Richard Daly

Daly welcomes response from HSE about St Vincent’s Hospital

2012-01-04T18:35:00.001Z

Fine Gael County Councillor and Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council has welcomed a response from the HSE in relation to the future direction of St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy. Following requests from Athy Town Council, Athy Area Committee and Kildare County Council a response has been received from HSE Area Manager David Walsh

“I am glad that there has been clarity given on the HSE ‘s intentions regarding our local hospital. In his letter to Kildare County Council Mr Walsh has confirmed the security of 120 beds in St. Vincent’s with another 6 beds being converted for rehabilitation for early discharge patients from Naas Hospital.

Mr Walsh further confirms the expansion of the dementia service and while there may be some movement within the hospital no patient will have to leave the hospital. In relation to staff there may be some redeployment across the hospital but no staff will lose their jobs.

These confirmations from the HSE must be welcomed by staff, patients and their families and those who have been campaigning for the secure future of the hospital.

While we must always be vigilant in protecting this vital service in our community, the immediate future of St. Vincent’s Hospital must be seen as secure.

I hope this gives comfort to the many patients who have been worried about their future” said Cllr Daly

Daly elected Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council

2011-06-25T00:36:00.000+01:00

Advancing the Southern Distributor Road, to finalise the Development Plan and to develop within the town a confidence and self determination in facing the future were the main items on the agenda of the new Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council at last nights meeting. Cllr Richard Daly(FG) was proposed by Cllr Mary O’ Sullivan and Cllr Mark Dalton and vowed to prioritise a number of issues over the year.

Cllr Daly singled out the business community as a vital element in the future development of the town. “It is true that Athy has suffered like the rest of Ireland in the economic downturn. The business and retail community have suffered severely and we see long standing businesses experiencing exceptional hardship and contraction In times like this it is vitally that there is a vibrant, active and comprehensive business organisation. The Town Council will give every support and engage with a coordinated business community and encourages all in business to join forces and develop for the future. Never has there been more need for a single voice to harness the energy and potential of our retail and business sector, to promote the town as a good place to do business to help develop a good retail strategy and to support each other in stringent economic times”

He continued “In term of the role of Athy Town Council I want to reaffirm its role as the single democratic publicly elected body charged with responsibility for the management and running of the town of Athy. Under the direction of the Cathaoirleach and members of theTown Council and under the management of the Town Manager Joe Boland and Town Clerk Brian O’Gorman Athy Town Council must make decisions on water, transport, housing and much more. It must also compile a Town Plan which becomes the roadmap for all future development in our town. While the decisions which we make do not always receive universal appeal it is the duty of each of us to act in an informed and responsible manner without fear or favour and devoid of all personal gain. The role which we must play in advancing this towns economic recovery will bear fruit in the years ahead. As we enter the chamber the time has come for us to put our party allegiances aside and adopt a unified patriotic approach in the best interest of the citizen.

I welcome the recent announcement of €300, 00 towards our Traffic Management Plan and the water scheme which begins in July and will provide improved supply to the Carlow road area.

I acknowledge the important role played by the media in the development of our town and I ask for their continued support over the coming year. Both print and radio have an important reporting and investigative role and are the monitors and watchdogs for the community. They also have an important community building role and local radio and the local papers bear a heavy responsibility in portraying what is best in our society. It is important that we highlight the good and the positive, that we create role models and leaders and that we inform the public of events. In our open and transparent council I will gladly work with the media in portraying what is best in Athy and earnestly ask for their support in the months ahead.

As we advance into 2011 Athy Town Council must make full use of the advances in ICT making what we do more efficient and visible to the community. I congratulate the steps taken in recent years with many of the application forms, minutes etc available through our web page. In the coming weeks we can expect the council chamber to be internet friendly so that we can work better and smarter.

Hand in hand with ICT efficiencies I would like to see more efficiency in the conduct of meetings of which we will have many over the coming months as we adopt our Development Plan. I ask members to comply with Standing orders, be brief, prepared and to the point. We will be judged by the quality of our work rather than the amount of time we spend in the chamber.

Athys future is in its own hands. For too long we have bemoaned the fact that we are a neglected part of Kildare while at the same time our representatives at county level have repeatedly punched above their weight. Around this table I pay credit to Cllr Mark Dalton (outgoing councillor), Cllr Mark Wall who with myself have and do fight for delivery of services and projects for the town. The Swimming pool. The water abstraction plant, the heritage centre, the proposed primary care centre, the education campus. The community arts centre, the enterprise centre and the Southern Distributor Road are some of the examples of Town and county councillors working together and delivering for Athy. We have the greatest location and the greatest potential within the county and it is up the community at large to play its part to create employment.. We are unlikely to see a major employer coming to the town in the near future but each of us can attract and develop a tourist industry which can provide real employment in the current climate. Positive attitude and community participation can literally transform the town.

This work has already begun by the many local volunteers who organise sporting events, tidy towns, community groups, festivals. In the year of the volunteer it is appropriate that we play tribute to those who actively make this a better place to live and attract visitors and business to our town. The thousands who attend the Triathy, the ploughing Championship, the Bluegrass, Shackleton, County Show and sporting events are our future. Throughout the summer our river is getting busier with swimmers and floaters and boaters and fishermen. We need to cater for these and ensure that they have a positive experience and return again. We need to keep our town tidy and every residents group and individual can play their part. Every point gained in our tidy towns competition is a positive step towards developing a future industry. We have been chosen for SHINE and BRAND but before we can get our visitors to think this is a good town we must believe that it is a good town.

Mar a duirt Uachtarain na Stait Aontaithe nuair a thainig se go hEireann “Is feidir linn” and this must also be our battle cry.

I would like to again thank my proposer Cllr Mary O’ Sullivan and my seconder Cllr Mark Dalton and I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family Celine, Ricky and Olivia whose family life often bears the burden of public life. I extend that thanks to the families of all of the councillors here whose partners and families are owed the very same debt of thanks and who allow us to represent our community. In thanking people I also include the deceased members of Athy Town Council particularly those who recently departed. Athy Town Council will remember those members specifically later this year.

Our task for the coming year is to finalise our Development Plan, to advance the Southern Distributor Road and to develop within the town a confidence and self determination in facing the future. I and leas Cathaoirleach Mark Wall will be available to business and community groups on your behalf throughout the year. The past has been given to us but the future is our hands for the making. Together let’s make that a good future for Athy.”

Cllr Mark Wall was elected leas Cathaoirleach

ENDS

Good News on Athy Traffic

2011-04-13T22:02:00.001+01:00

TO:

THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF ATHY AREA COMMITTEE/

ATHY TOWN COUNCIL

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Athy Traffic Management Plan

-------------------------------------------------

A Chara,

I refer to previous up-dates in the above regard and I am pleased to advise that the National Transport Authority have recently confirmed to Kildare County Council funding in the sum of €300,000 in respect of traffic management measures in Athy. Accordingly, the following four schemes will now proceed:-

Ø Pelican Crossing at Meeting Lane

Ø Up-grading of Forthbarrington Road junction (to include public lighting)

Ø Pelican Crossing at G.A.A. grounds

Ø Improvement to sequencing of lights at Emily Square (installation of a loop system)

I wish to take the opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing representations on the part of the elected members in respect of traffic related issues. The fact that a Traffic Management Plan has been adopted, following a public consultation process, has been really helpful in terms of the Council’s application for funding. It is proposed that all of these schemes will be implemented in the current year. The local authority continues to makes ongoing representations for funding in relation to a number of other aspects including footpath strengthening, safer routes to schools initiatives, other junction improvement etc. The members will be kept apprised regarding progress.

Yours faithfully,

---------------------------------------

J. BOLAND

DIRECTOR OF SERVICES/

ATHY TOWN MANAGER

New Chair for Athy Area Committee

2011-03-21T22:59:00.000Z

Cllr Richard Daly became the new Chairperson of Athy Area Committee following the election of Martin Heydon to Dail Eireann. The Area committee is composed of the four County Councillors for the Athy Area and the Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council and meets each month. Issues relating to the Athy electoral area are discussed with staff from Kildare County Council including Director Joe Boland and area Engineer Dave Flaherty.

Speaking after his election to the Chair Cllr Daly vowed that the committee would work as one to address issues affecting the area and he urged all councillors to support each other in representing the communities in the area.

These are difficult times and we need a positive approach.

“The Athy area stretches from Athy to Ballymore Eustace and includes several villages in between which will require the full energies of all of the councillors to make sure that this southern end of the constituency gets prioritised by Kildare County Council. Even though we have received positive news on the Southern Distributor road we will continue to keep it on the agenda for every meeting because it is so vital to the town of Athy.

We have a new water supply being developed through the Barrow Abstraction Scheme which will secure supply not only for Athy but for large sections of the county and we positively look forward to improving our road and footpath network over the coming couple of years.

We need to create the infrastructure and the positive environment which will attract investment in the south of the county and that can be achieved best by working together. I have every confidence in my fellow councillors on the Athy Area Committee and together we will work with Kildare County Council and our Dail representatives to improve the quality of life for this area Issues relating to the area can be brought to the attention of any of the individual councillors or collectively by email at athyarea@gmail.com ”

Cllr Daly welcomes progress on the Southern Distributor Road for Athy

2011-02-24T00:03:00.000Z

Following this weeks meeting of Athy Area Committee Cllr. Richard Daly said that he was delighted that the Southern Distributor Road project for Athy has received a positive response and initial approval by the Department of Transport.

“The SDR has been identified as the number one infrastructural project not only by Athy Town Council but also by Kildare County Council and as a member of both bodies I am delighted that the project has now arrived at the starting block.

Recently a cost benefit analysis study was completed by Kildare County Council which outlined the benefits of the construction to the town and which costed the project at €34million which is significantly cheaper than former estimates.

The overall project will take in excess of five years to complete. The first stages will be legal and acquisition work and the final construction phases will see a road from the roundabout on the Dublin road, passing behind the rugby club, crossing the Carlow road, passing adjacent to Dunn Brinn and joining the Kilkenny road. A positive sign for the town which should promote business development and give a better quality of life to residents.”

Grants for Disability and Older People

2011-02-21T23:31:00.000Z

Advised at today’s Area meeting that funding has been secured for the coming year for Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability and Housing Aid for Older People Scheme.

Applications forms are available to download on Kildare County Council Website or from any local representative. Please advise anybody who may be eligible.

Council Grants

2011-02-19T21:17:00.001Z

Kildare County Council announces Grant Schemes available for 2011.

Housing Community & Cultural Services Grants 2011

We are now inviting applications for the various grants administered by Kildare County Council.

Festival Grants. Community Grants. Amenity Grants.

Application forms and details for these Grants are available on our website;

www.kiidarecoco.ie or by e-mailing_italbot@kildarecoco.ie or Tel: 045-980371.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 18th March 2011.

Arts Grants

Applications are invited for the following schemes

Arts Act Grants Scheme & Bursarv Awards

Application forms and further information are available from

Kildare County Arts Service, Riverbank, Main Street, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Tel: 045-448318 /448328; E mail: arts@kildarecoco.ie

or on the web www.kiidare.ie/artsservice

Closing date is Friday 18th March 2011

Residents Association Grants - Local Authority Estates

- We are inv.ting application for .grant aid to assist residents associations in Local Authority Housing estates to maIntaIn the open spaces. Applicatlon forms are available on our website: www.kiidarecoco.ie or by telephoning 045980692.

Applicants will be dealt with on a first come first serve basis.

Closing date is 18th March 2011.

Environment Grants

Residents Association Grants - Private Estates

Application forms and further information for these grants are available on our

website www.kildarecoco.ie

Email tkelly@kildarecoco.ie Tel: 045-980556.

Water Harvesting must feature in all future developments – Daly

2011-01-05T01:33:00.000Z

In the light of all of the recent water shortages throughout the country it is vital that water harvesting must be a feature of all developments in Kildare and throughout th country according to Fine Gael’s Richard Daly.

“Ironicallly the town of Athy has its repeated water shortages when we have an increase in water level in our river. As the water level rises some of our well pumping stations flood causing a water shortage.

For weeks both locally and nationally we have tankers delivering millions of litres of treated water, the majority of which is used for non drinking purposes . such as toilets and washing. Most of this water could come from harvested rainwater source or untreated river sources.

Nationally water is becoming a precious resource and solutions to improved provision need to be promoted.

All new developments both industrial and domestic need to include a measure of water harvesting. In domestic construction this represents a very small fraction of the building cost but will become cost effective as water metering is becoming the norm.

The solution to our water sortages will not be achieved by increasing the volume of water delivered from our resoirvoirs but in the harvesting the supply whicharrives all too frequentlyon our rooftops and hard surface areas.” Said Cllr Daly

General Election will solve nothing without reform - Daly

2011-01-03T23:11:00.001Z

General Election will solve nothing without reform - Daly

At a time when the political process in this country has proved to be an absolute failure, a root and branch change to the structure is required or the next General Election will only be an exercise in musical chairs according to Cllr Richard Daly.

“On both sides of the political divide there have been calls for dramatic change in how this country is run and the urgent need for reform. The abolition of the senate has been proposed by Enda Kenny and Dep Michael Darcy has further suggested that the referendum to affect this should take place simultaneously with the General Election. The senate latterly has become a consolation prize for losing Dail candidates and last year over 2 million euro was claimed by senators in expenses alone with little value to the taxpayer. Dep Kenny further proposed a dramatic reduction in the number of Dail deputies but definite figures and introduction dates need to be introduced. Minister Noel Dempsey announcing his departure from the political stage recommended an equally dramatic reform to the political process but failed to outline how this should take place.

For decades the Civil War politics of Fianna Fail vs Fine Gael have dominated the political landscape in Ireland which finally was consigned to the past with a Fianna Fail Minister delivering the oration at the Michael Collins commemoration in 2010. Today the political divisions resemble support for football teams rather than clearly delineated political philosophy. Candidates for election are chosen more on their potential popularity than on their political beliefs or talents which sees political parties courting media and sports personalities rather than politically and economically competent or experienced practitioners. This is less likely to give us innovative political thinking and more likely to perpetuate the status quo.

We need to develop efficiencies within our political system both locally and nationally. The role of politicians should be to ensure that systems work, that citizens have access to services and rather than lobbying for individual persons or projects ensuring that all are served. There needs to be finite and transparent processes as to when roads are surfaced and schools are built so that each individual project is not at the behest of a politician but is catered for in an efficient system.
Our country may be broke but not broken irreparably. We have natural resources, home grown talent, a strategic location and a resilience which will overcome our current downturn. We just need political reform and we need it urgently.

Good News on Road Safety in 2010 – Daly

2010-12-31T20:26:00.001Z

Cllr Richard Daly (FG) today congratulated all involved in Road Safety on the continuing dramatic fall in the number of fatalities on our roads. Kildare was among the first counties to take the significant step of employing a full time Road Safety Officer who has been to the fore in promoting the Road Safety message which is beginning to reap reward.

“Road deaths in Ireland have fallen from 279 in 2008, to 239 in 2009 and to 212 in 2010. This represents a very significant drop in fatalities and spares so many families the torment of experiencing the loss of a loved one.

The fall in the number of fatalities can be attributed to increased enforcement, increased education and environment and engineering improvements for which many of us have long been campaigning for. The recent introduction of speed or safety cameras and the new powers for drug testing must be welcomed in making our roads safer.

No deaths are acceptable on our roads but Ireland’s driver awareness campaigns have exceeded European targets and at a time when our status in Europe is poor in economic terms, it is nice to see us to the fore in addressing our road carnage.

My congratulations to the Road Safety Authority, Kildare County Council and particularly Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer and all who have promoted Road Safety.” Said Cllr Daly

As Christmas Approaches beware of moneylenders – Daly

2010-11-10T00:01:00.000Z

As the Christmas season approaches and people are coming under financial pressure they should avoid the temptation to accept offers from moneylenders according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“Moneylenders are not regulated and have brought untold misery to so many families throughout the county. They make money immediately available at your doorstep which might be very attractive to the hard pressed householder who doesn’t have money available for the upcoming Christmas season. At the time of handing out the money there is little discussion of how much the payments will be and then suddenly you are in the hands of the moneylenders.

The first point of call should be your be your local credit union and even if you already have financial difficulties they are well worth talking to. If you are already in financial difficulty you should call MABS Money (Advice and Budgeting Service) at 1890 283 438.

What many people think is a short term solution to a short term problem becomes a long term slavery to the clutches of a non regulated moneylender and instead of solving a problem they have created a major one.

MABS and the Credit Union should be the first port of call for people experiencing financial difficulty and any of your local representatives will be glad to put you in contact with them.”

St Vincent’s Hospital is a County Issue – Daly

2010-09-27T23:53:00.000+01:00

Raising the issue of the diminishing beds at St. Vincent’s Hospital at Kildare County Council Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael said that the issue is not just an Athy one but a county issue

“St Vincent’s Hospital has been providing service to the people of the county for the past 170 years and in recent years we have seen bed numbers diminishing by stealth. The closure of St Camillus’ ward was the only closure which was obvious but continuously the number of beds has been diminishing.

While I am not being critical of the level of care in our private hospitals I am calling on all of the County Council representatives to support our public hospitals which are under threat as more and more step down patients are being directed towards the private sector.

Assurances have been given that the hospital will be protected but indications are that in order for that to happen that there could be a further diminution of bed numbers. This will not be tolerated by the people of Athy and Kildare in general. If the number of patients per ward is to be reduced then we must develop new wards.

Following representation St Vincent’s was last week readded to the list of step down facilities for Naas General having previously been removed. This is to be welcomed but only if beds are available so I am asking Kildare County Council to demand of the Minister of Health that the lost beds are restored to St. Vincent’s Hospital for the sake of the county in general”

Daly praises forward thinking Kildare VEC

2010-09-27T23:51:00.000+01:00

Multi denominational and none, inclusive, co-educational and non selective were the terms used by Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael to describe Kildare VECs remit to Kildare County Council this week

Kildare VEC must be congratulated for doing so many things so well. Because of the wide remit of our VECs it is hard believe that it can be expert at all things but it can. From the traditional Second level school to providing PLCs. From evening classes to language support for Non nationals, from community education to adult literacy, from VTOS to Youthreach the VEC is the body which responds to the educational demand of the community and proactively introduced new initiatives.

As public representatives it is important that we support our public education system but as parents we must also take advantage of the VEC schools in offering the best education for our young people.

Never more in our history was there as significant a role to be played by our VECs as now when the enrolment policies of some schools can be divisive and exclusive within our communities

Significant capital investment by VEC and DES in Kildare is to be welcomed with state of the art campuses in Naas and Athy recently completed. The construction of the new IVEA headquarters in Piper’s Hill is a welcome addition and most significantly the development of one of the first community primary schools in the country.

VEC a significant employer in Kildare over 900 on payroll and nearly 5000 second level students alone.

Kildare County Council needs to facilitate the zoning of lands for education to cater for growth in many towns throughout the county. It must ensure the broadband infrastructure is adequate to provide for high speed delivery of broadband connectivity to all schools and Communities. There are still pockets of the county where broadband is still not available and this must be immediately addressed if we are to advance education and the knowledge economy

The Council should take a proactive and positive approach to ensuring speedy granting of planning to education authorities and further ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support our educational establishments ( roads, sewage, water, traffic control, etc)

Kildare can be very proud of its VEC and must support it to keep it to the fore of education provision within the county said Cllr Daly

Athy Rose Again

2010-08-25T00:08:00.001+01:00

Athy can once again feel very proud of the calibre of its contestants in the International Rose of Tralee competition. Congratulations to Clare Kambamettu who portrayed herself, her family, her town and her county so well. A very competent replacement for Charmaine Kenny who brought the role of Rose to new heights.

Rarely could a town be as fortunate as Athy to have its talented young ladies recognised on the international stage. Charmaine has used the opportunity to bring credit to us all by highlighting social injustice and raising the spirits of all sections of society.

This is a significant year for Athy which has been chosen as Ireland’s first SHINE town and having the Rose title coming from here will add to the tourist and business potential which it can unleash.

Just like the ploughing Championship when Athy gets an opportunity it never lets it go!

Athy can feel very proud to have reclaimed the title of Rose of Tralee and congratulations to Clare Kambamettu who excelled in her presentation. We look forward to seeing her represent us all over the coming year.

New construction in Athy Square is an act of corporate vandalism – Daly

2010-05-09T21:57:00.001+01:00

The erection of a CCTV mast in Athy’s heritage Emily square is nothing short of vandalism to our town according to Cllr Richard Daly of Athy.

“Without notice or consultation with residents of public representatives Kildare County Council allowed the erection of a totally inappropriate post/pillar/standard in our heritage square. The construction is distasteful and clashes with the tree lined, cobbled square.

I have tabled motions with both Kildare and Athy councils for the immediate removal of the pole which is seen by the local community as a very high handed intrusion into the town. As our tourist season begins with several major festivals being held this year this latest addition to our square shows in how little regard we hold our heritage status.

I have received several calls from people who are extremely annoyed at the disrespect show to our community and it becomes embarrassing for local representatives to be associated with such vandalism to our town by the very people who should be promoting it.”

Campaign for Southern Road to Escalate in Athy – Daly

2010-05-08T00:39:00.002+01:00

As congested traffic becomes a regular feature of Athy, Cllr Richard Daly says that now is the time to escalate the campaign for funding for the Southern Distributor Road.

“For decades there has been division in Athy over the route of the road but for the past number of years consensus has been reached and all of the preliminary and environmental work has been completed. Now funding is the only issue which remains unresolved. In the records of the Dail, in response to a question by Dep Jack Wall, Minister Dempsey replied :

“My Department received an application from Kildare County Council in November 2008 for 100% funding of the Athy Southern Distributor Road at an estimated cost of €42 million. In order to increase the monies available for the maintenance and rehabilitation of road pavements, arising from the severe weather as mentioned earlier, it has been necessary to reduce the grant allocations for major new road schemes and for major realignment schemes. As a result of this, no funding is being provided for this project in 2010.”

This means that over the next year no further work will take place on the Athy Southern Distributor Road and this is unacceptable for a population who have a large number of commuters and a through traffic which chokes the single route in the town almost daily.

I am not prepared to let the next seven months pass by without organising a response to Minister Dempsey’s response and will be highlighting the issue throughout the town over the coming weeks.”

“Attached please find photos taken on the proposed route of the Athy Southern Distributor Road”

Daly again raises the issue of Southern Distributor Road at Kildare County Council

2010-04-29T23:57:00.001+01:00

Speaking at the April meeting of Kildare County Council Cllr Richard Daly again raised the issue of the urgent need for construction of the Southern Distributor Road around Athy.

“I was disappointed to see the massive reduction in the funding for the overall roads programme for Kildare for 2010 but most particularly that there was no reference to the Southern Distributor Road which is an identified priority of the County Council. While some reduction in funding can be accounted for by the fact that some major roads projects have just been completed the fact that the Southern Distributor route is still not a project which has received funding is a huge disappointment to all of the local representatives and the community at large.

The Southern Distributor Road has been identified as Kildare’s number one priority and I used to opportunity to remind council officials of that fact. Athy needs this piece of infrastructure to develop and there is unanimous support for the project. It is important now that the link road has been completed that the Southern route goes to construction stage.

I will continue to use every opportunity to highlight the need for this road”

Time for Kildare to start talking Rubbish – Daly

2010-04-18T22:12:00.000+01:00

Around the county the amount of litter being dumped illegally is a blight on our community and our business potential according to Athy’s FG Cllr Richard Daly.

From the N7 and N9 to the Grand Canal Kildare’s litter situation is becoming chronic as the summer and the tourist season begins. Black plastic bags float on our canals and lie on the banks of our rivers. Our forests and our bogs have become the final resting place for fridges and mattresses and soiled nappies are being shredded by nightime predators in the wild.

Yes, there are many of us who have expressed the opinion that waivers for refuse collection should be nationally available for social welfare and low income families but this in no way excuses the level of refuse dumping from whatever socio economic group is responsible.

Our Civic Amenity centres freely accept electrical goods so there is no excuse for the dumping of the cookers, fridges, TVs, etc wantonly in the environment. Recyclable material can also be freely disposed of at these locations. An information campaign on times of opening and cost of disposal could indeed be of benefit.

Hundreds of thousands of euro are being wasted by local authorities trying to combat the fly tipping on a daily basis and this is taxpayers money which could be used more beneficially at a time of shortage. This littering is costing us money and it is also acting as a deterrent to those who might be attracted to visit our potentially beautiful county as tourists or even locate here.

Very very stiff penalties need to be imposed on the perpetrators of this illegal dumping. These are not just unhygienic and mean people but they are also damaging our economic progress. At the very time when we need to work together to stimulate economic recovery we are being let down by those who are turning our county into a rubbish tip

New Athy Slip Road escalates campaign for Southern Road – Daly

2010-04-11T22:32:00.000+01:00

The recent opening of the slip road connecting Athy with the M9 makes the construction of the Southern Distributor Road more vital for the future commercial and social development of Athy according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“Last week the opening of the slip road has shown road users the value of having a modern road network. For commuters on the Dublin Waterford route access to Athy is only a matter of less than 10 minutes. Sadly, while traffic can arrive faster into the town the lack of the Distributor Road means that traffic for further destinations have to make their way through a congested town.

Athy is now far more accessible to both Dublin and Waterford and the improved infrastructure will make Athy a more attractive location for companies to locate

Athy has a united approach to the importance and priority of getting the Southern Distributor Road and every political organisation, lobby group and business body has identified it as vital to the development of business and alleviating traffic congestion.

Once more I would ask our TDs and government supporters to exert every pressure to ensure that our financial climate is not used as an excuse for neglecting this project” said Cllr Daly.

Time to Move On – Daly

2010-04-05T21:35:00.000+01:00

Despite the appalling and discouraging state of national finances and the injustice of the taxpayer picking up the tap for the mismanagement and excesses of others, it is time to be positive about our future both nationally and locally according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly.

“To say that we have come to an economic abyss is an understatement and we are justifiably entitled to feel disgust and anger at those who misled us into this. Our future demands that we do not lose out entrepreneurial spirit and that we actively look to the future with hope and enthusiasm.

Yes, we need to change the government but that may not be an option in the short term. In the meantime we need to generate optimism about our future. Much of our economic growth depends on engendering confidence in our economy and never was that confidence more required.

When we realise that we cannot rely on central government to change our economic fortune we must begin to be masters of our own destiny and advance economic activity in our own communities. We need to exploit the assets which we have in our possession and stimulate our own growth.

Everyone can play a part in making Kildare a more attractive place to do business.

In Athy we have already seen traders combine to attract custom and right through the county all can be involved in making Kildare a more beautiful place, combating litter, showing a welcoming and helpful aspect to visitors and having an attitude of positivity. Simple things can reap huge benefits.

In the most challenging of economic times it is our philosophy of self help and self support which can bring us faster out of recession and it is now more than ever thst political leadership is needed both nationally and locally.

Whether political parties have labels of “republican” or “United Ireland” there is a sense of nationalism and patriotism required by all our politicians at present to offer real leadership and a philosophy of “we can” to our people.” Said Cllr Daly

“The day of reckoning at the polls will come but in the meantime let’s move forward and unite in the daunting challenge ahead.” He concluded.

Part of Kildare is getting Lost - Daly

2010-03-27T23:06:00.000Z

Due to the opening of the Kildare section of the M9 motorway many of our businesses and historic landmarks have become part of the hidden Ireland according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“While I am delighted with the development of the motorway which will be of benefit to all road users both locally and nationally, I am disappointed at the exclusion of an area of South Kildare from adequate signage which makes them inaccessible to commuters.

We have mixed signals coming from the NRA and the RSA where we are told that driver fatigue can be a factor in motor accidents while at the same time not providing adequate service stops on our motorways. In the Crookstown, Killgowan, Castledermot and Ballytore/Moone area we have a ready made service area which has been totally overlooked in the rollout of the motorway. Not only could the use of this area be of benefit to drivers but it could also be a sustainable industry for the area.

Even local historic and tourist sites have been ignored by the new development and the Moone High Cross is not indicated on any of the signs on the motorway and only the intrepid traveller would chance leaving the motorway to explore this part of the country.

The idea of developing our road network should make all of Ireland more accessible and not simple the final destinations. Our signage on the motorways should accommodate drivers by indicating local amenities and notable sites. We should give opportunity for travellers to take breaks and to sample the local area.

While formerly journeys took us through every town and village on our route, today scarcely know which county we are in and are not encouraged to sample the hidden Ireland.

I am anxious for people to visit Kildare and not just drive through it and this can only happen if we highlight our ameneties and visitor attractions through signage on the motorway which traverses our county. Research shows that signage also helps relieve boredom on long journeys so let’s capitalise on this and let drivers know what our county has to offer.” Said Cllr Daly

Recent events should make water harvesting a priority in Kildare – Daly

2010-01-21T19:50:00.000Z

Speaking at the recent meeting of Athy Town Council, Cllr Richard Daly said that the recent lack of domestic water within the county must accelerate the need for dramatic measures to promote water harvesting.

“In the wake of the water shortage we all are asking what went wrong when up to recently we were assured that, particularly in Athy, water supply would be adequate. But as time advances so many of our sources are becoming unreliable. In Athy we will this year we have some €300,000 set aside to connect to another supply coming from the Monasterevin direction and in 2012 the multi million Barrow Abstraction facility will draw millions of litres from the Barrow in Athy to augment the county supply.

The most obvious source of water is as yet being untapped. While we are looking in future years at the possibility of sourcing water from the Shannon to serve the Greater Dublin area, we have ample supplies of the material literally falling from the skies on an almost daily basis. We are failing to treat drinking water as a precious resource and continue to use treated water to flush toilets and wash cars. Anybody who was forced to carry buckets of water recently to flush toilets will be aware of the volume of treated water which we literally flush down the toilet each week.

It is time we started to get serious in the harvesting of the free water which falls on our roofs almost too frequently. In former times our forefathers saw the value of storing water and each house used water barrels and water tanks to supply water for the several uses but with the arrival of many of the water schemes this was all abandoned.

I will be encouraging both town and county development plans to insist on water harvesting systems in all new developments both industrial and domestic and try to help develop a society where we treat clean water as a precious resource. We must also promote and grant aid the retro fitting of harvesting systems in existing houses” said Cllr. Daly

Daly congratulates KFM radio for excellent community broadcasting

2010-01-09T13:24:00.000Z

The very essence of community radio has been displayed at its best by kfm radio during this weather condition according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“Throughout the county I am hearing compliments on the excellent service being provided by Kildare’s local radio station kfm during this cold spell. Even regular listeners to other stations have switched over to our local station to avail of the traffic and community updates.

Community radio is about building up communities and developing community spirit. Over the past couple of weeks every presenter on the station has continued the constant updates on traffic and community information on the availability of water, etc and relaying material from the local authorities.

On behalf of the many isolated citizens and the general public within the area I would like to convey a very special thanks to the management and staff of the station for their continues good work.” he said

“Weather difficulties not only present challenges but they also present opportunities for communities to work together and give of their best and both on the air and on their website kfm have been a shining example of good community broadcasting”

Daly praises Kildare Road Users Group and Road Safety officer

2010-01-02T13:29:00.000Z

The fact that there are over thirty less deaths on Ireland’s roads must be welcomed according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael

“In 2005 we had nearly 400 deaths on our roads annually which was more than one per day. Thankfully this has been dropping to a current level of 240 which is 20 per month or two thirds of the 2005 figure. This figure is still not acceptable but it is a dramatic improvement on previous years.
Kildare is fortunate that it has a full time Road Safety officer who has been constantly delivering the message of responsible road use through the media and at all major events in the county and this in no small way has raised people’s awareness of road safety.” Said Cllr Daly
“Kildare was also nationally praised for the work of the Kildare Road Users Group which has constantly lobbied for improvement in Education, Engineering and Enforcement.
We sometimes forget that the figures for those killed on the roads also indicate a probable figure for those who are injured and this is probably ten times the fatality figure. There are many homes who are starting a new year with a family member killed or injured through avoidable circumstances.
We need the introduction of more speed cameras and more advances in the detection of drug driving but for the moment the message is a positive one as our fatality figure is dropping”

Opening of M9 resembling Lannigan’s Ball – Daly

2009-12-17T19:39:00.001Z

“Lannigan’s Ball could be the theme song for the opening of the N9” according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael who says that the organisation of the event leaves a lot to be desired.
“Area councillors were rushed to a meeting this week to be told that it was intended to open the most major project in the county within days. The unbelievable lack of organisation could only be compared to the lyrics of Lannigan’s Ball where “she stepped out and I stepped in again” as we had just recently been informed at County Council level that it would not be opening until some time next year. Then we received a text to tell us that it was opening on Monday and later a text to say that it would not open until January. Initially the project was due to open much later next year.
Each and every councillor is in favour of this project and wish it to be speedily completed. I am also aware of the local business interests who will inevitably suffer as a result of the diverted traffic and feel that all of this could have been avoided by proper planning and organisation. Realistic fears for the management of the new section of road could have been aired and addressed if the decision to suddenly transfer ownership had been properly handled.” Said Cllr Daly
If the opening was to be on Mon next why was it not flagged with the authorities with due notice? At the meeting with the authorities and the construction company I described it as akin to an episode of Father Ted where nobody seemed to know what was going on.
While I have no vested interest and don’t regard road openings as a significant “photo opportunity”, I am disappointed that this major piece of infrastructure and aid to commuting should have become a sense of embarrassment rather than an achievement. All of this could have been avoided with even a minimum of organisation. A major project does not “suddenly” reach completion.
I am happy that the road can open when it is safe to do so” he concluded

Athy RAPID secures €94K for local projects

2009-12-16T17:17:00.000Z

Chairperson of Athy RAPID AIT, Cllr Richard Daly is delighted to announce that it has secured in excess of €94,000 for local community projects from the Dormant Accounts funding.
“Youth activities , Arts groups and community development programmes are all included in the €94,911 which has been sanctioned for Athy. I would like to pay special tribute to Helen Dowling the RAPID co-ordinator who assisted all of the groups in compiling their applications.
By supporting organisations like those who are today’s recipients we can try to positivily discriminate in favour of a town which has seen more than a fair share of economic decline over the years.
I am delighted to congratulate the RAPID team in progressing these applications” said Cllr Daly

Dormant Accounts funding for RAPID projects tackling economic and social disadvantage

Name of Group Address Purpose of Grant Amount Recommended Area Total
Son Seekers Youth Club Athy Youth Centre, Kilkenny Road, Athy, Co Kildare Purchase recording equipment and make a video about the club and Athy €4,287
Football Association of Ireland National Sports Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin 15 Run the RAPID Soccer Sisters Camps and Futsal Blitz in Athy €7,696
Athy Community Arts Company Limited Athy, Co. Kildare Refurbish Methodist hall into an arts space. €15,000
5th Kildare Athy Scouts St. John's Lane, Athy, Co Kildare Tarmac the surface outside the premises at St John's Lane €10,000
Athy Community Development Project Woodstock Street, Athy, Co Kildare Develop a community organic garden €4,500
Athy Community Development Project Woodstock Street, Athy, Co Kildare Run Incredible Years Parenting Programme €4,500
Aontas Ogra 6 Parc Bhride, Athy, Co Kildare Upgrade/refurbish Youth Centre, Athy Recreational Community Hall €9,652
Athy Community Council 82 Leinster Street, Athy, Co. Kildare Parenting courses, stress management programmes and homework clubs €10,007
Athy Recreational Community Hall (ARCH) Kilkenny Road, Athy, Co Kildare Refurbish toilets in the hall including over-sheeting of toilet roof €29,269 Overall total €94,911