It is a shocking disgrace that the Government is looking to our old age
pensioners to make €100m savings on the health budget with the abolition
of the automatic entitlement of the over 70s to medical cards. For a
long time we have had a two-tier health service, this decision will
effectively give our pensioner a four-tier health system. Some will have
medical cards, others will have GP cards, and some will receive the €400
grant while others will have nothing at all.
There is genuine fear, anger and utter confusion among retired people
over the treatment that has been meted out to them by the Govt in this
week’s budget. I am calling on the Government to completely and without
delay withdraw this scheme.
The re-introduction of the means-test for medical cards for over-70’s
has to go down as one of the most cynical political stunts we have seen
in quite some time, having been removed a year before one election, only
to be re-introduced a year after another one.
The plan to give a pay-out of €400 to over-70s who don’t qualify for a
medical card, but whose weekly income is less than €650, is nothing more
than a gimmick, and an insulting one at that. Elderly people who have
served this country so well, who did so much to create our economic
wealth, deserve better than this from the Fianna Fail/Green Government.”
17/02/2009 O’DEA’S INCURSION INTO CLARE UNREALISTIC SAYS FITZGERALD A County Clare Labour Councillor believes the statement by Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea on the The Minister is reported as stating that the extension ‘logically should include Shannon Banks, Westbury, not Parteen’. Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald repeating his total opposition to any incursion into Clare said: “the Minister does not seem to realise that the area is intertwined with Clare cultural and sporting life. “Just take for example Parteen/St. Nicholas GAA club. The members of this very active and successful sporting organisation are drawn from the whole area around including Shannon Banks and Westbury and if the city boundary was extended the club would in effect lose its Clare identity. “This could become very emotive and eventhough it has been said that the club could continue playing in Clare, it would certainly cause an identity crisis for a club which over the years has had to fight the city tag. “It has often been said by members of other Clare clubs ‘sure you’re only a city club anyway’. This was hurtful to club members who were born in “Indeed it should be pointed out in fairness to Clare GAA clubs that they voted 100 per cent behind Parteen/St. Nicholas to oppose any boundary extension. “I hope our own Clare TDs and Councillors will react to Minister O’Dea’s remarks and make their feelings known to him and Minister Gormley” concluded Cllr. Fitzgerald. ENDS. 16/02/2009
NO BOUNDARY EXTENSION INTO SOUTH-EAST CLARE SAYS FITZGERALD
The revelation this week that the Minister for the Environment John Gormley is going to move on the long-running controversial issue of extending Limerick city’s boundary has prompted South-East Clare Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald to declare: “he can move the boundary wherever he wants, but not into Clare”.
A White Paper on the subject is to be issued next month and according to reports the Minister has said he will be objective in coming to a decision and do what is best for
Councillor Fitzgerald pointed out that Minister Gormley is a
“My constituents are solid behind Clare staying in Clare eventhough many of them are
“That is not to say that the people of South-East Clare are not sympathetic to Limerick’s needs as many work there and shop there which is to the advantage of the retailers of the city.
“There is no doubt that Limerick needs to expand its boundaries as it has now fallen behind
“This is a very emotive issue especially for Clare-born families with deep county roots and they are determined to stay loyal to those roots.
“I know Limerick City Council says that an extension into Clare is only to give it an increased population and for administrative purposes, but the local population fear that the available land would be used for social housing and we have seen how the movement of families in the Regeneration process has allowed some and I stress some anti-social elements infiltrate into County Clare.
“Clare County Council has since all the boundary talk started taken up a physical presence in the area by setting up a successful area office in Westbury Centre and has targeted that area for road improvements. As well Clare County Council members voted overwhelmingly against any move into the County by Limerick City Council.
“Clare Councillors believe they can work with
“Minister Gormley must consider very carefully a move into another county and its implications and must look at other options available to him” concluded Cllr. Fitzgerald.
The Minister granted a limited boundary extension last March which include Caherdavin, Coonagh and Moyross.
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 1 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald “I call on the Director of Services to get all the drains cleaned in Shannonbanks due to the recent bad weather, particularly flooding in this area.” I wish to report as follows: “The Council Suction Sweeper has been deployed in Shannon Banks in recent days to deal with this issue. Initially all gullies will be cleared of grit, muck and debris following which the storm water drains can be cleared thereafter if required. The relatively shallow gradient of the storm drains in the area results in a considerable amount of silt building up. A steeper gradient would mean the pipes would be self cleansing. This requires ongoing maintenance and the areas proximity to the River Shannon also means that the pipes have to contain substantial quantities of water when the flap valves are closed off.” _______________________ Sean Lenihan Senior Executive Engineer 11th February 2009 Marie Connellan Assistant Staff Officer ___________________________________________________________ With reference to Notice of Motion No. 2 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald “I call on the Director of Services to find out when Clare Co. Co. will be taking Westbury in charge. Can an exact date be given for this? Are they going to wait for the developers to be finished in the estate before it is taken in charge? I wish to report as follows: “This matter has been discussed previously and I have on a number of occasions given my comments regarding what needs to be done prior to taking over the services there. I have also explained previously my opposition in regard to a piecemeal approach to taking the various estates within the development into public charge. It is recognised that considerable work has been carried out there in recent times but I am not in a position at this stage to advise on when the estate will be taken in charge. There are outstanding issues that remain to be resolved and I met earlier this week with representatives there to progress the matter. All going well, it is hoped that a favourable outcome can occur later this year.” _______________________ Sean Lenihan Senior Executive Engineer 11th February 2009 Marie Connellan Assistant Staff Officer ___________________________________________________________ With reference to Notice of Motion No. 3 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald “I call to the Director of Services to look at safety measures for Meelick between Epton Court and Ballycannon Heights in Meelick.” I wish to report as follows: “Improvement works in the particular area mentioned can be considered in the coming year’s discretionary improvement works. €15k has been allocated in this year’s road works programme under discretionary improvements for traffic calming in the Meelick area. _______________________ Sean Lenihan Senior Executive Engineer Re: Killaloe Electoral Area Meeting
Re: Killaloe Electoral Area Meeting
Re: Killaloe Electoral Area Meeting
NEW HEALTH CENTRE LYING IDLE A new health centre left abandoned by the HSE had to have broken windows replaced.The facility at Westbury was completed last year at the cost of approximately E500,000, but according to Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald “no one knows when it is going to open”. Construction for the project was given the go-ahead before the last local elections to service the South-East Clare area. At present people have to go to Shannon and Sixmilebridge and the health officer comes once a week to the parish house attached to St. Nicholas Parish.Said local election candidate Cllr. Fitzgerald: “my Labour colleague Deputy Jan O’Sullivan is making enquiries on my behalf to the HSE to try and establish a date for the opening of the much needed health centre.“It was taken for granted when the construction was completed that the HSE would take it in charge. Unfortunately with the downturn at the moment and the cuts in budgets and employment, it looks as if this project could be put on the long finger.“ As a Councillor living in Westbury, I have had a lot of constituents coming to me saying that it was ridiculous that the HSE has built a new health centre and left it abandoned and mothers with new-born babies and toddlers have to travel to other parts of the county for health checks” he added.Cllr. Fitzgerald also believes that children going to Scoil Ide in Corbally which is just over the county boundary in Limerick should be allowed use the facility as well. “The centre is near to the school and is of easy access for parents and their children”. He pointed out that old age pensioners who live within the community are finding it difficult travelling and consider it a shame that the new centre is not being used. NO FUNDS TO OPEN WESTBURY HEALTH CENTRE The opening of the new health centre at Westbury is not to go ahead because of a lack of funds Clare Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald has learned. The South-East Clare located Councillor has had an ongoing campaign to have the 500,000 euro facility up and running and he had asked his Labour colleague in the Dail Deputy Jan O’Sullivan to put down a Parliamentary question on the matter. The Labour spokesperson on Health received the following reply on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children. The reply from Dr. Fergal Flynn, Local Health Manager was as follows: “I acknowledge that this building is ready for commissioning. However, it has not been possible to progress on the commissioning and ultimate opening of this health centre as dedicated funding is not available. “Given the current financial position I regret I am unable to advise when the HSE will be in a position to provide services from this building. However, you can be assured that working within our existing resources we will strive if at all possible to incorporate the commissioning of this building within our plans” concluded the reply. Cllr. Fitzgerald said: “this reply leaves the people of the area in complete limbo with no indication whatsoever as to when the health centre will open. “Its very disappointing for the families of South-East Clare as they can see this brand new building on the ground, but the doors are firmly shut and locked. “I know there are budgetary constraints especially in the present climate, but we believe this much-needed facility must be kept in the forefront of priorities. “In the meantime families will have to keep going to Shannon and Sixmilebridge or attend the once-weekly visit of the health officer to the Parish House in Westbury. “It can be difficult for mothers with new-born babies and young children to have to travel to other centres for health purposes. “I would like to thank Deputy O’Sullivan for her help in getting this response from the HSE eventhough it doesn’t give us any crumbs of comfort” concluded Councillor Fitzgerald. CHILDREN AT RISK TAKING SCHOOL BUS IN MEELICK A report commissioned by a Clare County Councillor has claimed that the Department of Education and Bus Eireann “are seriously in breech” of health safety and welfare regulations in relation to access to the school bus morning and evening for the children of Meelick in South-East Clare. Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald commissioned a consultant to prepare the report after representations were made to him by parents fearful of their childrens’ safety on the road as they take the bus to school. The report found that the children are at present required to walk in excess of 1000 metres through largly unlit roads with a minimum of footpaths a majority of the way. In addition to this the road is very narrow and winding with many blind bends. The consultant concluded: “this is totally against safe practice and it is my opinion that the Deptartment of Education and Bus Eireann are seriously in breech of the Health Safety & Welfare 2005 Act in failing to provide safe access and egress to the school bus. There is no practical reason why the bus cannot pick the children up in the village centre where there is adequate lighting and wide roads. “I strongly believe that in the event of an accident occurring as a result of these conditions, that both the Deptartment of Education and Bus Eireann would be held liable for failing in their duty of care. There is an urgent need for proper signposting of these areas and or the removal of the hazards”. On another issue he found that in an estate in Meelick the fire hydrants were totally inaccessible and in the only one he was able to open there was no standpipe connection available. All of the hydrants were on the roadway in a position where they could be blocked by parked cars. “It was reported to me by the residents that the fire brigade when dealing with a recent fire found insufficient pressure in the only hydrant they were able to access. This is a disaster waiting to happen so the county fire officer urgently needs to address and rectify this problem. I cannot help but wonder who passed this system for this purpose” said the consultant. Cllr. Fitzgerald said the report highlights a potentially deadly situation in relation to the schoolchildren and speaks for itself. “I took action and commissioned the report after numerous complaints from residents in the Meelick area. “Its sobering to think that you have to go to these lengths to highlight such basic issues. We all know the public reaction when there is an accident or somebody is killed. “I would appeal to the appropriate authorities to sit up and take note and act on the report’s conclusions” he concluded. RESIDENTS CLEAN UP SHANNON BANKS The riverfront at Shannon Banks on the Clare/Limerick boundary got a major facelift recently when local residents carried out a clean-up along the The tidy-up initiative was organised by local Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald with the help of residents Michael Moore and Pat McCarthy. They were helped by a group of people and cleaned up garbage and bags of rubbish that were dumped indiscriminately. “This is our third year doing this and its great to see the residents taking an active interest in their estate. Its taking pride in your own area” said Cllr. Fitzgerald. He pointed out that the need for lights along the walkway and the steps at the In 2005 he was instrumental in getting the riverfront footpath done and the area cleaned up and tidied down to the Shannon Banks scout hall. “At the same time trees along the walkway were to be trimmed back, but due to lack of funding this and the lighting were put on hold. The trees have now been trimmed and I have been in touch with Clare County Council and I hope the lighting will be in place in the near future and the drains in Shannon Banks drained” he concluded. 
Letter from concerned school Teacher
28th Oct 2008
Message for Pascal Fitzgerald
Dear Pascal,
We very strongly reject the Educational Budget Cut Backs which were announced by The Fianna Fail and Green Parties, Our small Rural School of East Clare Co. Clare will not receive our much needed and promised 4th
Teacher. Because the budget now require we have 81 pupils on the 30th Sept. last. We only had 80 which was
the requirement before the Budget. Now we are facing the coming school year with frightening figures, that no Teacher could work successfully with.
2008/2009:
35 Students will be in a class with one teacher, teaching three different curriculum's 1st, 2nd and 3rd Classes.
31 Students will be in a class with one teacher, teaching Junior and Senior's
25 Students will be in a class with one teacher, teaching three different curriculum's 4th, 5th and 6th Classes. She's
the luckiest, if you call this lucky.
Our Children are also put in a very dangerous position Under Health and Safety, not allowing substitution Teachers when a Teacher is out sick is immoral.
We only have 3 Teachers and 92 students expected to enrol for 2008/2009.
This generation of pupils will suffer the brunt of this Fianna Fail and Green Parties Cut backs.
What is going to happen?
Yours sincerely,
concerned Teacher
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
With reference to Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to invite the Garda Commissioner and a member of the Traffic Corp to attend the next area meeting. This will give us the opportunity to discuss the many traffic and road safety concerns and also other crime related issues.”
I wish to report as follows:
A copy of the Motion has been forwarded to the local Superintendent for his information and the date of the next meeting (December 2nd?) will be advised following this meeting.
“I call on the Director of Services to invite the Garda Commissioner and a member of the Traffic Corp to attend the next area meeting. This will give us the opportunity to discuss the many traffic and road safety concerns and also other crime related issues.”
I wish to report as follows:
A copy of the Motion has been forwarded to the local Superintendent for his information and the date of the next meeting (December 2nd?) will be advised following this meeting.
Motion submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“Due to motion I had in earlier in 2007 about disabled footpath access I am now calling for emergency action to be taken on this issue due to many complaints from residents in Shannonbanks, the Westbury area and other areas. I have seen for myself what the problems are due to getting access onto footpaths with wheelchairs.”
I wish to report as follows:
The Shannon Banks Estate was developed at a time before sufficient consideration was given to disabled and other users with impairments that can quite easily be provided for at construction. Retrofitting these measures can be awkward but are not impossible. I will submit an application under the next round of Disability Funding for such works in the Shannon Banks area. Westbury is currently in private charge but if there are other areas where works could be done in terms of dropping kerbs, removal of poles, tactile paving, etc., please let me know the particulars. I will then endeavour to arrange funding under the above scheme or indeed from next years discretionary budget for the area.
I wish to report as follows:
The Shannon Banks Estate was developed at a time before sufficient consideration was given to disabled and other users with impairments that can quite easily be provided for at construction. Retrofitting these measures can be awkward but are not impossible. I will submit an application under the next round of Disability Funding for such works in the Shannon Banks area. Westbury is currently in private charge but if there are other areas where works could be done in terms of dropping kerbs, removal of poles, tactile paving, etc., please let me know the particulars. I will then endeavour to arrange funding under the above scheme or indeed from next years discretionary budget for the area.
Killaloe Electoral Area Meeting
With reference to Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to provide an update in relation to the provision of safety railings across the bridge at Shannon Banks. This would go a long way towards ensuring the safety of residents and children in the area. It has been reported to me that accidents continue to occur on this bridge. As this is a motion I put to you last November 20th 2007 as a local Councillor, I now request that you take immediate action to review the safety aspects of this area.
Residents were very unhappy with the rate of response following the most recent incident. The safety barrier was inadequate and residents were concerned for the safety of their young people.”
I wish to report as follows:
Regarding the first part of the motion, the Members will be aware that I previously reported that sufficient width isn’t available to install a barrier between the footpath and the road. I have held meetings recently with the NRA’s Road Safety Engineer and Limerick City Council personnel to discuss the options available to us. The optimum solution, allowing for the restriction in width available, would be an independent Pedestrian bridge. Due to the span involved, the cost of providing such a bridge would be in excess of €1million making this a longer-term objective. Another option would be to impose a single lane system controlled by means of priority yielding or Traffic Lights. However, as the daily traffic figures are in excess of 16,000 at this location, this would result in major delays and disturbance.
That being said, I am anxious to improve safety there for pedestrians as quickly as possible. The bridge is currently within the speed limit zone and with further traffic calming measures I am satisfied that the risk to Pedestrians can be minimised by means of additional lining and signage. Funding to carry out such works has been provided for in this year’s discretionary budget.
Regarding the recent accident on the bridge, I am satisfied that correct procedures were carried out. The damage was caused on a Tuesday evening and initially Limerick City County personnel secured the area by means of a temporary barrier. I am sorry to say that third parties interfered with this barrier overnight and it needed adjustment on a couple of occasions. The site was handed over to our Contractor on October 1st and the timber hoarding was erected. The particular type and cut of stone had to be arranged following which the rebuilding work commenced.
“I call on the Director of Services to provide an update in relation to the provision of safety railings across the bridge at Shannon Banks. This would go a long way towards ensuring the safety of residents and children in the area. It has been reported to me that accidents continue to occur on this bridge. As this is a motion I put to you last November 20th 2007 as a local Councillor, I now request that you take immediate action to review the safety aspects of this area.
Residents were very unhappy with the rate of response following the most recent incident. The safety barrier was inadequate and residents were concerned for the safety of their young people.”
I wish to report as follows:
Regarding the first part of the motion, the Members will be aware that I previously reported that sufficient width isn’t available to install a barrier between the footpath and the road. I have held meetings recently with the NRA’s Road Safety Engineer and Limerick City Council personnel to discuss the options available to us. The optimum solution, allowing for the restriction in width available, would be an independent Pedestrian bridge. Due to the span involved, the cost of providing such a bridge would be in excess of €1million making this a longer-term objective. Another option would be to impose a single lane system controlled by means of priority yielding or Traffic Lights. However, as the daily traffic figures are in excess of 16,000 at this location, this would result in major delays and disturbance.
That being said, I am anxious to improve safety there for pedestrians as quickly as possible. The bridge is currently within the speed limit zone and with further traffic calming measures I am satisfied that the risk to Pedestrians can be minimised by means of additional lining and signage. Funding to carry out such works has been provided for in this year’s discretionary budget.
Regarding the recent accident on the bridge, I am satisfied that correct procedures were carried out. The damage was caused on a Tuesday evening and initially Limerick City County personnel secured the area by means of a temporary barrier. I am sorry to say that third parties interfered with this barrier overnight and it needed adjustment on a couple of occasions. The site was handed over to our Contractor on October 1st and the timber hoarding was erected. The particular type and cut of stone had to be arranged following which the rebuilding work commenced.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Council plans to takeover Westbury Estate by end of the year
Clare County Council is planning to complete the taking in charge of one of the largest private housing estates in South-East Clare by the end of
this year once a number of outstanding issues are resolved with developers. Senior executive officer, Sean Lenihan told Councillor Fitzgerald, who is the Electoral Area chairman, at an Area meeting on Tuesday 4/03/08 the authority was committed to taking over the Westbury Housing Estate and the others estates accessed through Westbury once all services are brought up to an acceptable standard. It is estimated there are over 900 houses in the Westbury Housing Estate making it one of the biggest residential densely populated scheme in South-East Clare and arguably in the Mid-West. Mr Lenihan pointed out today's higher standards of today would not be applied retrospectively to those applicable when the early part of the development commenced. However, we have to ensure that the council isn't faced with significant financial burden from the outset in terms of repairs/upgrades necessary. "Work is progressing with the relevant persons and it is hoped to bring the matter to a conclusion before the end of the year," he said. He confirmed the council would not be cutting grass in the estate and would only take in charge items such as roads, footpaths, storm and foul water treatment. He made the pledge in response to a request from local
this year once a number of outstanding issues are resolved with developers. Senior executive officer, Sean Lenihan told Councillor Fitzgerald, who is the Electoral Area chairman, at an Area meeting on Tuesday 4/03/08 the authority was committed to taking over the Westbury Housing Estate and the others estates accessed through Westbury once all services are brought up to an acceptable standard. It is estimated there are over 900 houses in the Westbury Housing Estate making it one of the biggest residential densely populated scheme in South-East Clare and arguably in the Mid-West. Mr Lenihan pointed out today's higher standards of today would not be applied retrospectively to those applicable when the early part of the development commenced. However, we have to ensure that the council isn't faced with significant financial burden from the outset in terms of repairs/upgrades necessary. "Work is progressing with the relevant persons and it is hoped to bring the matter to a conclusion before the end of the year," he said. He confirmed the council would not be cutting grass in the estate and would only take in charge items such as roads, footpaths, storm and foul water treatment. He made the pledge in response to a request from local
LABOUR WILL OPPOSE ANY STEP TO REINTRODUCE THIRD-LEVEL FEES
The Labour Party’s Cllr Pascal Fitzgerals has called the Government’s move to look at reintroducing third-level fees ‘disturbing’ and has said the Labour
Party will venomously oppose any such backward step.
“One of the Labour Party most significant achievements in Government was
the abolition of third-level fees opening up third-level education to
tens of thousands of students from low and middle income families. The
proof of this is in the statistics where we have seen admission rates
for third-level increase by 11 per cent between 1998 and 2004.
“Most significantly, the proportion of students from the semi and
unskilled backgrounds going to college increased from 23 per cent to
over one third while the number of students from a skilled manual
background almost doubled to 60 per cent.
“The term ‘better off’ families is also a very broad one and even if
fees were initially only applied to what the Government terms as ‘better
off families’, it would be only a matter of time before threshold levels
were dropped and the vast majority of families would again be facing
fees. Given that fees for many courses would now be more than €6,000
per annum, their introduction would simply make it impossible for many
families to send their children to third level.
“We should ask ourselves whether the third-level sector is under-funded
because fees were abolished, or because the abolition of fees was
successful, in part, in encouraging greater numbers into third-level -
numbers were not matched by appropriate levels of Government funding. At
the end of the day we cannot lose sight of the fact that education is a
public good in itself, from which the whole of society benefits.
“The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs recommended that 32 per cent of
our workforce should have a degree or third level qualification by 2020,
compared to 20 per cent today. We certainly will not achieve this target
Party will venomously oppose any such backward step.
“One of the Labour Party most significant achievements in Government was
the abolition of third-level fees opening up third-level education to
tens of thousands of students from low and middle income families. The
proof of this is in the statistics where we have seen admission rates
for third-level increase by 11 per cent between 1998 and 2004.
“Most significantly, the proportion of students from the semi and
unskilled backgrounds going to college increased from 23 per cent to
over one third while the number of students from a skilled manual
background almost doubled to 60 per cent.
“The term ‘better off’ families is also a very broad one and even if
fees were initially only applied to what the Government terms as ‘better
off families’, it would be only a matter of time before threshold levels
were dropped and the vast majority of families would again be facing
fees. Given that fees for many courses would now be more than €6,000
per annum, their introduction would simply make it impossible for many
families to send their children to third level.
“We should ask ourselves whether the third-level sector is under-funded
because fees were abolished, or because the abolition of fees was
successful, in part, in encouraging greater numbers into third-level -
numbers were not matched by appropriate levels of Government funding. At
the end of the day we cannot lose sight of the fact that education is a
public good in itself, from which the whole of society benefits.
“The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs recommended that 32 per cent of
our workforce should have a degree or third level qualification by 2020,
compared to 20 per cent today. We certainly will not achieve this target
Westbury shopkeeper offers premises for new community Garda Station
A Westbury businessman has offered to provide one of his offices free of charge to locate a small new community Garda Station in an accessible
location for over 4,000 local residents.The Clare Champion has learned that Tony Hayes, Westbury Stores, had informal discussions with planning officials in Clare County Council about the possibility of leasing out one of this offices near his shop to accommodate community based gardaí. If the proposal gets the green light from the
council, Mr Hayes believes the project would be the first of its kind in the country.
In an interview with the Clare Champion outside his store on Tuesday evening, Mr Hayes confirmed he was willing to enter into this arrangement for
a six to 12 month trial period to ascertain the difference it could make for local residents. Mr Hayes pointed out the existing Garda Station in Ardnacrusha was almost five miles away for thousands of residents living in Shannon Banks, Westbury and Carrig Meade, many of whom didn't even know where it was located. He noted a new Garda Station in the middle of the Westbury Housing Estate would help create a lot
more interaction and co-operation between young people, elderly people and the Gardai. "There is a concern that more community based Gardaí are needed in this area. Any major trouble in the locality is not being caused by teenagers living in Westbury, it is involved people from other communities coming into this area.
"This is something which has been in the pipeline for the last 12 months and I have been working with Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald to try and bring this proposal to fruition. "If we could provide a community Garda Station in the area, we could then look at providing other facilities," he said. Limerick East Labour Deputy Jan O'Sullivan has pledged to highlight the need for the establishment of a new Garda Station in South-East Clare with the new Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern. Supporting calls by her Labour colleague, Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald, the Clonlara-born
Deputy pointed out there has been significant population growth in the area in recent years. "Areas such as Westbury and Carrig Meade have witnessed considerable growth and the existing Garda Station in Ardnacrusha which is not open on
a full time basis cannot cater for the increased demands of the wider community.
"When planning permissions for large new housing estates are being granted by local authorities more consideration must be given towards the inclusion of specific public services to cater for the needs of new communities," she said."A new Garda station open on a full time basis would service the needs of all local estates such as Shannon Banks, Westbury, Carrig Meade and also areas such as Parteen, and Ardnacrusha.
"It is unacceptable that residents living in the above mentioned estates and indeed throughout East Clare have to travel at times to Henry Street in Limerick City to conduct their business," she added.The case for a community Garda Station in
Westbury is being supported by Councillor Fitzgerald, who has repeatedly made this call in recent months. Councillor Fitzgerald stressed that an increased garda presence would be more visible for the local community if a Garda Station was based in the Westbury Housing Estate.
location for over 4,000 local residents.The Clare Champion has learned that Tony Hayes, Westbury Stores, had informal discussions with planning officials in Clare County Council about the possibility of leasing out one of this offices near his shop to accommodate community based gardaí. If the proposal gets the green light from the
council, Mr Hayes believes the project would be the first of its kind in the country.
In an interview with the Clare Champion outside his store on Tuesday evening, Mr Hayes confirmed he was willing to enter into this arrangement for
a six to 12 month trial period to ascertain the difference it could make for local residents. Mr Hayes pointed out the existing Garda Station in Ardnacrusha was almost five miles away for thousands of residents living in Shannon Banks, Westbury and Carrig Meade, many of whom didn't even know where it was located. He noted a new Garda Station in the middle of the Westbury Housing Estate would help create a lot
more interaction and co-operation between young people, elderly people and the Gardai. "There is a concern that more community based Gardaí are needed in this area. Any major trouble in the locality is not being caused by teenagers living in Westbury, it is involved people from other communities coming into this area.
"This is something which has been in the pipeline for the last 12 months and I have been working with Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald to try and bring this proposal to fruition. "If we could provide a community Garda Station in the area, we could then look at providing other facilities," he said. Limerick East Labour Deputy Jan O'Sullivan has pledged to highlight the need for the establishment of a new Garda Station in South-East Clare with the new Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern. Supporting calls by her Labour colleague, Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald, the Clonlara-born
Deputy pointed out there has been significant population growth in the area in recent years. "Areas such as Westbury and Carrig Meade have witnessed considerable growth and the existing Garda Station in Ardnacrusha which is not open on
a full time basis cannot cater for the increased demands of the wider community.
"When planning permissions for large new housing estates are being granted by local authorities more consideration must be given towards the inclusion of specific public services to cater for the needs of new communities," she said."A new Garda station open on a full time basis would service the needs of all local estates such as Shannon Banks, Westbury, Carrig Meade and also areas such as Parteen, and Ardnacrusha.
"It is unacceptable that residents living in the above mentioned estates and indeed throughout East Clare have to travel at times to Henry Street in Limerick City to conduct their business," she added.The case for a community Garda Station in
Westbury is being supported by Councillor Fitzgerald, who has repeatedly made this call in recent months. Councillor Fitzgerald stressed that an increased garda presence would be more visible for the local community if a Garda Station was based in the Westbury Housing Estate.
No Limerick relocation policy
Brendan Kenny
That was the message from the CEO of the Limerick Regeneration Agencies, Brendan Kenny, last evening when he addressed a heated monthly meeting of Clare County Council.
The CEO was responding to fears expressed by local authority members that the “unhousable” from Moyross, Southill and Ballinacurra Weston were being relocated to houses in Clare purchased by Limerick City Council.
Last May, The Clare People revealed that Limerick City Council had purchased 17 houses within Clare in the previous two years.
Mr Kenny told the council that his agency was not buying houses in Clare, but that Limerick City Council had bought houses outside its jurisdiction, including Clare. He said that he had advised the local authority that this was not sustainable.
“There is no policy or strategy in the agency to relocate people, not to Clare not County Mayo, not anywhere,
“The people we spoke to don’t want to go to Clare or anywhere else.”
“We won’t be buying houses anywhere. There is enough land to provide 4,500 extra houses on top of what is there (in the rejuvenation plan),” he said.
Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) questioned the policy that anti-social families would not get a house under the scheme.
The councillor explained that these “unhousable” would have to be housed somewhere whether by another council or body such as the HSE, which would be far away from the 100 gardai promised for the rejuvenated area of Limerick city.
A number of councillors said they were aware of families from Limerick city that had moved into their areas and had been causing anti-social behaviour.
Cllr John Crowe (FG) told Mr Kenny, “We are here to protect our towns and villages and ensure they are not invaded by anywhere else.”
Mr Kenny conceded, “We may have to get special housing within Moyross for what using your word is the “unhousable”.”
“One thing we as an agency won’t do is conceal anything,” he added.
He said that last June there was approximately 450 burned out or derelict houses in the area for regeneration.
There are a total of 3,200 houses to be demolished to be replaced by 2,450 houses in a project that is estimated to take 10 years.
Cllr Pascal Fitzgerald (Lab) called for a representation of Limerick City Council to attend the next meeting of Clare County Council to answer questions relating to its purchase of houses in Clare.
Growing concern about the purchase of houses in Clare
Growing concern about the purchase of houses in Clare by Limerick City Council for applicants on their housing list has prompted renewed calls for the public takeover of the westbury Housing Estate.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald has been approached by local residents who are becoming increasingly worried Limerick City Council could buy private houses in Westbury before they were brought under the jurisdiction of Clare County Council.
The Westbury Housing Estate, which has over 900 dwellings, is regarded as one of the largest residential areas in South-East Clare.
This issue has been consistently raised by Councillor Fitzgerald who has urged Clare County Council to take the estate in charge as quickly as possible.
The Westbury Councillor made this request in a motion tabled at a recent Killaloe Electoral Area meeting in the South-East Clare Area offices. Council executive engineer, Sean Lenihan gave a commitment at the meeting the council would start the process of taking over the estate once all the outstanding works were completed by the private developer to bring it up to an acceptable standard.
Councillor Fitzgerald said that the developers felt they had done all the work, which has been requested by the council. The Labour Councillor has pledged to raise this issue in addition to other local concerns at a meeting with the county manager, Alec Fleming this Thursday.
"It is now time for action in relation to the takeover of the Westbury Housing Estate. I was promised it would be taken over by the council before the end of the year and I would like to see this commitment being honoured.
"Some residents who have been living in the estate for the last 16 years believe it is 'ridiculous' the estate still has not been taken over. There are no road markings or traffic calming measures in the estate, which needs to be addressed," he said. He also criticised the recent purchase of houses in Clare by Limerick City Council without completing adequate consultation with public representatives in Clare who were ignored.
"As Clare councillors representing the electorate in the county we should have being consulted with before Limerick City Council went ahead with this scheme. "Councillors from Clare and Limerick should have been engaged in discussions before any houses were purchased," he said.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
No funding for extra road sweeper
No funding for extra road sweeperClare County Council has ruled out the possibility of carrying out additional road sweeping in the Westbury area due to the lack of finance. The council employs a road sweeper in the Killaloe Electoral area three days a week cleaning areas such as Killaloe, Parteen, Westbury and Clonlara from 8 to 5 pm. However, Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald urged the council recently to bring in an extra road sweeper to clean Westbury, Shannon Banks and the Athlunkard areas three times a week to the growth of population and industry in these areas. "The council doesn't have a particular street sweeping budget as this work has to be funded under their Area Maintenance allocation, which was primarily for the upkeep and maintenance of roads.” Most areas are swept once every two weeks normally; more if required and less often during the summer weeks when the sweeper is required on the surface dressing programmes," he said. County engineer, Tom Carey said it was unfortunate that some people threw litter on streets and noted it cost a lot of money to clean these surfaces as a result.
Council plans to takeover Westbury Estate by end of the year
Council plans to takeover Westbury Estate by end of the yearClare County Council is planning to complete the taking in charge of one of the largest private housing estates in South-East Clare by the end of this year once a number of outstanding issues are resolved with developers. Senior executive officer, Sean Lenihan told Councillor Fitzgerald, who is the Electoral Area chairman, at an Area meeting on Tuesday 4/03/08 the authority was committed to taking over the Westbury Housing Estate and the others estates accessed through Westbury once all services are brought up to an acceptable standard. It is estimated there are over 900 houses in the Westbury Housing Estate making it one of the biggest residential densely populated scheme in South-East Clare and arguably in the Mid-West. Mr Lenihan pointed out today's higher standards of today would not be applied retrospectively to those applicable when the early part of the development commenced. However, we have to ensure that the council isn't faced with significant financial burden from the outset in terms of repairs/upgrades necessary. "Work is progressing with the relevant persons and it is hoped to bring the matter to a conclusion before the end of the year," he said. He confirmed the council would not be cutting grass in the estate and would only take in charge items such as roads, footpaths, storm and foul water treatment. He made the pledge in response to a request from local County Councillor, Pascal Fitzgerald for a full written engineering report to be presented to the meeting on the completed phase of Westbury and with particular reference to the sanitary services and roads in the development. Councillor Fitzgerald proposed that the two main developers in the estate McInerneys and Chieftain Construction should be invited to address the next Killaloe Electoral Area meeting to outline their plans for completing their relevant schemes.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Work done and lots more to do
Work done and lots more to do
'Children at Play' signs are now in place in Bishop Murphy Park, Parteen. There will be more safety signs near Browne's Public House, to warn drivers to slow down through Parteen.
The Zebra Crossing at Barry's shop will be reinstated in the next number of weeks when the road markings take place.
I have been informed that traffic light islands at the Westbury Centre will be painted in the coming weeks. Traffic Management have also agreed to look at the entrance in to Westbury in the next couple of weeks.
During a recent meeting with the Engineer for the area, he informed me that the footpath from the Westbury Centre to Larkin's Cross will be brought up to standard.
I have asked Clare County Council to look into the matter of the cable boxes along the river front and to have them put under ground as they are a hazard to the area. I have also requested a name sign for Shannon Banks and a general clean up of the area as soon as possible.
I will be bringing up the matter of having trees cut back in the area, as funding was not available this year. The total cost of having this work carried out was in the region of €21,000 so hopefully I will be able to have it included in next year's estimates.
Well done to the residents of Bishop Murphy Park for all the fund- raising they carried out. I was very pleased to help them out as they have been granted a play ground and I have been behind them all the way in their efforts to achieve their goal.
I will continue to make representations for Basketball Nets for Parteen which they have been promised from Clare County Council.
The people of South East Clare have been waiting a considerable length of time for the provision of a Public Library. I have made continuous representations concerning this matter. I have suggested to the Council that the Westbury Centre would be a good location, and I am awaiting a reply from them.
Hopefully we will not be waiting much longer for the new Health Centre which was to be up and running late last year.
I am very pleased that Elton Court has been awarded funding of €5,000 from the Play Ground Grant Scheme for the green area there. As your local Councillor I have been in constant contact with Frank Walsh, and would like to congratulate both him and the Residents Committee for all the hard work they have put into this project. When the funding comes though I will be also there to help Frank and the residents to get the project up and running.
On behalf of the residents of Firhill I have been in touch with the local Council Engineer to come back and to try and sort our the drain problem on the main road. I know it has caused a lot of problems for the residents and I hope it will be sorted out once and for all quite soon. I will also bring it to the attention of the roads department that the road and footpaths in the area are in a bad state and need repairing.
Staff Shortages Hinders Council's Mobile Library Plan
The public sector embargo on recruiting additional staff has been cited as one of the main stumbling blocks preventing the provision of a mobile library service in south east Clare.
Clare County Councillor, Pascal Fitzgerald, had asked the County Council to give an indication of how long residents in Westbury, Shannon Banks, Parteen and Clonlara would have to wait for a Local Authority Library service.
County Librarian, Noel Crowley, told councillors at a Killaloe Electoral Area meeting on Tuesday that the Council wasn't able to proceed with proposals for the development of a permanent Library, in conjunction with other state bodies, at a number of locations in south east Clare over the past 20 years.
With no plans from Limerick City Council to develop a new Library facility on the Clare/Limerick border, Mr. Crowley admitted that Clare County Council were anxious to provide a service for people living in south east Clare.
Because of the difficulties of obtaining a suitable premises in the local community, he proposed that the provision of a mobile Library service was the best solution in the short term. However, he pointed out that the Council needed a driver and a librarian to deliver the mobile service, which it couldn't afford and wouldn't be able to recruit, due to the public sector embargo.
If two staff members were made available, he pledged that the Council would do its utmost to provide the service about once a fortnight to most locations and once a week to densely populated areas such as Athlunkard. This new mobile unit could also be used to serve other Clare communities. While reference services were available in Limerick City, Clare people could also order books from the Clare Library service online.
He explained that the provision of a new purpose-built Library in Scariff would ensure that Library facilities were provided for most areas with a population of over 1,000. Asked about the possibility of leasing a building, he pointed out that the Department of Finance was against this option as it was felt it represented bad value for money.
'Children at Play' signs are now in place in Bishop Murphy Park, Parteen. There will be more safety signs near Browne's Public House, to warn drivers to slow down through Parteen.
The Zebra Crossing at Barry's shop will be reinstated in the next number of weeks when the road markings take place.
I have been informed that traffic light islands at the Westbury Centre will be painted in the coming weeks. Traffic Management have also agreed to look at the entrance in to Westbury in the next couple of weeks.
During a recent meeting with the Engineer for the area, he informed me that the footpath from the Westbury Centre to Larkin's Cross will be brought up to standard.
I have asked Clare County Council to look into the matter of the cable boxes along the river front and to have them put under ground as they are a hazard to the area. I have also requested a name sign for Shannon Banks and a general clean up of the area as soon as possible.
I will be bringing up the matter of having trees cut back in the area, as funding was not available this year. The total cost of having this work carried out was in the region of €21,000 so hopefully I will be able to have it included in next year's estimates.
Well done to the residents of Bishop Murphy Park for all the fund- raising they carried out. I was very pleased to help them out as they have been granted a play ground and I have been behind them all the way in their efforts to achieve their goal.
I will continue to make representations for Basketball Nets for Parteen which they have been promised from Clare County Council.
The people of South East Clare have been waiting a considerable length of time for the provision of a Public Library. I have made continuous representations concerning this matter. I have suggested to the Council that the Westbury Centre would be a good location, and I am awaiting a reply from them.
Hopefully we will not be waiting much longer for the new Health Centre which was to be up and running late last year.
I am very pleased that Elton Court has been awarded funding of €5,000 from the Play Ground Grant Scheme for the green area there. As your local Councillor I have been in constant contact with Frank Walsh, and would like to congratulate both him and the Residents Committee for all the hard work they have put into this project. When the funding comes though I will be also there to help Frank and the residents to get the project up and running.
On behalf of the residents of Firhill I have been in touch with the local Council Engineer to come back and to try and sort our the drain problem on the main road. I know it has caused a lot of problems for the residents and I hope it will be sorted out once and for all quite soon. I will also bring it to the attention of the roads department that the road and footpaths in the area are in a bad state and need repairing.
Staff Shortages Hinders Council's Mobile Library Plan
The public sector embargo on recruiting additional staff has been cited as one of the main stumbling blocks preventing the provision of a mobile library service in south east Clare.
Clare County Councillor, Pascal Fitzgerald, had asked the County Council to give an indication of how long residents in Westbury, Shannon Banks, Parteen and Clonlara would have to wait for a Local Authority Library service.
County Librarian, Noel Crowley, told councillors at a Killaloe Electoral Area meeting on Tuesday that the Council wasn't able to proceed with proposals for the development of a permanent Library, in conjunction with other state bodies, at a number of locations in south east Clare over the past 20 years.
With no plans from Limerick City Council to develop a new Library facility on the Clare/Limerick border, Mr. Crowley admitted that Clare County Council were anxious to provide a service for people living in south east Clare.
Because of the difficulties of obtaining a suitable premises in the local community, he proposed that the provision of a mobile Library service was the best solution in the short term. However, he pointed out that the Council needed a driver and a librarian to deliver the mobile service, which it couldn't afford and wouldn't be able to recruit, due to the public sector embargo.
If two staff members were made available, he pledged that the Council would do its utmost to provide the service about once a fortnight to most locations and once a week to densely populated areas such as Athlunkard. This new mobile unit could also be used to serve other Clare communities. While reference services were available in Limerick City, Clare people could also order books from the Clare Library service online.
He explained that the provision of a new purpose-built Library in Scariff would ensure that Library facilities were provided for most areas with a population of over 1,000. Asked about the possibility of leasing a building, he pointed out that the Department of Finance was against this option as it was felt it represented bad value for money.
Enforcement action against developers
CLARE County Council has been urged to increase its enforcement action against developers who fail to properly complete residential housing estates.The call was made by Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald, who is becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of new homes surrounded by rubble, litter and uncompleted footpaths, lighting and play areas.After paying “extortionate prices” for modest homes, the Labour Councillor claimed, new home owners have been effectively “conned” on the basis of plans advertised by some builders and developers.He told a recent local authority meeting the glossy brochure advertising a “dream home” in an immaculate landscaped and idyllic neighbourhood gave way to a reality of malfunctioning public lighting, poorly surfaced roads, incomplete footpaths and block rubble in open spaces Describing uncompleted estates as the “scourge of suburban Clare”, he stressed people had a right to live and raise their families in a satisfactory environment.Councillor Fitzgerald cited one estate where the field beside some of the new houses looked like a dump with rubble, blocks, mortar, a rusty digger, broken glass and other forms of rubbish were scattered yards from new houses.Commenting on existing deficiencies under the existing law, he claimed residents were almost completely powerless due to the lack of a legal remedy.Councillor Fitzgerald also pointed out the normal house purchase contract does not extend to the common or public areas of the housing estate, leaving home buyers to rely on the local authority to enforce planning permission conditions. He noted stand-offs between local authorities and developers often continue for years before a list of outstanding works for the council takeover of a housing estate is agreed.“In many cases developers move to another site under the guise of a new development or company, having received planning permission from the local authority with which they are in dispute about the unfinished estate,” he said.“Angry home buyers are left to wonder how the builder, who left them with rubble instead of a playground and a unsurfaced rumble strip for a road can get planning permission from the council for a site down the road, where he may do the same to another group of buyers.”Stating local authorities have limited powers under the 2000 Planning and Development Act, he noted the Labour Party was tabling a bill, which would place an onus to developers and builders to meet their obligations.“The bill shifts the onus of proving that a developer has a good track record on completion of housing estates from the local authority to the developer,” the councillor continued. “It thereby gives greater powers to local authorities to combat this problem. “It empowers home buyers to sue the developer for damages if work has not been completed on their estate,” he added.Planning director of service, said the authority included as a planning condition for housing estates and multiple house developments all roads, open spaces, landscape works, car parks, sewers, water mains or drains or other public facilities associated with the development had to be completed within three years of the commencement of any works. Where a development has been left in an unfinished state, director of service, revealed the planning authority has actively pursued developers through the courts in order to secure completion of developments.“Many of these developments have a security bond that can be applied in order to finish estates which has been pursued in some cases,” he said.“During the last two years the council issued 314 warning letters, 202 enforcement notices and brought legal proceedings in 42 cases, nine of which related to housing estates and some of these resulted in prosecutions against the developer. “The council’s enforcement unit is actively dealing with developers through monitoring of site development works and discussions with the area offices,” he added.director of service, also pointed out that the council wouldn’t grant an application to refund a bond or joint deposit to a developer until it was fully satisfied it had been fully completed to the requirements of planning permission.
Councils Motions
Reallocation of Funding
Catherine O’Hara stated that only one playground grant scheme project could receive the €30,000 allocation. Notification from the Department has stated that funding can only be allocated to one project - not two. Both O’Briensbridge and the Killaloe Family Resource Centre had been considered by the members at the last meeting as deserving of the €30,000. The members considered that both projects should receive funding but the O’Briensbridge Community Group were already at a more advanced stage of planning and so the members agreed that they would allocate funding to this project from the 2007 fund and allocate the Killaloe Family Resource Centre funding from the 2008 fund when monies would be available
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 1 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to contact our local police Commissioner and O.P.W. regarding the provision of a new Garda station manned fulltime in the Westbury-Shannon Banks area, which will cover all the surrounding areas, to include Ardnacrusha, Clonlara, Parteen and environs. Many of the residents have approached me in the last number of months and weeks about anti social behaviour at weekends which is facilitated by the lack of a Garda presence.”
Sean Lenihan, Senior Executive Engineer, in a written reply stated:
“This motion has been referred to the Garda Authorities for consideration and reply. I will revert with the reply when available.”
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 2 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to provide an update in relation to the provision of safety railings across the bridge at Shannon Banks. This would go a long way towards ensuring the safety of residents and children in the area. It has been reported to me that there have been a number of potential accidents within the last few weeks.”
Sean Lenihan, Senior Executive Engineer, in a written reply stated:
“This matter has been referred to our colleagues in Limerick City Council in so far as it pertains to them. On the Clare side of the bridge, it was agreed at an earlier meeting that railings would be considered desirable at this location. Funding for same can be considered under our Discretionary Improvements budget for 2008 and if successful, the works can commence in early 2008.”
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 3 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to have arrangements made to carry out repairs on the road commencing at Larkins Cross to Gillogue. There is a significant dip on the road as you turn off the main road down towards Gillogue. There are large volumes using this section of the road on a daily basis.”
Sean Lenihan, Senior Executive Engineer, in a written reply stated:
“Following a recent inspection of the road, I can advise that overall it is in fairly good condition with no potholes evident. It is uneven in parts and the particular dip mentioned is due to settlement of a trench crossing laid as part of the Gillogue Water Scheme.
Improvements to the junction were to form part of the R463 upgrade in the area that was postponed earlier this year due to further excavation works proposed there. Permanent restoration at that time will remove the dip and in the meantime, I will investigate further if the situation can be improved.”
Catherine O’Hara stated that only one playground grant scheme project could receive the €30,000 allocation. Notification from the Department has stated that funding can only be allocated to one project - not two. Both O’Briensbridge and the Killaloe Family Resource Centre had been considered by the members at the last meeting as deserving of the €30,000. The members considered that both projects should receive funding but the O’Briensbridge Community Group were already at a more advanced stage of planning and so the members agreed that they would allocate funding to this project from the 2007 fund and allocate the Killaloe Family Resource Centre funding from the 2008 fund when monies would be available
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 1 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to contact our local police Commissioner and O.P.W. regarding the provision of a new Garda station manned fulltime in the Westbury-Shannon Banks area, which will cover all the surrounding areas, to include Ardnacrusha, Clonlara, Parteen and environs. Many of the residents have approached me in the last number of months and weeks about anti social behaviour at weekends which is facilitated by the lack of a Garda presence.”
Sean Lenihan, Senior Executive Engineer, in a written reply stated:
“This motion has been referred to the Garda Authorities for consideration and reply. I will revert with the reply when available.”
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 2 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to provide an update in relation to the provision of safety railings across the bridge at Shannon Banks. This would go a long way towards ensuring the safety of residents and children in the area. It has been reported to me that there have been a number of potential accidents within the last few weeks.”
Sean Lenihan, Senior Executive Engineer, in a written reply stated:
“This matter has been referred to our colleagues in Limerick City Council in so far as it pertains to them. On the Clare side of the bridge, it was agreed at an earlier meeting that railings would be considered desirable at this location. Funding for same can be considered under our Discretionary Improvements budget for 2008 and if successful, the works can commence in early 2008.”
With reference to Notice of Motion No. 3 submitted by Cllr. Pascal Fitzgerald
“I call on the Director of Services to have arrangements made to carry out repairs on the road commencing at Larkins Cross to Gillogue. There is a significant dip on the road as you turn off the main road down towards Gillogue. There are large volumes using this section of the road on a daily basis.”
Sean Lenihan, Senior Executive Engineer, in a written reply stated:
“Following a recent inspection of the road, I can advise that overall it is in fairly good condition with no potholes evident. It is uneven in parts and the particular dip mentioned is due to settlement of a trench crossing laid as part of the Gillogue Water Scheme.
Improvements to the junction were to form part of the R463 upgrade in the area that was postponed earlier this year due to further excavation works proposed there. Permanent restoration at that time will remove the dip and in the meantime, I will investigate further if the situation can be improved.”
Monday, January 7, 2008
Unfinished Housing Estates are an election issue
Labour's Pascal Fitzgerald has called on candidates in the General Election in Clare to state what theirposition is with regard to unfinished housing estates in the county.
Speaking after canvassing in Shannon, Pascal said: "Since I started canvassing some months ago I have been shocked at the number of unfinished and poorly maintained estates in the county. People are struggling under the burden of heavy mortgages now more than ever and it is completely unfair for estates to be only half completed by property developers. There is no explanation other than pure greed for leaving estates unfinished. The fact that Fianna Fail have failed to tackle this problem in the ten years they have been in power shows how destructive to the common good their relationship with property developers has been."
"Now is the time that this issue should be discussed and I am challenging all other candidates to say where they stand on this issue. The FiannaFail candidates in this election need to explain to those suffering under extortionate mortgages why they have been silent for ten long years onthis".
"Labour have been working hard in the Dail to highlight this issue and if elected to Dail Eireann in the upcoming election I intend to make it one of my priorities in the next Dail."
Labour's Pascal Fitzgerald has called on candidates in the General Election in Clare to state what theirposition is with regard to unfinished housing estates in the county.
Speaking after canvassing in Shannon, Pascal said: "Since I started canvassing some months ago I have been shocked at the number of unfinished and poorly maintained estates in the county. People are struggling under the burden of heavy mortgages now more than ever and it is completely unfair for estates to be only half completed by property developers. There is no explanation other than pure greed for leaving estates unfinished. The fact that Fianna Fail have failed to tackle this problem in the ten years they have been in power shows how destructive to the common good their relationship with property developers has been."
"Now is the time that this issue should be discussed and I am challenging all other candidates to say where they stand on this issue. The FiannaFail candidates in this election need to explain to those suffering under extortionate mortgages why they have been silent for ten long years onthis".
"Labour have been working hard in the Dail to highlight this issue and if elected to Dail Eireann in the upcoming election I intend to make it one of my priorities in the next Dail."
FUNDING
I have asked the manager of Clare County Council to put in place for the next budget estimates meeting, funding to support youth clubs and other sporting clubs in Westbury, Shannon Banks, Ardnacrusha and Parteen. In addition I am seeking funding for a center for this area. Local facilities are non-existent and clubs that are running with the help of Corbally United do not receive adequate financial support from Clare County Council. As your local Councilor I plan to keep at Clare County Council so they will listen and give us what we want, a new Centre and financial assistance to guarantee the day to day running of a the Centre when we get one.
I have asked the manager of Clare County Council to put in place for the next budget estimates meeting, funding to support youth clubs and other sporting clubs in Westbury, Shannon Banks, Ardnacrusha and Parteen. In addition I am seeking funding for a center for this area. Local facilities are non-existent and clubs that are running with the help of Corbally United do not receive adequate financial support from Clare County Council. As your local Councilor I plan to keep at Clare County Council so they will listen and give us what we want, a new Centre and financial assistance to guarantee the day to day running of a the Centre when we get one.
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
Last April in my news letter I said to you we had a major problem with traffic going into Limerick and now it has gotten worse. Limerick Corporation said they would look in to the traffic problems and there response seems to have been to close Sir Harry’s Mall before the Grove Island link road opens. Thanks. With Help like that you know who your friends are.I will be meeting with Limerick Corporation about this and putting our feelings to them about the traffic backups in the morning going in to the city. We were told that the new road at Grove Island would be finished this year but at the moment it is “the road to nowhere”. It is not good enough for people from Shannon Banks, Westbury, Clonlara, Parteen, Ardnacrusha, and other parts of Clare. When the lights are off at the Mill Road and St. Mary’s there is no problem with the traffic. I will also bring this matter up with Clare County Council at this month’s meeting.Dealing with the different County and City Councils you wonder does the right hand know what the left hand is doing?
Last April in my news letter I said to you we had a major problem with traffic going into Limerick and now it has gotten worse. Limerick Corporation said they would look in to the traffic problems and there response seems to have been to close Sir Harry’s Mall before the Grove Island link road opens. Thanks. With Help like that you know who your friends are.I will be meeting with Limerick Corporation about this and putting our feelings to them about the traffic backups in the morning going in to the city. We were told that the new road at Grove Island would be finished this year but at the moment it is “the road to nowhere”. It is not good enough for people from Shannon Banks, Westbury, Clonlara, Parteen, Ardnacrusha, and other parts of Clare. When the lights are off at the Mill Road and St. Mary’s there is no problem with the traffic. I will also bring this matter up with Clare County Council at this month’s meeting.Dealing with the different County and City Councils you wonder does the right hand know what the left hand is doing?
SPEED RAMPS
Residents of Shannon Banks have called to my clinic to ask me to try to get speed ramps for some parts of the estate. I have asked the roads engineer in Clare County Council to take a look and he has assured me he will take a look at this and put in speed monitors to check the speed of cars coming and going in and out of the estate. I have also asked the Council to look at Westbury and meet with McInerneys as soon as possible.
Residents of Shannon Banks have called to my clinic to ask me to try to get speed ramps for some parts of the estate. I have asked the roads engineer in Clare County Council to take a look and he has assured me he will take a look at this and put in speed monitors to check the speed of cars coming and going in and out of the estate. I have also asked the Council to look at Westbury and meet with McInerneys as soon as possible.
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