Congratulations to Athy’s Olympic challenger – Daly

Leas Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council Cllr Richard says that “Athy could not be prouder of an athlete than it is of John Joe Joyce whose performance in the Olympic Boxing competition brought credit to the town and the country. John Joe equalled his opponent on points and had to abide by a judges decision to award the contest to his opponent from the Dominican Republic.

John Joe will no doubt continue to excel on the international circuit and both he and IABA President Dom O’Rourke deserve our praise and our thanks for their achievement to date.”

Minister considering distancing many Kildare students from third level education Daly

The news that Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe is considering reintroducing third level fees is a very serious threat to all students, particularly those from the most disadvantaged background according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“Since the abolition of third level fees participation in third level education from the most disadvantaged socio-economic group has doubled showing that fees acted as a serious deterrent for the less well off and middle income groups.

At a time when we need to be developing a knowledge based economy we should be making every effort to expand participation in education at all levels. The penny pinching approach by the government seems to have no policy basis but is a knee jerk reaction to years of mismanagement. Education and Health were the areas which were not to be affected by the cutbacks so instead the minister is considering reintroducing fees to offset the cost of the sector. This is not education policy but the lack of it.” Said Cllr Daly

“The higher earners and better off are more likely to be in a position to offset the cost of third level against tax thus creating an even more inequitable society where education becomes a privilege and not a right and will continue to be dominated by the most wealthy in our society.

Despite any economic downturn, education needs to be prioritised and the Minister needs to formulate policy and a plan which will develop education in Ireland. The condition of school buildings, the lack of certainty on third level fees and the development of comprehensive special needs resources are among the issues which need to be addressed and not deferred.

Parents of prospective third level students need to voice their feelings on third level fees to their local TDs and particularly to the partners in government who have opposed this issue on the canvass trail two years ago.” he added

ENDS

Athy Fine Gael Councillors express disappointment at delay on Town Centre development

The announcement that plans for the development of Athy Town Centre are once again delayed has been strongly criticised by the Fine Gael members of Athy Town Council.

“Negotiations and planning of this project have been ongoing for the past year and the developer has made himself available for consultation with officials, public representatives and residents.

Athy Town Council is unanimous in its support for centre town development and has urged the county planners to prioritise the projects which would reenergise the town. |It is frustrating to see planning applications being delayed ad infinitum while simultaneously we have bodies trying to attract development to the town. The planners should be making urgent and top level negotiations with developers to overcome any of the difficulties which exist.

It is incredible that a town which desperately needs the retail capacity which this development would allow does not seem to be getting the attention that it deserves from the planning authority.”

Cllrs Seán Cunnane, Richard Daly and Mary O’Sullivan