tierworker - Saturday, November @ 2pm
Muintir na Tire Hall, Moynalty - Saturday, November @ 3pm

I will also be holding my usual weekly clinics on Friday in the Parish Centre, Duleek @ 6pm and in Whyte's Pub, Stamullen @ 7pm.

ROLL-OUT OF NEW SPEED CAMERAS

2009-11-23T10:06:00.001Z

I am pleased that the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern T.D. and the Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy have signed off on a contract for the provision and operation of a new network of safety cameras.

We need to continue to do all we can to improve road safety and the provision of these additional speed cameras is an important part of this objective. The decision will see the provision of 6,000 hours of speed camera enforcement a month and will result in a significant increase in speeding enforcement.

It is expected that the network of safety cameras will be substantially rolled out by the middle of next year. I am told that the location, frequency, timing and duration of all speed checks will be specified by the Gardaí, based on collision prone zones, where a greater percentage of speed-related collisions are occurring on the State's road network.

I am now calling for Meath East to benefit from this provision of speed cameras. The cameras are a major component of the Government's road safety strategy and the latest element in the Government campaign to reduce road fatalities.

NEW CHAIRMAN OF ÓGRA FIANNA FÁIL

2009-11-17T09:51:00.001Z

I am delighted to have been appointed Chairman of Ógra Fianna Fáil by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the Ógra Conference which took place in Bundoran at the weekend.

Ógra is at the forefront of promoting the involvement of young people in politics and gives young people a voice on wide ranging issues such as Education, Welfare, Healthcare and Justice.

I wish to thank and congratulate outgoing Cathaoirleach of Ógra, Dara Calleary T.D. for his hard work in the role since February 2008.

The weekend Conference has been a major success for the party. The Fianna Fáil National Youth Conference is the largest annual meeting of young people in Ireland. Over 550 delegates gathered to discuss a number of topics with input from many senior ministers and both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste.

I was really impressed by the quality of the debate and discussion at the weekend from the delegates. This current membership of Órga, through their active and enthusiastic participation in the Lisbon Campaign and the local and European election campaign have shown what they are capable of.

‘Renewal’ was the theme of the weekend conference and I look forward to working alongside Ógra members to renew the focus and direction of the Party. The energy and commitment of these Ógra members gives me real confidence for the future of the Party and the country.

PLEDGE BY IBF MORTGAGE LENDERS TO HELP THOSE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO MEET MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS

2009-11-10T14:28:00.003Z

I warmly welcome the news that the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) has today published a Statement of Intent as a further reassurance to homeowners who find themselves genuinely unable to maintain mortgage repayments on their principal homes.

This Statement of Intent commits all those mortgage lenders who are members of the IBF to work with customers who are facing repayment difficulties on the mortgage of their principal home and to find solutions that do not involve legal action.

We need to do all we can to help those who are finding it difficult to meet their mortgage repayments and the banks have indicated that that they will explore all possible repayment options with their customers as an alternative to legal action. Pat Farrell, Chief Executive of the IBF, has appeared before the Joint Dail Committee on Social and Family Affairs, of which I am a member, and he has assured me that the Banking Federation recognises and will do what it can to ease the pressures facing homeowners in the current economic climate.

It is vital that those who find themselves in difficulty meeting their mortgage repayments, inform their lender as soon as possible so that a suitable schedule of repayment can be put in place. Early communication with the bank and the arrival at a mutually-acceptable agreement is key.

Despite the difficulties for many people, I am pleased that figures compiled by IBF confirm that house repossessions remain at a low level here. I have also been assured that an IBF Oversight Committee, with representation from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) will monitor the application of the Statement of Intent.

DENTAL POSTS IN MEATH

2009-11-05T11:51:00.002Z

I am pushing for public dental vacancies in Meath to be filled as soon as possible.

I have raised this matter in the Dail with the Minister for Health, Mary Harney. The Minister has assured me that despite the need for savings and restructuring within the health system, and the government moratorium on recruitment in the public sector, the government are determined to ensure that key services are maintained in so far as possible. This includes the public dental scheme.

I emphasized to the Minister that large parts of County Meath are going without any public dentistry services at the moment and that others are threatened. The HSE have made a formal application to the Department of Health and Children for a derogation from the moratorium to fill three vacancies for dental surgeons following pressure from myself and others. I was told on Tuesday in the Dáil by the Minister that this request is currently being examined by her.

I will continue to lobby for these posts to be filled as soon as possible.

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION COSTS IN SCHOOLS DOWN

2009-11-05T09:54:00.000Z

I am pleased with the progress that the Department of Education are making to reduce the costs associated with prefabricated classrooms in Meath East schools, having raised that issue in the Dáil.

I have been told by the Minister for Education in the Dáil that there will be a saving of at least €14 million in expenditure on rental temporary accommodation in 2009 compared to 2008. The Department are trying to reduce spending in this area, reduce costs for schools and achieve best value for money.

Minister O’Keeffe has assured me that he wants to provide high-quality permanent accommodation for all our schools. To that end, schools in Meath East that have been approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation since July 2008 are now being offered the option to use their capital grant to build permanent classrooms rather than purchase prefabs. This will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and the long term rental of prefabs by schools in the area.

The Government is spending a record amount on school buildings this year - a record investment that will create over 20,000 new school places. We have already seen great progress in the education infrastructure in Meath East since my election to Dail Eireann in 2007. Further progress must be made and eliminating costly prefabs is a key part of that objective.

€1 MILLION EURO ALLOCATION TO THE NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS TASK FORCE

2009-10-27T10:44:00.002Z

I am pleased by the news that €1 million euro has been granted by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to the North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force.

The North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force carry out vital work in our communities and make a huge contribution in tackling drug misuse.

This funding is part of this Government's commitment to support services to tackle drug misuse. In 2009, we have allocated over €1.118m to the Task Force to support a wide range of programmes in the area including rehabilitation, education, prevention and research.

There are encouraging signs of progress over the past couple of years in tackling the problem of drugs - be it in the areas of drug seizures, the expansion of treatment services, prevention programmes in schools, tackling urban disadvantage or the establishment of the Regional Drugs Task Forces and it is good news for the commuter belt areas in Meath that this investment will come to us too.

While not underestimating the scale of the problem, we can be confident that we will continue to make progress through a process of co-operation and partnership with communities.

MINISTER HAUGHEY VISITS SCOIL NAOMH PADRAIG

2009-10-23T17:53:00.003+01:00

I was delighted to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Education, Sean Haughey, to Meath East last Monday where he paid a visit to Scoil Naomh Padraig, Stamullen. The Minister was welcomed by school principal, Michael Fox, Father Robert McCabe, staff and pupils.

Minister Haughey paid compliment to the recent developments at the school campus. The new 16 classroom school building is a fine tribute to all the hard work put in by the local community. In Meath East in particular, we have begun to see great progress in education. We need to be in a position to ensure that we can continue to deliver the maximum number of school places in order to meet the increased school population in areas such as Stamullen. I will continue to work hard to ensure the continued delivery in improvements in the quality of education in my constituency.

BROADBAND NEWS

2009-10-16T16:17:00.000+01:00

I have been informed that a number of localities in the Meath East constituency are in line to receive broadband shortly under the National Broadband Scheme.

The Government’s National Broadband Scheme (NBS) aims to deliver broadband services to consumers and businesses located within those parts of County Meath which have no form of broadband available at the moment.

I have been told that areas in Meath East including Lobinstown, Rathkenny, Drumconrath, Mullagh, Kilcloon, Cormeen and Tierworker have been listed to be provided with broadband within the next few months. This is very good news for these areas.

The National Broadband Scheme is an important element of the Government's 'Smart Economy' framework, which sees broadband provision as vital for economic renewal. Broadband brings considerable benefits to businesses and communities. Through the National Broadband Scheme, people living in rural areas across Meath will gain access to online services, and broadband will also mean that more people can run businesses from home.The total value of the investment in implementing the National Broadband Scheme is around €223m.

I will keep residents in Meath informed in relation to any new developments in broadband provision in the county. A dedicated customer care team is also available to deal with any National Broadband Scheme queries (on 1913) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SINGLE FARM PAYMENT TO FARMERS ACROSS MEATH

2009-10-15T10:46:00.002+01:00

I welcome the news that the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, has confirmed that advance payments of 70 per cent in the Single Payment Scheme have commenced to farmers across County Meath.

The Single Farm Payment from Europe forms a vital part of Meath farmers’ income and in the context of the current recession, this payment has become even more important to many farmers across the County.

The best way to develop the economy of rural Meath is to keep local people working on the land. Our food industry remains one of our greatest assets and the single farm payment is vital to keep that viable. That means doing all we can to protect farmers’ incomes.

I acknowledge the role of the EU Commission in recognising the reality of the financial positions of farmers across the European Union at this time. This advance payment is a positive response and will be of great benefit to recipients in the context of the present economic situation.

The Minister has confirmed that the 30 per cent balancing payments will begin issuing with effect from 1 December. Any applicants who have received queries from the Department of Agriculture are requested to respond as a matter of urgency with the necessary clarifications.

ILLEGAL CIGARETTE SMUGGLING

2009-10-08T16:22:00.001+01:00

Minister Brian Lenihan has confirmed to me in the Dáil that a second mobile container scanner has been approved for use by the Revenue Commissioners to tackle the revenue-draining evil of cigarette smuggling, and that this, when deployed will increase Revenue’s detection capabilities at points of entry into the country.

It is a very worrying situation given that, according to the Revenue Commissioners estimate, around 20 per cent of all cigarettes consumed in Ireland with a market value of €387m, go untaxed. This is a serious drain on taxes. There are serious health implications for the public in County Meath and it also represents a serious financial loss to retailers across the county who are being undercut by illegal street sellers.

In addition, I was told by the Minister in the Dáil that Ireland, along with the other EU Member States, has ratified two international agreements with global cigarette manufacturers Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International, with a view to tackling the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband cigarettes’ continued Byrne.

The Minister has explained to me that Revenue’s current strategy for tackling this illicit trade is focussed both on intercepting and seizing illicit consignments at the point of importation at ports and airports and also on carrying out checks at retail outlets, markets and commercial premises. The tackling of cigarette smuggling is vital, especially in these times of reduced revenue intake and I have called on the Minister and Revenue to do all they can to prevent this illegal activity.

FUNDING FOR ROOF WORKS AT BELLEWSTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL

2009-10-07T14:18:00.000+01:00

I am delighed with the news that the Department of Education have agreed to provide funding for roof works at Scoil Naomh Treasa, Bellewstown.

This award follows strong lobbying on my part to the Department of Education on behalf of the Bellewstown school community. It also follows the award of substantial funding of €197,000 by the Department during the summer. That money has been granted for the construction of an additional classroom at the school.

Apart from the educational benefits for children, the investment in our schools will also create much-needed jobs in the construction sector. I am delighted that this funding has been allocated to Bellewstown National School.

Introduction of the Nursing Home Fair Deal Scheme

2009-10-06T10:28:00.000+01:00

I warmly welcome the announcement of 27th October as the date for the introduction of the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal.

The new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, will make accessing nursing home care a more simple process for people in Meath and will ensure that it is affordable for everyone. It will free families from anxiety over financial commitments for the care of their loved ones.

I encourage those people across County Meath wishing to avail of the financial support towards nursing home costs under A Fair Deal to familiarise themselves with the application process so as to be ready to apply to the HSE on the 27th of October. Details of the new scheme are available on the HSE website, www.hse.ie The HSE infoline is also be available on 1850 24 1850.

OVER 1,400 PEOPLE REFUSED MEDICAL CARD RENEWALS IN COUNTY MEATH IN 2009

2009-09-18T17:49:00.002+01:00

I am highlighting the issue of medical cards in County Meath following figures released to me by the HSE which show a large amount of people being turned down on the renewal of their medical card.

I have had numerous people in contact with me in relation to their medical card applications. I have been informed by the HSE that over 1,400 people, who previously had a full medical card, had their renewal application refused in County Meath during the first five months of this year. Almost 400 more people, who previously held a GP visit card, had that withdrawn following their application for renewal.

The HSE have confirmed to me that it processed renewal applications for 6,091 people for a full medical card from January to May 2009 and refused 1,482. It also processed 1,288 applications for a GP visit card in the same period, refusing 393.

It seems to me that there is a great inconsistency in the way that medical card applications are being processed by the HSE. Many people had their applications for renewal turned down despite no change in their circumstances. There is no doubt but that the HSE are applying far more stringent criteria in assessing applications at present.

Many families are dependent on the medical card and in the current economic circumstances where people are facing financial difficulties, it is important the HSE adopt a more caring approach to dealing with medical card applications.

ROAD SAFETY MEASURES TO BE CARRIED OUT AT KILMOON CROSS AND GARLOW CROSS

2009-09-17T14:38:00.001+01:00

I warmly welcome the news that tenders have been received by the National Roads Authority to carry out lighting and safety measures at Kilmoon Cross on the N2 and Garlow Cross on the N3. I have been putting pressure on Meath County Council and the NRA to have the work done before the dark evenings come in.

I had requested these works be done after a number of very sad accidents at both locations. The NRA has now confirmed that tenders have been received and that work will commence shortly.

Road Safety on the N2 and N3 has become a matter of great concern to everyone in the area and the lack of visibility for road users at both junctions has undoubtedly contributes to the rise in road accidents at both places. I look forward to these safety improvements making an important difference to road safety in these areas.

MEATH HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES TO BENEFIT FROM GAS AND ELECTRICITY PRICE REDUCTION

2009-09-04T16:27:00.000+01:00

I welcome the decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation to reduce gas and electricity prices. This is fantastic news for electricity and gas consumers. Residents across Meath can now reduce their electricity bills by up to 25% and their gas bills by 22%.

It is clear that the policy of greater competition in the Irish electricity market is yielding results for the consumer. Residents can experience significant electricity price reductions with the entrance of Bord Gáis and Airtricity into the domestic supply market.

These are major savings at a time when money is tight for many people. The savings business can expect will also help protect jobs in the county. It's vital that we continue to see these reductions to help the business community in Meath become competitive.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEATH EAST SCHOOL CHILDREN

2009-08-27T12:18:00.002+01:00

I welcome the news that Iarnrod Eireann have put in place improved travel arrangements to coincide with the reopening of many secondary schools today (Thursday, August 27).

Irish Rail have confirmed to me the details of the new arrangements that they have put in place to help deal with the increase in passenger numbers with schools being back. The travel improvements include the extension of most Drogheda to Skerries rail services to Donabate, to facilitate school children, and allow commuters from all stations to link to the Donabate to Malahide DART bus service.

There will also be improved evening peak-time Donabate / Skerries to Drogheda rail services. I have also been assured that a new dedicated school bus will operate from Donabate Rail Station to schools in Malahide and Portmarnock. I am told that further bus enhancements are planned from next Monday.

I have also asked Irish Rail look into the possibility of putting in place a direct bus service from Laytown to Dublin. It has been highlighted to me that a large number of commuters from Laytown are experiencing problems, as at the moment they have to first get a train to Drogheda and then travel by bus from Drogheda to Dublin, effectively 'doubling back' on themselves. This is leading to many people facing long and unnecessary delays at Drogheda Rail Station. I will keep the pressure on in this regard.

The collapse of the Malahide viaduct raises serious questions of various authorities and I will work to ensure an investigation is fully carried out. I will keep residents updated on all developments in relation to the reinstatement of the rail service.

Malahide Viaduct

2009-08-22T17:35:00.000+01:00

This is a letter I just sent to the Chief Exec of Irish Rail:-

I write in connection with the collapse of the Malahide viaduct yesterday evening on the Drogheda-Dublin commuter rail line.

First, I would appreciate if you would pass on my total gratitude and that of my constituents to the very observant train driver who probably prevented a major tragedy.

Secondly, I would be very grateful if your office would keep me informed on a regular basis of all developments with regard to reinstating the rail service. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the Drogheda-Dublin commuter service to my constituents in East Meath, particularly in Laytown, Bettystown, Julianstown, Mornington and Grange Rath. In Stamullen, there is little or no alternative for Dublin bound commuters, other than using Gormanston Rail Station. I am also conscious of the students at second and third level who would normally recommence using the service in the coming weeks.

I do note that you have announced plans for an alternative bus service and would be grateful if you would keep me informed of the details, together with any possible refunds for those commuters who can find an alternative mode of transport.

However, it is critical that absolutely everything is done to get this service up and running as soon as possible, from the point of view of both the individual commuter and of the wider economy.

TENDER OUT FOR COLAISTE NA HINSE

2009-08-21T11:27:00.002+01:00

I am delighted with the news that tenders have now been opened for the construction of the permanent 1,000 pupil Colaiste Na hInse Secondary School in Laytown.

This is fantastic news for the area and brings an end to this long-running saga. I have constantly been pushing this school at all levels of government. The decision means that County Meath VEC can now move ahead with their plans for the development of the permanent school building which is to be completed for September 2011.

Coláiste na hInse will continue to cater for students from Mornington, Bettystown, Laytown, Julianstown, Donacarney and Stamullen. I will work closely alongside Meath VEC Chief Executive Peter Kierans concerning all aspects of the development of the new school campus.

NAMA chain emails

2009-08-15T18:13:00.002+01:00

Look, I acknowledge the importance of this issue, but sending duplicates from Facebook or somewhere of what one Trinity lecturer has come up with is not a serious way to engage in this issue.

For those of you arguing in favour of temporary nationalisation : what exactly does this achieve in itself in terms of either cleaning up the banks or getting credit flowing to the real economy

For those of you suggesting that the IMF recommends nationalisation:- This is what they actually said:
Staff noted that nationalization could become necessary but should be seen as
complementary to NAMA. Where the size of its impaired assets renders a bank critically
undercapitalized or insolvent, the only real option may be temporary nationalization. Recent
Fund advice in this regard is: “Insolvent institutions (with insufficient cash flows) should be
closed, merged, or temporarily placed in public ownership until private sector solutions can
be developed ... there have been numerous instances (for example, Japan, Sweden and the
United States), where a period of public ownership has been used to cleanse balance sheets
and pave the way to sales back to the private sector.”6 Having taken control of the bank, the
shareholders would be fully diluted in the interest of protecting the taxpayer and thus
preserving the political legitimacy of the initiative. The bad assets would still be carved out,
but the thorny issue of purchase price would be less important, and the period of price
discovery longer, since the transactions are between two government-owned entities. The
management of the full range of bad assets would proceed under the NAMA structure.
Nationalization could also be used to effect needed mergers in the absence of more far
reaching resolution techniques.

Nationalisation is a serious proposal but it doesn't work in itself.

BEST OF LUCK TO LEAVING CERT STUDENTS

2009-08-12T12:20:00.002+01:00

I would like to wish leaving certificate students the very best of luck as they receive their examination results today.

In the current economic climate, achieving a good leaving certificate has become more important than ever in the context of securing good employment in the future.

Education is vital to our economic recover and will be central to Ireland's future economic and social well-being. A good education therefore is vital for our young people leaving school to help them get ahead in life.

The Leaving Certificate is a life-shaping exam but to those who will not do so well with their results, my advice would be that it’s not the end of the world.

There are plenty of opportunities out there for all our young people and I encourage those who are disappointed to explore all the avenues of further education and training that are available.