Mullingar Town Council Questions Update

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn on 30/05/12

2.5 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to carry out additional works at the pedestrian entrance to Green Park Meadows and The Avenue, as requested by local residents.

Reply: Mullingar Area Office has removed the decorative chippings along this avenue and replaced it with topsoil and seeding, trimmed back trees and shrubs and repaired the timber fencing. It has no plans for further work on this emergency access road.

I have raised this issue on quite a number of occasions and while works have been carried out, its clearly not enough and I have asked council to speak with local residents with a view to additional improvements been made.

2.6 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to resurface the footpaths in the vicinity of the Ballymahon Road roundabout.

Reply: The surface on the concrete paths at this location and others have suffered from the severe weather during the winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Mullingar Area Office is investigating a cost effective solution to repairing the surface of the paths.

This stretch of footpath is clearly in poor repair and I welcome the news that they will remedy this situation in the near future.This area is heavily utilised by pedestrians and Council have guaranteed me that works will be done in the near future.

2.7 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to ensure that all the drains on the Longford Road across from where works at St.Mary’s Hospital took place, are fully cleared and operational.

Reply: Mullingar Area Office will be clearing all road gullies in the town in the coming months as part of its pre-winter annual maintenance.

In addition to this response the Council have told me that they will immediately check all gullies at this location and take appropriate action.

2.8 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to fulfil the promise made to the residents of Green Road, which was to have 2-3 public lights installed on the back lane once this area had been surface dressed.

Reply: There is no funding available for new street lighting in 2012.

I am going to continue this argument as local residents were promised these lights and I will ask council to make provision for them in the next works budget.

Introducing Councillor Avril Whitney.

Posted by Mullingar West Fianna Fail 30th May 2012

We are delighted to introduce our Newest Councillor for Mullingar West Electoral Area. Cllr Avril Whitney was co-opted on to Westmeath County Council to fill the seat held by Robert Troy TD.

She replaces Niamh Kiernan who was coopted onto the council following Deputy Troy’s election to Dail Eireann.

However Ms Kiernan resigned earlier this month to concentrate on her business interests.

Cllr Whitney - A primary teacher - was one of three young Fianna Fail members who put their names forward to sit on Westmeath County Council in the Mullingar West area.

She has been appointed to the Housing, Arts and Culture SPC.

Her family have had a long association with Fianna Fail, and Avril is keen to get started in her role and become part of the Fianna Fail team on Westmeath County Council. Avril will serve in the Mullingar West Electoral Area alongside Cllr Ken Glynn.

Cllr Whitney says she is looking forward to her role:

Martin Makes Final Call for Yes Vote on Thursday

Posted by Micheal Martin TD

30th May 2012

“Yes is only way to secure vital long-term funding for Ireland”





Speaking as he made a final appeal for a Yes vote in Thursday’s referendum, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said that ratifying the Stability Treaty is the only secure way for Ireland to access vital long-term funding for Ireland’s public services.

“This Treaty is not the answer to all of Ireland’s problems but it is important in addressing a fundamental need to be able to access secure and affordable funding for our public services and pensions in the years ahead. In spite of the negative and cynical campaigns of the main parties against the Treaty the central fact has remained that a No vote is a vote for greater uncertainty and austerity.”
“Over the last month we have taken our campaign to people in all parts of the country. We refused to join other parties in playing politics on such an important issue and I’m extremely happy with the positive response which we have received.”

“Over the next two days we will keep working for a Yes vote. When the polls close we will continue pushing for Europe to adopt the further reforms which are vital to restore growth and job creation here and throughout Europe.” 

Mullingar Area Committee Questions Update

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn 29th May 2012

Q.4 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to list the unfinished housing estates in the Mullingar Area outlining what work has been done to date, what works remain to be carried out, what funds are available to do these works and when they will be completed.

Reply: This matter was dealt with at the March Meeting of Mullingar Area Committee and a report circulated to the Members. The report can be made available again if required.

As a long time campaigner for unfinished estates I am working to ensure all essential services are put in place such as roads,footpaths,green areas,public lighting and drainage works. I more than any other councillor raise issues relating to many of these estates and want to assure all residents that I will work to ensure their voice is heard at all times.

Q.5 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to review positioning of signage at roundabouts along the Western By-Pass from the hospital to the Ballymahon Road, as visibility for motorists approaching them is badly impaired.

Reply: This matter is in hand.

This issue is causing motorists great concerns and these signs at all roundabout locations on the C-link are been reviewed.My colleague Cllr Bill Collentine highlighted the problems at the roundabout on the Ballymahon road but since my motion the Council are inspecting the other locations and I expect changes to be made very soon.

Q.6 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to carry out road resurfacing at Columb Drive as the condition of this road is in very poor condition and overdue some work.

Reply: Mullingar Area Office will carry out repairs under Routine Maintenance Works Programme.

I welcome that my query brought immediate attention from the Council and some initial patching was done recently.However a more permanent solution is equipped and I will seek the necessary funding come budget time to have a proper resurfacing job done in Columb Drive.

Troy encourages Film Industry to engage in public consultation on Review of Section 481 relief

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Arts Robert Troy TD is encouraging the Film industry to engage with the Government’s review of the Section 481 ‘Film Relief’ to ensure there is a strong case made to retain the tax incentive.

Deputy Troy said: “The Film Industry is extremely important for Ireland and has been of significant benefit to the economy and understanding of Irish culture over the years.  The relief for this industry has been in place in various forms for almost 30 years and Fianna Fáil extended the current scheme to 2015.  The Fine Gael-Labour Government has now decided to review it before deciding on its future.

“It is crucial that the Government understands how important this industry can be for the country.  Over the past 20 years Ireland has played host to a number of very successful international productions such as Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart and more recently Harry Potter, PS I Love You, Becoming Jane and Leap Year.

“Since 1992 the numbers in the Irish film and television industry have grown from 1,000 directly employed to 6,000 by 2008 and over 560 small and medium enterprises working in this area.  The benefits of high levels of film and television production in Ireland include increased international investment, increased employment in the sector and positive spin-off effects for promoting Ireland as a tourist destination.

“The estimated worth to Ireland off the audiovisual content production sector is over €550 million.  But this is not simply about money - this is about supporting Irish culture and Irish talent.

“I am urging all interested parties to across the industry to make their submissions to the Department of Finance and Fianna Fáil will also be strongly advocating the retention of the Section 481 relief,” concluded Deputy Troy.

Public Meeting to discuss the proposed downgrading of Custume Barracks, Athlone

Posted by Cllr Frankie Keena


CUSTUME BARRACKS PROPOSED DOWNGRADING

  Please note to facilitate the planned Army Fundraiser next week in support of Pieta House the Public Meeting to discuss the proposed downgrading of Custume Barracks in Athlone will now be held in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on MONDAY 11th JUNE 2012 at 8.30pm.

 All Oireachtas Members within the Constituency plus local public reps will be invited. Please share this notice and spread the word. Everyone is welcome.

Government sits on its hands while over 550 mortgages a week fall into arrears – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD


The Government is paralysed by the scale of the mortgage crisis and is failing to help families in difficulty in a comprehensive way, according to Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy. The Central Bank has confirmed that 77,630 or 10.2% of all private residential mortgages are now in arrears of more than 90 days.

Deputy Troy said: “The crisis facing families in Westmeath, Longford and across the country is accelerating every week. The national figures reflect what I have been seeing in my own constituency for a number of months. In the first three months of the year a further 6,685 mortgages fell into arrears of more than 90 days, almost 560 every week. I know many families in Westmeath and Longford that are struggling to meet their commitments and are falling behind on bills as well as their mortgage.

“It’s astonishing that the Government has not brought forward a comprehensive solution or progressed some of the constructive measures Fianna Fáil has brought forward. Our Bill to set-up a non-judicial debt settlement system passed second stage in the Dáil seven months ago but unfortunately the Government has not moved on it since then.

“We believe the Government’s lack of action is actually making matter worse. One very simple measure that the Government could easily have brought forward by now was the 100 advisors recommended to help distressed borrowers in the dealings with their lender. I know this is something that would be of huge benefit to borrowers in Westmeath and Longford. We’re talking about people under enormous pressure in the personal finances and being left alone to deal with financial institutions with significant resources.

“The Government and the banks have to do more to ease the pressure on hundreds of families in Longford and Westmeath and thousands more across the country who feel let down and a great sense of uncertainty. This is a crisis that demands leadership and action and the Government must step up to the mark.”

Govt continues to rehire retired public servants as thousands remain on the dole – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD


Longford-Westmeath TD Robert Troy has called on the government to immediately end the wide-scale practice of rehiring retired public servants including teachers while thousands of qualified personnel remain on the Live Register.

Deputy Troy has called for the Government to bring forward the Public Service Management Recruitment and Appointments Act Amendment Bill and to ensure the legislation stops this practice.

Deputy Troy: “This Bill must include provisions to ensure that public servants who retire on large pensions will not be rehired at a time when huge numbers of qualified unemployed people cannot get work. In response to a series of Parliamentary Questions from my colleague Deputy Brendan Smith, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn admitted that 254 retired secondary school teachers and 67 retired primary school teachers have been rehired by his Department.

“New figures show that there are now 8,674 teachers on the Live Register as well as thousands more teaching graduates that have not been able to start a career here yet. However instead of these unemployed teachers being given the opportunity to start their career, the Department of Education has given jobs to retired teachers, who are in receipt of pensions, to fill a number of key vacant posts at primary and secondary schools.

“This is a disgraceful situation and the Bill should be brought before the House without delay. Aside from proper legislation in this are we need the Government to be proactive and instruct all departments to ensure those who are out of work are prioritised for jobs that match their skill set.”

Best Wishes to Cllr Avril Whitney, New Councillor for Mullingar West Area.

Posted by Westmeath Fianna Fail

28th May 2012.

We want to send our congratulations and Best Wishes to our newest Public Representative, Avril Whitney who takes up her duties as County Councillor for the Mullingar West Electoral Area.

Avril was elected last night at a Co-option Convention to take up the seat vacated by Niamh Kiernan. Avril was the winning candidate from three candidates who put their names forward. We also want to thank the unsucessful Candidates for allowing their names to go forward and for making the Contest possible. The other Candidates in the field were Declan McCormack and David Maguire.

All three Candidates are young and energetic and it shows the strength of our Organisation when we are able to attract Candidates of their Statue to contest for our Party.

We also want to thank Timmy Dooley TD for chairing the Convention, and for his talk on the Stability Treaty. Well done Timmy.

Avril will be joining a successful team in the Mullingar West Electoral Area, and together with Cllr Ken Glynn and Robert Troy TD, they will ensure the best possible Representation for the Electorate in Mullingar West Electoral Area.

Works on Playground at Farran

Posted By Cllr Ken Glynn on 25/05/2012

‎4.3 Cllr.K.Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would carry out immediate works to restore the children’s playground at Farran to its correct state and to consider more appropriate fencing around it in order to prevent anti social behaviour.

Reply: Mullingar Area Office carried out repairs to this playground in 2010. Since then some of the playing elements have been damaged. It is estimated th...at repairs will cost approximately €2500, which does not include equipment. Mullingar Area Office will seek funding for repairs.

Westmeath County Council has given me a commitment that works will be done once money has been sourced.I am strongly of the view that all the young children in this area are fully entitled to have this facility in place and I know that all local residents are prepared to work with the Council to ensure it is fully utilised.

Cloon Lara Update

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn on 25/05/2012


I welcome the fact that the public lighting was finally switched on in Cloon Lara last week.I have recently raised other issues on behalf of the residents of this estate and the next step now must be a clear and definitive programme of works in relation to footpaths,road surface,green areas,drainage and the entrance to the estate.I will work with residents and the council to bring this to fruition and below is two issues I raised at recent Council meetings.

5.8 Cllr.Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would bring forward a definitive plan to complete works at Cloon Lara, including green areas, seeding and surface dressing, using the Bond, some of which funding was made available last year for some works at this estate.

Reply: The Council’s Legal & Enforcement Section has advised that the Council has made a claim on the Bond for this estate and the matter is being pursued. No bond money has been made available to date and works which were carried out in 2011 were funded under Category 4 public safety criteria. When the Bond is released, priority works will be agreed and put in place, in consultation with the residents.

4.4 Cllr.K.Glynn: To call on Westmeath County Council to provide a right filter turning lane into the entrance at Cloon Lara, as well as provide signage highlighting the turn in the interests of public safety.

Reply:

The developer was to construct a right turning lane as part of the development works. Mullingar Area Office will ask the Council’s Legal & Enforcement Section to take this matter up with the Receiver for Cluan Laragh.

FF Youth unemployment plan provides real solutions to crisis – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD

The crisis in youth unemployment has reached alarming levels according to Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy.Deputy Troy was speaking after the party launched its National Strategy to Tackle Youth Unemployment. There are currently 1,699 signing on the Live Register in Westmeath and 860 in Longford.
He said: “The unemployment crisis is the greatest crisis facing the country. The inability to find a job is particularly hard on young people. I think the hopelessness that chronic youth unemployment can bring is not limited to the individual affected, nor indeed to their immediate families. Youth unemployment is having a silent and terrible impact on communities across the country. I know from my own community that we are losing people to emigration on a weekly basis.


“The Government has launched three job creation initiatives but despite this problem reaching the stage where 1 in 3 young people under the age of 30 are now out of work, there have not been any specific measures for this age group.“I believe that the particular issue of youth unemployment is one that public representatives from every part of the political spectrum should be working together to tackle. Job creation is too important for party politics. I see the difficulty facing young people in Westmeath and Longford every week. They’re looking for work and running out of hope.


“For our part, Fianna Fáil has been working over recent months to develop a detailed plan aimed at tacking youth unemployment and making it clear to this generation that we as a country are serious about giving them hope and getting them jobs.“Some of the measures we are calling for include 100,000 new information and communications technology training places over the next four years and an additional 5,000 JobBridge placements for those under 25. We are also proposing radical reform of education, welfare and employment services. In this spirit, we are proposing an immediate pilot scheme introducing education and training vouchers. This would put the young people in question back in control of their own plans and help stem the flow of emigration.


“Ours is an affordable and realistic plan, with a wide range of measures including those I’ve mentioned here. I would ask that these ideas be given urgent consideration by Fine Gael and Labour.”

Shatter can clear up uncertainty for Custume Barracks immediately – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD


Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has again called on Defence Minister Alan Shatter to immediately clarity if Custume Barracks in Athlone will remain as the headquarters for the Western Brigade.
Deputy Troy said: “The Minister for Defence has ultimate responsibility for the decision that will be taken in relation to the future of Custume Barracks. The Minister must be clear and upfront with the community. There are genuine fears and strong rumours that its headquarter-status is going to go. This cannot be allowed to happen and can be stopped if there is the political will to do it.


“The Minister seemed to have more than enough authority over the Defence Forces to ensure there were no members of the Dáil at Custume Barracks this week for the launch of the Emergency Aeromedical Service but for members of this own party, surely he can act to alleviate the concerns of the community over the status of the barracks.


The Western Brigade includes Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Engineers, Communications and Transport and is responsible for Cavan, Leitrim, Donegal, Offaly, Galway, Longford, Roscommon, Sligo as well as County Westmeath.


Deputy Troy concluded: “I note that Deputy James Bannon has written to Minister Alan Shatter on the matter. Perhaps the deputy’s time would be better spent if he spoke to his party colleague in person as a matter of urgency instead of seeking personal publicity on an issue that is very serious and sensitive to the people of Athlone. The Government has already closed Columb Barracks and another blow to the community will not be tolerated.”

Cllr Frankie Keena calls for clarity on Custume Barracks

Posted by Cllr Frankie Keena,

24th May 2012.

Custume Barracks downgrade: Proposal to downgrade Custume Barracks in Athlone is definitely on the agenda of Minister Alan Shatter and this Government. The plan is to move the specialist personnel covering such areas as bomb disposal, engineering corp, ordinance & medical corps, etc to Dublin & Cork. This news is just a huge blow to the moral amongst the troops.

 The impact of up to 600 personnel leaving Athlone will have a massive blow to the economy of this town & surrounding district. Athlone has enjoyed the status of being the HQ for the 4th Brigade of the Western Command. I have received numerous calls from concerned people who have both a direct and indirect link to the Barracks.

 People are worried that they might have to uproot and move to a different part of the country and also the business sector are very concerned on the effect this will have on the economic development of the town.

At this stage I have been told that the only person who can stop this from happening is the Taoiseach Enda Kenny as Minister Alan Shatter is determined to axe Athlone. Therefore I ask the question as to what is the position of our local TD Nicky McFadden on this matter? She has a direct line to Enda Kenny and I would hope that she uses it.

Fears for Athlone Barracks - Cllr Aengus O'Rourke

Posted by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke

23rd May 2012

Athlone Town Councillor Aengus O’Rourke said he was “dismayed and appalled” by the decision taken by Minister Alan Shatter and Minister James O’Reilly this week to issue invitations to Fine Geal and Labour public representatives only to attend the launch of a public service in Athlone on Monday morning in Custume Barracks.

Cllr. O’Rourke said, “How dare they turn a public launch into a political gathering of their faithful. This is a public service, paid for by the tax payer yet only government representatives were present. This practice of exclusivity is a first, and is a complete break from traditional practice. The long standing protocol established over many years would always involve invitations being issued to all local public representatives from the area. But not on this occasion, the ever increasing arrogance of this Government is astonishing.”

“However, I am concerned that there is something more sinister at play here. In June Minister Shatter is expected to announce his decision on the future of the Western Brigade HQ based here in Athlone. There is strong speculation that it will be down graded, if this happens we could lose 500 members of the Defence Forces from the Town. It is therefore my view that given Athlones recent track-record for its people not being afraid to ask tough questions, the Minister saw it ‘safer’ not to ask opposition public representatives for fear he might have to answer the tough question “are we about to lose our brigade?”

Cllr. O’Rourke continued, “Furthermore with the Treaty vote just two weeks away the ministers were told to go to Athlone and stay out of trouble. My assessment is that the Government is storing up these bad news stories for after the Referendum including the down grading of the Army here in Athlone and the closure of our RTE studios. Watch this space.”

Urgent funding commitments needed for Midland Regional Hospital – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Health Minister to immediately address the funding deficit at the Midland Regional Hospital after senior staff detailed a chaotic and dangerous situation putting patient safety at risk.

Deputy Troy commented: "The situation at the Midland Regional Hospital is a disgrace. What we have here is outright confirmation from hospital management themselves that patient safety is at risk on a regular basis. Patients can no longer be treated with dignity because of the overcrowded conditions.

"The situation described in a joint letter from the Hospital Manager and Director of Nursing is shocking. They are pleading with the Government and the HSE to allow a 12-bed unit open to ease pressure and I believe this should be done urgently. I have been highlighting the dangerous conditions at the hospital at every opportunity with the Government in the Dáil, have called for a unit to be opened to deal with the overcrowding and no progress is being made to deal with it.

"I want to praise the ongoing work of the staff who are being forced to work in dreadful conditions. Their efforts and commitment cannot be questioned in my view.

"Patient safety and staff safety have come second to this Government which continues to cut funding and resources from the most basic frontline service - accident and emergency. This Government promised that money would follow the patient - instead we see patients arriving at the Midland Hospital while vital funding is stripped away.

"It is also important to remember that the Midland Regional Hospital is now taking patients into its A&E that previously would have been seen at Roscommon. The decision to close Roscommon's A&E has put extra pressure and responsibility on the Midland Regional Hospital at a time when the Government has cut its budget. There is no joined up thinking to this at all and Government has to act immediately."

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Health Minister to immediately address the funding deficit at the Midland Regional Hospital after senior staff detailed a chaotic and dangerous situation putting patient safety at risk.
Deputy Troy commented: "The situation at the Midland Regional Hospital is a disgrace. What we have here is outright confirmation from hospital management themselves that patient safety is at risk on a regular basis. Patients can no longer be treated with dignity because of the overcrowded conditions.

"The situation described in a joint letter from the Hospital Manager and Director of Nursing is shocking. They are pleading with the Government and the HSE to allow a 12-bed unit open to ease pressure and I believe this should be done urgently. I have been highlighting the dangerous conditions at the hospital at every opportunity with the Government in the Dáil, have called for a unit to be opened to deal with the overcrowding and no progress is being made to deal with it.
"I want to praise the ongoing work of the staff who are being forced to work in dreadful conditions. Their efforts and commitment cannot be questioned in my view.
"Patient safety and staff safety have come second to this Government which continues to cut funding and resources from the most basic frontline service - accident and emergency. This Government promised that money would follow the patient - instead we see patients arriving at the Midland Hospital while vital funding is stripped away.

"It is also important to remember that the Midland Regional Hospital is now taking patients into its A&E that previously would have been seen at Roscommon. The decision to close Roscommon's A&E has put extra pressure and responsibility on the Midland Regional Hospital at a time when the Government has cut its budget. There is no joined up thinking to this at all and Government has to act immediately."

Update on 2 hour parking for Mullingar

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn

After 6 months of campaigning I am delighted to announce that all Councillors in the Mullingar Area supported our motion to introduce two hour maximum parking in Mullingar. The Chamber of Commerce engaged in a consultation process with local business retailers with 104 out 110 supporting our calls.This measure will support our town,our local businesses and consumers who can do their business witho...ut watching the clock and hopefully have time to avail of the great shops and service providers within the town.There is to be a public consultation process which is in line with common practice ,with hopefully these measures in place after the summer.

5.5 Cllr.Glynn/Cllr.Davitt: To call on Westmeath County Council to support businesses in Mullingar by immediately introducing two hour maximum on street parking.

Reply: The objective in management of town centre parking is normally based on maximizing parking turnover and thereby maximizing consumer footfall. Conversely, increasing parking stay will reduce footfall. The existing 1 hour limit was introduced following a detailed survey of parking patterns undertaken in 1995 and the evidence available to Westmeath County Council based on current parking ticket payments would not appear to indicate that there is a demand for increasing this 1 hour parking limit. Increasing the maximum stay to 2 hours would necessitate the revision of the recently adopted bye-laws and would incur cost implications in changing the tariffs on street parking meters and amending parking signs.

Skatepark for Mullingar Update

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn.

Today my objective to have a skate park provided in Mullingar Town took a major step forward. I moved the following motion at Mullingar Area Committee that “Westmeath County Council would bring forward plans for the long overdue provision of a skate park in Mullingar, which was first raised a number of years ago but without any progress”.

 I asked the Council at recent Town Council meeting to look at other models of such parks in surrounding towns and their cost. Today I was informed that such a park could cost in range of €150,000 upwards but that the council have identified four possible sites which will become public knowledge once a public consultation process has began. In addition councillors have allocated an initial €10,000 and have been asked by Council to find out if any other potential sites exist. Once all potential sites are identified County Council will do up a design for each individual site and immediately commence a public consultation process before commencing the planning process.

 

Westmeath County Council are to immediately commence the process of what funding can be obtained to support this process as well as seek expressions of interest from the private sector.
Later in the year I will seek a time frame for the project and have indicated that a size able provision of funding should be provided from car parking levies as this park would be a benefit for the entire community. I am delighted to see at last a commitment is there and I will continue to pursue this project until it is fully funded and in place.

We have moved Office

Posted by Robert Troy TD

We have moved into our new Office at The Manse, Castle Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
All of our contact details including telephone numbers remain the same.

I am doing my weekly Clinic today at the new Office between 2pm and 4pm.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any queries that you may have.

See the Map below for directions to the new Office.


View Larger Map

Cllr Frankie Keena Speaking on TV3 about the effects of the ban on Turf-Cutting

Posted by Cllr Frankie Keena


This is the link to my appearance on TV3 last Thursday to discuss the ban on Turf Cutting. The Article is after two Advertisements.

Have a look and see what you think. There are a number of very relevant points made. I would welcome your feedback

http://www.tv3.ie/3player/show/184/48689/1/Ireland-AM

Motions to Mullingar Area Committee Council Meeting

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn

I am raising the following issues at next Mondays Area Committee Council meeting where I hope that my campaign to have a Skate park in Mullingar will move forward.I am also have a joint motion seeking the introduction of two hour maximum street parking and the provision of a Youth Cafe in the town.Finally after having the public lights finally switched on in Cloon Lara I am seeking a definite programme of works for this area including consultation with local residents.

5.5 Cllr.Glynn/Cllr.Davitt:To call on Westmeath County Council to support businesses in Mullingar by immediately introducing two hour maximum on street parking.

5.6 Cllr.Glynn:That Westmeath County Council would bring forward plans for the long overdue provision of a skate park in Mullingar, which was first raised a number of years ago but without any progress.

5.7 Cllr.Glynn:That Westmeth County Council takes a leadership role in bringing a Youth Café to Mullingar.

5.8 Cllr.Glynn:That Westmeath County Council would bring forward a definitive plan to complete works at Cloon Lara, including green areas, seeding and surface dressing, using the Bond, some of which funding was made available last year for some works at this estate.

Athlone Interchanges Update

Posted by Cllr Frankie Keena,

1. Athlone Interchanges update
   
   Further to our scheduled Traffic Management meeting with the Contractor and An Garda Síochána on 11 May, the following is the update in relation to the works contract on the Athlone Relief Road Phase 2 Rehabilitation Works.
   
   Coosan Interchange (Junction 11) – Works substantially complete. Traffic Signal hardware installation works ongoing. The contractor had a contrac...tual issue with a previous Traffic Signals sub-contractor and a new one has been appointed resulting in some delay to the timing of these works (but not to the overall programme) and the traffic lights are now envisaged to be completed within the next 3 weeks – no further road closures required.
   
   Garrycastle Interchange (Junction 9) – Works ongoing and no further road closures to the Garrycastle Road or to the On / Off ramps from the Relief Road are required. Key points are as follows:
   Works on surfacing the approaches to the new pedestrian bridge will commence Monday 28th May. The remaining road surface at the Moydrum Road junction will be completed at this time.
   Work on the installation of Traffic Signal hardware is now envisaged to be completed in the next 3 weeks (as per Coosan above).
   There are some works required to the underside of the new pedestrian / cyclist bridge which will require a fast lane closure on the westbound carriageway for 1 day – this is intended to take place during week commencing 21 May.
   
   
   Ballymahon Road interchange (Junction 10) – Works are ongoing. Key points as follows:
   
   
   · Drainage and kerbing works will continue for two more weeks and this will involve one-way alternate traffic flow on the Ballymahon Road from time to time to facilitate the works.
   
   · The exit ramp from the eastbound carriageway at Junction 10 will be closed on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th May to facilitate the laying of ducting at the top of the ramp.
   
   · The road surface between the Sports Centre roundabout and Cloghanboy Park housing estate (at The Coal Bunker) and also at the junction beside The Cova shop will be upgraded between the 28th of May and the 11th of June. This will require the three ramps at Junction 10 (onto the Ballymahon Road) to be closed for the majority of this two week period. The On-Ramp to the westbound carriageway at The Cova will be closed for 2 to 3 days to cater for the surfacing near The Cova shop. One-way alternate traffic flow on the Ballymahon Road will be in place from time to time during the surfacing works. Diversions will be in place and will be advertised on the Council’s websites www.westmeathcoco.ie

   

   and www.athlone.ie

   

   .
   
   · Traffic Signal hardware and road markings at Junction 10 will be installed in early June.
   
   
   All restrictions to traffic flow will be kept to an absolute minimum. It is expected that all works to the three junctions (Junction - 9 Garrycastle, Junction 10 - Ballymahon Road and Junction 11 - Coosan) should be completed by the end of June 2012.
   
   Sorry for inconvenience caused during upgrading works.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION RE: KILBEGGAN AREA COUNCIL OFFICE.

Posted by Cllr Paul Daly,

Please note that these offices will only be open to the public from
10AM – 12NOON
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
and will CLOSE ALL DAY WEDNESDAY commencing Monday 21st May for two weeks.
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Troy calls on McFadden to come clean on political opportunism over Children’s Hospital

Posted by Robert Troy TD.

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden to come clean with constituents and indicate what insider information/knowledge she has that Mullingar is being considered as a location for the National Children’s Hospital. Has a site been identified in Mullingar suitable for such a national facility? “Mullingar is one of the biggest maternity hospital outside of Dublin and has a great record of service to patients and as a local resident and TD for the area there is nothing I would like more to see the National Children’s Hospital located there. I think it is deeply cynical for any local politician to be suggesting or talking up the notion that the new National Children’s Hospital could be built in Mullingar when it is clear from national and international research that this hospital will be built in Dublin with strong ties to a major teaching hospital.

“I know there is a public debate and a review ongoing on the best possible site for the hospital and I hope that it can be concluded as quickly as possible but I have no information that Mullingar is even being considered by the government as a possible location. My information is that the hospital will be built in Dublin. Dublin already has Crumlin Hospital, Temple Street University Hospital, Holles Street, The Coombe and I think it is deeply cynical for any local politician to be suggesting or talking up the notion that the new National Children’s Hospital will be built in Mullingar. Every TD in the Dáil could call for the new hospital to be built in their constituency just to get a few dishonest headlines, raise local expectations, and pretend to be furthering the interests of the town. I believe that we must be realistic with people and not try to score points over such a serious issue. If Deputy McFadden manages to bring the National Children’s Hospital to Mullingar I will be the first to acknowledge the great service she and her Government has done to the town of Mullingar and will cooperate with her in every way possible to ensure it becomes a reality. On the other hand if it does not become a reality I will expect the Deputy to admit she was only kite flying for cheap political gain.

“The children of this country, for years to come, deserve the best possible care and world-class facilities. All of the expert reports on this issue that I have studied indicate that it should be co-located with a major teaching hospital which would mean that the hospital should and will be located in Dublin.

“I would call on Deputy McFadden to detail for the constituents of Longford-Westmeath what discussions she has had with Minister Reilly on this issue and to state clearly what prospect he feels her suggestion has. I think this is a clear case of naked political opportunism at its worst and Deputy McFadden should know better than to play politics with the health of children of the children of the nation.”

FRONTLINE WELFARE SERVICES AT RISK AS FRAUD DETECTORS AND KEY WORKERS ARE NOT REPLACED – TROY

Posted on 10/05/12 by Robert Troy

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Minister for Social Protection to immediately move to fill key vacancies in local social welfare offices in Mullingar, Athlone and Longford.

Minister Joan Burton has confirmed to Deputy Troy that a total of eight positions are currently vacant, including two at Inspector-level and two of the posts have now been vacant for eight months.

Deputy Troy commented: “Minister Burton has been talking a lot about protecting frontline services and tackling fraud to ensure the government’s resources are going to those who need them most however these figures tell a very different story.  The Minister seems content to allow very senior and important positions at local social welfare offices to remain vacant for months and she has given no indication when or if they will be filled.

“I know many people who are experiencing long delays in having legitimate claims processed in Westmeath and Longford while the government just sits on its hands.  The Longford office is by far the most affected where there are five vacancies two of which are senior positions and one is an Inspector.  There is also a vacant position for an Inspector in Mullingar while Athlone has been missing a Staff Officer since last September.

“The government has set an ambitious target for fraud detection this year, savings of €645m.  This will only be achieved if the necessary inspectors are in place and the longer key administrative posts remain vacant the longer people will have to wait to have their legitimate claims processed.  This is not acceptable and I am calling on Minister Burton to immediately move to fill these positions.” 

Below is the Parliamentary Question and Reply referenced above.

Question No:  221                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Ref No:  22794/12

To the Minister for Social Protection

To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No 125 regarding local Social Welfare offices (details supplied) in County Westmeath if she will identify the positions that remain unfilled; the duration that they have been vacant; if she will give a definite time frame as to when these will be filled.

- Robert Troy.

Westmeath & Longford

*    For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th May, 2012.

R E P L Y

Minister for Social Protection (Joan Burton T.D.):

The table below details the vacancies in the locations mentioned.

Location	Grade	Duration of vacancy
Mullingar Local Office	1 Higher Executive Officer 1 Executive Officer (Inspector)	1st March 2012 to date 1st March 2012 to date
Athlone Local Office	1 Staff Officer	September 2011 to date
Longford Local Office	1 Higher Executive Officer (Inspector) 1 Higher Executive Officer 1 Staff Officer 1 Clerical Officer 1 Clerical Officer	10th February 2012 1st March 2012 to date 1st March 2012 to date September 2011 to date 1st March 2012 to date

As I recently advised the Deputy, the staffing needs of all offices in my Department are continuously reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising.  In this regard, it is not possible to give a definitive timeframe of when these specific vacancies will be filled.   I can however assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to source available staff to fill critical vacancies by way of redeployment in line with the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, or transfer from within the Department and other Government Departments, taking account of the employment control framework (ECF) target, as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform