Higher risk for walkers is unfortunate fall-out from drink driving clampdown
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called for meaningful public transport to be provided in suburbs and rural areas, and for a nationwide safety review of all roads, after new Garda figures showed as many pedestrians as drivers have died on the roads this year.
A total of 21 pedestrians have died on the roads in 2007, with 21 drivers also dying. Eight car passengers and two cyclists have also been killed on Irish roads this year.
“The higher number of pedestrian fatalities may be an unfortunate fall-out from the drink driving clampdown, with more people walking home from pubs in both suburbs and rural areas, placing themselves at risk, particularly from those stupid enough to drink and drive,” said Cllr Daly, who is a spokesperson of the Kildare Road Users Group, which campaigns for better road safety in the county.
"Pedestrians are sitting ducks on many roads which make absolutely no provision for foot traffic. Many of these pedestrian deaths take place in suburbs, towns and villages where footpaths are often in poor condition or non-existent, where roads are badly lit, and the signage for both traffic and pedestrians is appalling.
“The danger is that some people may feel they are safer using their car, even after a few drinks, than risking a walk home along dangerous or narrow roads. It is essential that some form of alternative transport is provided in rural areas and suburbs, and that roads are made as safe as possible for pedestrians and traffic. Fine Gael wants:
A nationwide survey of road conditions, road signs and street lighting to ensure that all areas are brought up to international safety levels;
Bus licences to publicans to encourage them to provide a courtesy bus service;
Liberalisation of the bus market to allow private operators to provide bus services in towns and housing estates that currently have little or no service.
"Unfortunately the FF/PD Government's proposals to extend the rural transport initiative will apply to rural areas only, and the Government is itself split over these proposals. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has now rolled back on his plans to extend the initiative, describing the measure as 'modest'.
"With the Government divided, there is little chance of any measures being introduced before the General Election. However, Fine Gael's proposals are workable and would not provoke the controversy arising from the Government's measures. Many people in rural areas are starting to feel like prisoners in their own homes. They will feel even more isolated if they are further confined because the roads have become even more dangerous for pedestrians. However, I would urge anyone walking the roads to ensure they make themselves highly visible, particularly to oncoming traffic."
Monday, March 12, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Daly wants proper debate on rural post offices
Fine Gael General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called for a fresh debate on the role played by the rural post office, and particularly in South Kildare. He said the review of post offices being currently carried out by An Post must take into account the crucial role played by such offices in rural Ireland.
‘’It can be very easy for people who don’t understand the dynamic of the local post office to be ruthless in deciding its future. But it’s my view, and it’s also the view of the Fine Gael Party, that the rural post office plays an enormous role in community life and without it, local communities struggle to survive.
‘’I have seen at first hand the devastation caused in areas where local post offices close. People in South Kildare understand that the post office has a place at the heart of its community and it provides a vital social outlet for people to meet and exchange views on a variety of issues. For many people, it’s their only opportunity to meet their neighbours and have some social interaction and the demise of the post office is extremely concerning for the people of South Kildare.
“Recent post office closures have left a real need and void and created huge difficulties for elderly people in particular. Some have no transport and others live alone and it really impacted on them. That’s what must be avoided in the new review.”
Cllr Daly said that any review must be guided by proper planning. “Maintaining an appropriate service is vital but the viability of add-on services must be taken into account as part of an overall strategy. The current evaluation of post offices being carried out by An Post should not arbitrarily conclude with large-scale indiscriminate post office closures.
‘’What is of critical importance here is the need to ensure the retention of the optimum number of post offices to provide an adequate network throughout the country thus enabling the service that extends on a daily basis into every part of the country both urban and rural,’’ said Cllr Daly.
‘’It can be very easy for people who don’t understand the dynamic of the local post office to be ruthless in deciding its future. But it’s my view, and it’s also the view of the Fine Gael Party, that the rural post office plays an enormous role in community life and without it, local communities struggle to survive.
‘’I have seen at first hand the devastation caused in areas where local post offices close. People in South Kildare understand that the post office has a place at the heart of its community and it provides a vital social outlet for people to meet and exchange views on a variety of issues. For many people, it’s their only opportunity to meet their neighbours and have some social interaction and the demise of the post office is extremely concerning for the people of South Kildare.
“Recent post office closures have left a real need and void and created huge difficulties for elderly people in particular. Some have no transport and others live alone and it really impacted on them. That’s what must be avoided in the new review.”
Cllr Daly said that any review must be guided by proper planning. “Maintaining an appropriate service is vital but the viability of add-on services must be taken into account as part of an overall strategy. The current evaluation of post offices being carried out by An Post should not arbitrarily conclude with large-scale indiscriminate post office closures.
‘’What is of critical importance here is the need to ensure the retention of the optimum number of post offices to provide an adequate network throughout the country thus enabling the service that extends on a daily basis into every part of the country both urban and rural,’’ said Cllr Daly.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Daly calls for return of summer jobs scheme for students
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has criticised Community Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív for his decision to rule out a summer jobs scheme for students.
“Fine Gael raised the matter with the Minister because many third level students are finding it impossible to secure summer jobs due to the extremely competitive lower end of the labour market.
“The Minister replied that: ‘This scheme was discontinued in 2003. In view of the fact that third level students have had the benefit of a good secondary education and are by definition in the fortunate position to be in third level education, it was felt they should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods.’”
Cllr Daly said: “I certainly know there will be lots of students and parents who will be dismayed and disappointed by Minister Ó Cuív's attitude. Last summer I was contacted by numerous parents and students complaining that the traditional supply of summer jobs had dried up.
“For years the Summer Jobs Scheme gave valuable employment to thousands of students throughout the country during their summer holiday break. Many of the jobs in question involved working for local community organisations such as sporting and social clubs, which was of enormous benefit to both the clubs and the students.
“The Minister's argument that students should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods is disingenuous. I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply. Fine Gael will be taking the matter up with the Union of Students in Ireland to see if they can join in a campaign to put more pressure on the Minister and the Government, particularly in the run-up to the forthcoming Election.”
“Fine Gael raised the matter with the Minister because many third level students are finding it impossible to secure summer jobs due to the extremely competitive lower end of the labour market.
“The Minister replied that: ‘This scheme was discontinued in 2003. In view of the fact that third level students have had the benefit of a good secondary education and are by definition in the fortunate position to be in third level education, it was felt they should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods.’”
Cllr Daly said: “I certainly know there will be lots of students and parents who will be dismayed and disappointed by Minister Ó Cuív's attitude. Last summer I was contacted by numerous parents and students complaining that the traditional supply of summer jobs had dried up.
“For years the Summer Jobs Scheme gave valuable employment to thousands of students throughout the country during their summer holiday break. Many of the jobs in question involved working for local community organisations such as sporting and social clubs, which was of enormous benefit to both the clubs and the students.
“The Minister's argument that students should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods is disingenuous. I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply. Fine Gael will be taking the matter up with the Union of Students in Ireland to see if they can join in a campaign to put more pressure on the Minister and the Government, particularly in the run-up to the forthcoming Election.”
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in Kildare - Daly
FG to table Dáil Bill on mandatory bio fuel blending
Fine Gael Candidate for Kildare South, Cllr Richard Daly has today 9th Feb said that his party would introduce a Bill in the Dáil next week which would see all motor fuel blended with percentage of bio fuel in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a market for the production of bio fuel crops.
“The recently leaked EPA report revealed that Ireland has the highest level of CO2 emissions per head of population in the world which means we have reached a crisis point in terms of the damage we are doing to our environment. The current Fianna Fail/PD Government has failed to treat this area as an urgent priority and it is time for new thinking and clear policies that will deliver.
“The transport sector has been identified as one of the largest offenders in terms of green house gas emissions. That is why Fine Gael’s policy is that we will introduce mandatory fuel blending. We will table a Bill at Private Members’ Time in the Dáil next week which would mean that all petrol would be blended with ethanol and diesel with rape seed oil to produce bio diesel.
“The reality is that mandatory fuel blending is standard practice in other EU States and should be introduced here immediately. Not only that but our policy will not cost motorists extra because the bio fuel levels proposed will not require engine conversion or modification.
“The Fine Gael Bill would produce only positive results:
· It would reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector and help in meeting our Kyoto obligations.
· It would stimulate a viable, domestic market for Irish farmers who are keenly interested in growing bio fuels, but who are hesitant because they remain unsure of the long term future of the bio fuel market.
· It would be an important step in making Ireland more self sufficient in meeting its own future energy needs.
“We have heard much talk from the current Government but very little action on climate change. We must kick-start mandatory blending and give wider supports to rural communities to develop alternative energy generating projects. Communities and farmers up and down the country are positively disposed to playing their part in tackling Ireland's energy crisis and in producing cleaner, greener energy. The Fianna Fail/PD Government TDs have an opportunity next week to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the growing energy crisis and to putting in place measures to safeguard Ireland’s future.”
Ends
Fine Gael Candidate for Kildare South, Cllr Richard Daly has today 9th Feb said that his party would introduce a Bill in the Dáil next week which would see all motor fuel blended with percentage of bio fuel in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a market for the production of bio fuel crops.
“The recently leaked EPA report revealed that Ireland has the highest level of CO2 emissions per head of population in the world which means we have reached a crisis point in terms of the damage we are doing to our environment. The current Fianna Fail/PD Government has failed to treat this area as an urgent priority and it is time for new thinking and clear policies that will deliver.
“The transport sector has been identified as one of the largest offenders in terms of green house gas emissions. That is why Fine Gael’s policy is that we will introduce mandatory fuel blending. We will table a Bill at Private Members’ Time in the Dáil next week which would mean that all petrol would be blended with ethanol and diesel with rape seed oil to produce bio diesel.
“The reality is that mandatory fuel blending is standard practice in other EU States and should be introduced here immediately. Not only that but our policy will not cost motorists extra because the bio fuel levels proposed will not require engine conversion or modification.
“The Fine Gael Bill would produce only positive results:
· It would reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector and help in meeting our Kyoto obligations.
· It would stimulate a viable, domestic market for Irish farmers who are keenly interested in growing bio fuels, but who are hesitant because they remain unsure of the long term future of the bio fuel market.
· It would be an important step in making Ireland more self sufficient in meeting its own future energy needs.
“We have heard much talk from the current Government but very little action on climate change. We must kick-start mandatory blending and give wider supports to rural communities to develop alternative energy generating projects. Communities and farmers up and down the country are positively disposed to playing their part in tackling Ireland's energy crisis and in producing cleaner, greener energy. The Fianna Fail/PD Government TDs have an opportunity next week to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the growing energy crisis and to putting in place measures to safeguard Ireland’s future.”
Ends
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Daly congratulates Athy Boxers on National success
Fine Gael General Election candidate for Kildare South, Cllr Richard Daly, congratulated St. Michael’s Boxing Club, Athy on its hat trick victory at the National Championships this week end.
“Boxers from St. Michael’s have brought great credit to the town and have repeatedly won national acclaim. I congratulate the club and am particularly delighted to see two of my own past students in the finals. It was both unfortunate and a measure of the clubs success that the 57kg final was between two from the same club.
Congratulations to Roy, David Oliver and John Joe and continued success to Eric who relinquished his title. A special work of thank to Dom O’Rourke who has brought the club and the town onto the national stage.
These young people are an example of what can be done with determination and the town should be very proud of all of them.”
“Boxers from St. Michael’s have brought great credit to the town and have repeatedly won national acclaim. I congratulate the club and am particularly delighted to see two of my own past students in the finals. It was both unfortunate and a measure of the clubs success that the 57kg final was between two from the same club.
Congratulations to Roy, David Oliver and John Joe and continued success to Eric who relinquished his title. A special work of thank to Dom O’Rourke who has brought the club and the town onto the national stage.
These young people are an example of what can be done with determination and the town should be very proud of all of them.”
Smokers Helpline Number Should go on Cigarette Packets – Daly
Cigarette manufacturers should be forced to advertise the telephone number of the Smokers' Helpline on all cigarette packets according to Kildare South Fine Gael General Election Candidate Cllr Richard Daly.
"It has come to my attention that tobacco companies, in certain countries in Europe, are already printing the smokers' helpline number on each packet of cigarettes produced.
"While the compulsory health warnings on packets of cigarettes and other tobacco products are welcome, there is an obvious opportunity to marry the negative health warning messages with the positive suggestion that help to quit smoking is readily available at the end of a telephone line.
"In spite of all the medical evidence that smoking leads to a variety of illnesses such as respiratory failure, lung cancer, hardening of the arteries and cardiac arrest the number of smokers in Ireland still remains alarmingly high. The inclusion of the helpline number on cigarette packets and tobacco products might go some way towards reducing the numbers. I call on the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to consider the merits of my suggestion."
"It has come to my attention that tobacco companies, in certain countries in Europe, are already printing the smokers' helpline number on each packet of cigarettes produced.
"While the compulsory health warnings on packets of cigarettes and other tobacco products are welcome, there is an obvious opportunity to marry the negative health warning messages with the positive suggestion that help to quit smoking is readily available at the end of a telephone line.
"In spite of all the medical evidence that smoking leads to a variety of illnesses such as respiratory failure, lung cancer, hardening of the arteries and cardiac arrest the number of smokers in Ireland still remains alarmingly high. The inclusion of the helpline number on cigarette packets and tobacco products might go some way towards reducing the numbers. I call on the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to consider the merits of my suggestion."
Monday, January 29, 2007
Kildare Commuters get a bad deal under FF
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly has said that commuters in the constituency have got a very bad deal under the current government.
“As we approach the next General Election Kildare voters must look to the lack of major employment opportunities within the county. The constant commuting to the capital could be reversed by the promotion of relocation of industry to the county and by the active attracting of new industry to the county.
The Kildare South commuters are wasting time, energy and enjoying a poorer quality of life due to the long and endless trek to the workplace. Our communities are loosing out by not having the involvement of the families who are absent from their homes for so long that they do not have time to participate in community activities.
The development and relocation of employment opportunity outside the capital could alter for the better both the local economy and more particularly the large section of our population who are forced to travel each day.
The failure of the current administration to even expedite the decentralisation of the Civil servants to Newbridge and Athy shows the lethargic approach of our government representatives in the constituency. While we may benefit from a strong economy which is pushing up our house prices we are losing both the sense of community and the quality family time.
At a time when we should be encouraging many more of our commuters to use public transport a real examination of the cost of using our trains should be taking place.
It seems ridiculous that the cost of rail transport is dearer than road and even air transport within the country. Both in the interest of our environment and to relive congestion on our roads, rail development is an obvious alternative yet the current fares make it far more economical to use the car. The supply and reliability of train services and the facilities at our stations need urgent improvement.
With FF holding two out of the three Dail seats in this constituency I am disappointed at the failure to address the difficulties experienced by commuters.” Said Cllr Daly
“As we approach the next General Election Kildare voters must look to the lack of major employment opportunities within the county. The constant commuting to the capital could be reversed by the promotion of relocation of industry to the county and by the active attracting of new industry to the county.
The Kildare South commuters are wasting time, energy and enjoying a poorer quality of life due to the long and endless trek to the workplace. Our communities are loosing out by not having the involvement of the families who are absent from their homes for so long that they do not have time to participate in community activities.
The development and relocation of employment opportunity outside the capital could alter for the better both the local economy and more particularly the large section of our population who are forced to travel each day.
The failure of the current administration to even expedite the decentralisation of the Civil servants to Newbridge and Athy shows the lethargic approach of our government representatives in the constituency. While we may benefit from a strong economy which is pushing up our house prices we are losing both the sense of community and the quality family time.
At a time when we should be encouraging many more of our commuters to use public transport a real examination of the cost of using our trains should be taking place.
It seems ridiculous that the cost of rail transport is dearer than road and even air transport within the country. Both in the interest of our environment and to relive congestion on our roads, rail development is an obvious alternative yet the current fares make it far more economical to use the car. The supply and reliability of train services and the facilities at our stations need urgent improvement.
With FF holding two out of the three Dail seats in this constituency I am disappointed at the failure to address the difficulties experienced by commuters.” Said Cllr Daly
Monday, January 15, 2007
Over 2600 operations cancelled in Tallaght/Naas hospitals shows Govt reform agenda an utter failure – Daly
Fine Gael has revealed that over 2,600 elective surgeries were cancelled in Tallaght and 53 in Naas General Hospital in the first six months of last year, with over 40,000 operations cancelled nationally since 2004. The Kildare South’s General Election Candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has today [15/1/07] said that this level of such cancelled procedures showed that patients were suffering despite the reform agenda promised by the Fianna Fail/PD Government and billions in increased health spending.
“The cancellation of operations is a symptom of the serious problems in the health sector which are preventing the delivery of a decent service to patients, despite the best efforts of staff who are working in extremely difficult conditions. The bed shortage, a major factor in the A&E crisis, is leading not only to hundreds of patients on trolleys each day but also to the cancellation of elective surgeries because day-case beds are being inappropriately occupied by A&E patients. Fine Gael has put forward proposals, including significant investment in step down facilities and Urgent Care Centres, which would provide extra beds and take pressure off A&E. In contrast, Fine Gael’s information shows the current Government is failing to make an impact.
“HSE figures obtained by Fine Gael reveal that over 2600 elective surgeries were cancelled in Tallaght and Naas in the first six months of 2006. The patients who require these surgeries, like for example gallbladder, hernia or varicose vein operations will suffer pain and discomfort while they await their procedures and Fine Gael believes that the cancellation of operations is as big a threat to the welfare of patients as the A&E crisis.
“The impact of waiting times for procedures has been tragically highlighted by the story of ‘Rosie’ which has been the subject of the Liveline programme last week. Last year, the Irish Times revealed that 22,000 operations in total were cancelled in 2005 and Fine Gael’s research shows that over 15,000 of these were elective procedures. Who knows how many of the 7,000 operations which were non-elective were investigative procedures like the one required by ‘Rosie’ to offer the best chance of early detection and successful treatment?
“The sad reality is that while there may be minor progress on the numbers on trolleys the overall picture for the health service is one of total paralysis despite billions in increased spending. The obvious conclusion is that this Fianna Fail/PD Government has utterly failed to deliver on promised reform and for patients like ‘Rosie’ that failure is fatal.
“In addition to our commitment to 1,500 step down beds and 15 Urgent Care Centres, Fine Gael has put forward the kind of innovative ideas which we believe will make the most difference to keeping patients healthy and treating them to the highest standard if they become ill. In particular, our detailed proposal for a fixed interval screening programme would see patients diagnosed free-of-charge through their GP surgery. There is no doubt that health sector reform is desperately needed but after 10 years in power it is clear that the current Government is out of ideas and either incapable or indifferent when it comes to delivering for patients.”
“The cancellation of operations is a symptom of the serious problems in the health sector which are preventing the delivery of a decent service to patients, despite the best efforts of staff who are working in extremely difficult conditions. The bed shortage, a major factor in the A&E crisis, is leading not only to hundreds of patients on trolleys each day but also to the cancellation of elective surgeries because day-case beds are being inappropriately occupied by A&E patients. Fine Gael has put forward proposals, including significant investment in step down facilities and Urgent Care Centres, which would provide extra beds and take pressure off A&E. In contrast, Fine Gael’s information shows the current Government is failing to make an impact.
“HSE figures obtained by Fine Gael reveal that over 2600 elective surgeries were cancelled in Tallaght and Naas in the first six months of 2006. The patients who require these surgeries, like for example gallbladder, hernia or varicose vein operations will suffer pain and discomfort while they await their procedures and Fine Gael believes that the cancellation of operations is as big a threat to the welfare of patients as the A&E crisis.
“The impact of waiting times for procedures has been tragically highlighted by the story of ‘Rosie’ which has been the subject of the Liveline programme last week. Last year, the Irish Times revealed that 22,000 operations in total were cancelled in 2005 and Fine Gael’s research shows that over 15,000 of these were elective procedures. Who knows how many of the 7,000 operations which were non-elective were investigative procedures like the one required by ‘Rosie’ to offer the best chance of early detection and successful treatment?
“The sad reality is that while there may be minor progress on the numbers on trolleys the overall picture for the health service is one of total paralysis despite billions in increased spending. The obvious conclusion is that this Fianna Fail/PD Government has utterly failed to deliver on promised reform and for patients like ‘Rosie’ that failure is fatal.
“In addition to our commitment to 1,500 step down beds and 15 Urgent Care Centres, Fine Gael has put forward the kind of innovative ideas which we believe will make the most difference to keeping patients healthy and treating them to the highest standard if they become ill. In particular, our detailed proposal for a fixed interval screening programme would see patients diagnosed free-of-charge through their GP surgery. There is no doubt that health sector reform is desperately needed but after 10 years in power it is clear that the current Government is out of ideas and either incapable or indifferent when it comes to delivering for patients.”
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Govt has no Road Safety Strategy - Daly
No speed cameras, no drug-driving test, only half penalty points
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly has said it is an incredible the Government now has no Road Safety Strategy as the 2004 to 2006 strategy has now expired following the death of 367 people on our roads last year.
“367 people died in road accidents last year. Each of these deaths is tragic and senseless. I had hoped that the Government would finally start taking road safety seriously in 2007. However, it has failed to make even the most basic provision for road safety, because it has allowed the Road Safety Strategy to expire.
"Key aspects of the outgoing 2004-2006 Road Safety Strategy remain unimplemented including
a nationwide network of speed cameras,
provisions for a drug driving test, and
a roadworthiness test for motorcycles.
The single most crucial target of the last Road Safety Strategy, to keep road deaths below 300, has not been achieved. Minister Cullen has asked the Road Safety Authority to draft the next Road Safety Strategy, but has also washed his hands of the issue. Yet as Transport Minister he should have full responsibility.
"There was an 18 month gap between the 1998-2002 strategy and the 2004-2006 strategy, during which time some 517 people died. There is now a very real danger of another lengthy gap, particularly given that so many aspects of the outgoing safety strategy have not been implemented.
They include -
Nationwide network of speed cameras: The Government still only has three fixed speed cameras under a pilot programme launched five years ago. The long-awaited nationwide system has not even gone out to tender. There was a promise to speed check 11 million vehicles per annum. The absence of a speed camera network and the under-resourced Garda Traffic Corps means that only three million vehicles will be registered speeding this year.
Drug driving test: A pilot scheme in Australia found that five times as many motorists tested positive for drugs than for excess alcohol. A similar test is also being piloted in the UK, yet Ireland does not even have the necessary legislation to launch a similar pilot because the Government voted against Fine Gael proposals.
Roll out full roster of 69 penalty points: Only 36 of the promised penalty points have been implemented, and there is no indication when the remaining 33 will be brought in.
Mutual recognition of penalty points with UK and Northern Ireland: Twenty per-cent of vehicles which incur penalty points cannot have points allocated because the vehicle cannot be identified.
Compulsory training for motorcyclists: Motorcycles represent only 1.6 per-cent of all vehicles on the road, yet 10 per-cent of all fatalities are motorcyclists. It is crucial that training becomes compulsory to stop this slaughter.
Discourage long-term reliance on provisional licences: 404,000 people are on provisional licences, with a shocking 27,054 drivers on their fifth licence which means they have been driving for eight years without passing a test.
"All of these policies could have been implemented in the lifetime of the 2004-2006 Road Safety Strategy, if the Government had shown some initiative. With no follow-on road safety strategy in sight, it is crucial that these outstanding policies are implemented as early as possible in 2007.”
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly has said it is an incredible the Government now has no Road Safety Strategy as the 2004 to 2006 strategy has now expired following the death of 367 people on our roads last year.
“367 people died in road accidents last year. Each of these deaths is tragic and senseless. I had hoped that the Government would finally start taking road safety seriously in 2007. However, it has failed to make even the most basic provision for road safety, because it has allowed the Road Safety Strategy to expire.
"Key aspects of the outgoing 2004-2006 Road Safety Strategy remain unimplemented including
a nationwide network of speed cameras,
provisions for a drug driving test, and
a roadworthiness test for motorcycles.
The single most crucial target of the last Road Safety Strategy, to keep road deaths below 300, has not been achieved. Minister Cullen has asked the Road Safety Authority to draft the next Road Safety Strategy, but has also washed his hands of the issue. Yet as Transport Minister he should have full responsibility.
"There was an 18 month gap between the 1998-2002 strategy and the 2004-2006 strategy, during which time some 517 people died. There is now a very real danger of another lengthy gap, particularly given that so many aspects of the outgoing safety strategy have not been implemented.
They include -
Nationwide network of speed cameras: The Government still only has three fixed speed cameras under a pilot programme launched five years ago. The long-awaited nationwide system has not even gone out to tender. There was a promise to speed check 11 million vehicles per annum. The absence of a speed camera network and the under-resourced Garda Traffic Corps means that only three million vehicles will be registered speeding this year.
Drug driving test: A pilot scheme in Australia found that five times as many motorists tested positive for drugs than for excess alcohol. A similar test is also being piloted in the UK, yet Ireland does not even have the necessary legislation to launch a similar pilot because the Government voted against Fine Gael proposals.
Roll out full roster of 69 penalty points: Only 36 of the promised penalty points have been implemented, and there is no indication when the remaining 33 will be brought in.
Mutual recognition of penalty points with UK and Northern Ireland: Twenty per-cent of vehicles which incur penalty points cannot have points allocated because the vehicle cannot be identified.
Compulsory training for motorcyclists: Motorcycles represent only 1.6 per-cent of all vehicles on the road, yet 10 per-cent of all fatalities are motorcyclists. It is crucial that training becomes compulsory to stop this slaughter.
Discourage long-term reliance on provisional licences: 404,000 people are on provisional licences, with a shocking 27,054 drivers on their fifth licence which means they have been driving for eight years without passing a test.
"All of these policies could have been implemented in the lifetime of the 2004-2006 Road Safety Strategy, if the Government had shown some initiative. With no follow-on road safety strategy in sight, it is crucial that these outstanding policies are implemented as early as possible in 2007.”
Fine Gael to prioritise Kildare rail in Government - Daly
Fine Gael in Government will ensure fast, high capacity, commuter rail services for Kildare, the Party’s Kildare South General Election candidate, Richard Daly, has said.
“Fine Gael will deliver this, not just promise it. We recognise the time for timid solutions is long past. We need the big investment in rail. Our population and our economy demand it. We will deliver on time and on budget.
“We also have to start thinking about early answers, at school transport solutions that would keep thousands of cars off our roads each morning. We need to look at innovative uses of rural school buses so they can offer additional transport solutions for more remote areas.
“This Government has never been short on promises, or press conferences or photo-calls. They enchant us with announcements like ‘an ambitious underground interconnector rail tunnel’. Yet, thousands of commuters are spending longer, and longer, in their cars.
“The gap has grown between the public transport places available and the public transport places needed in every year of the lifetime of this Government.
“The Government has no credibility on this issue. They have had their chance, had all the opportunities, and had all the money. They have simply failed to deliver.
“As new communities, and many new young families, settle further and further from Dublin, bereft in many cases of even a single bus, the demand for early delivery of clean, reliable and frequent public transport becomes ever more compelling.
“Fine Gael will build the rail-based high capacity solutions. But we simply cannot sit, in the meantime, on our hands and wait for them.
“Fine Gael will, immediately on entering Government, liberalise the bus market, in Dublin and in the other towns and cities, to dramatically increase capacity so we can provide services to growing populations and increase frequency on existing routes.”
Ends
“Fine Gael will deliver this, not just promise it. We recognise the time for timid solutions is long past. We need the big investment in rail. Our population and our economy demand it. We will deliver on time and on budget.
“We also have to start thinking about early answers, at school transport solutions that would keep thousands of cars off our roads each morning. We need to look at innovative uses of rural school buses so they can offer additional transport solutions for more remote areas.
“This Government has never been short on promises, or press conferences or photo-calls. They enchant us with announcements like ‘an ambitious underground interconnector rail tunnel’. Yet, thousands of commuters are spending longer, and longer, in their cars.
“The gap has grown between the public transport places available and the public transport places needed in every year of the lifetime of this Government.
“The Government has no credibility on this issue. They have had their chance, had all the opportunities, and had all the money. They have simply failed to deliver.
“As new communities, and many new young families, settle further and further from Dublin, bereft in many cases of even a single bus, the demand for early delivery of clean, reliable and frequent public transport becomes ever more compelling.
“Fine Gael will build the rail-based high capacity solutions. But we simply cannot sit, in the meantime, on our hands and wait for them.
“Fine Gael will, immediately on entering Government, liberalise the bus market, in Dublin and in the other towns and cities, to dramatically increase capacity so we can provide services to growing populations and increase frequency on existing routes.”
Ends
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Are You Being Served
Fine Gael General Election candidate for South Kildare Cllr Richard Daly has said that a priority for the coming year must be one of upgrading services in the county.
“With an embarrassing amount of surplus cash in the exchequer serious money needs to be spent in upgrading the existing infrastructure of roads, rail, schools, amenities, etc within the county.
I constantly receive complaints about the length of time it takes for phone installations and repairs within the county. Our electricity network can take up to six weeks to repair a blown street light and in excess of a year to connect power to services like traffic lights. Our rail service is not meeting demand either in supply of train service or in station amenities.
We have a shortage of school places in the county and hospital operations and procedures are still being postponed and cancelled at alarming frequency.
The provision of safe footpaths throughout the county is a concern for several citizens who feel that they put their lives in danger walking on our roads. I have received several complaints from people in Castledermot, Kildare and Athy demanding safe passage for pedestrians on our roads.
While our Christmas television programmes inform us that we have one of the highest per capita ownership of helicopters and millionaire status in the world I would be more proud of the inclusion of many of our citizens in the new found wealth through the provision of infrastructure..
2007 must be the year for provision of basic services for our citizens:
hospital beds, school places and basic infrastructure.
I will be demanding an improvement in all services for the county.
“With an embarrassing amount of surplus cash in the exchequer serious money needs to be spent in upgrading the existing infrastructure of roads, rail, schools, amenities, etc within the county.
I constantly receive complaints about the length of time it takes for phone installations and repairs within the county. Our electricity network can take up to six weeks to repair a blown street light and in excess of a year to connect power to services like traffic lights. Our rail service is not meeting demand either in supply of train service or in station amenities.
We have a shortage of school places in the county and hospital operations and procedures are still being postponed and cancelled at alarming frequency.
The provision of safe footpaths throughout the county is a concern for several citizens who feel that they put their lives in danger walking on our roads. I have received several complaints from people in Castledermot, Kildare and Athy demanding safe passage for pedestrians on our roads.
While our Christmas television programmes inform us that we have one of the highest per capita ownership of helicopters and millionaire status in the world I would be more proud of the inclusion of many of our citizens in the new found wealth through the provision of infrastructure..
2007 must be the year for provision of basic services for our citizens:
hospital beds, school places and basic infrastructure.
I will be demanding an improvement in all services for the county.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Roads around Castledermot in need of urgent attention - Daly
The roads in the vicinity of Castledermot are in a disgraceful state claims
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly.
“Following concerns expressed to me by residents in the area I toured some of the secondary routes adjacent to Castledermot in the past few days and was appalled by the condition in which I found them. While I am not an engineer I experienced road surfaces which needed resurfacing and road edges which could prove very dangerous if a driver were forced to the edge to allow passing traffic.” Said cllr Daly
“With a new motorway under construction the resulting construction traffic has caused serious deterioration of the existing routes which need urgent attention. In the recent inclement weather flooding on some of the roads has occurred most probably from the excess mud blocking the drains.
The road adjacent to Knocknacree Cross has been deemed so dangerous by one bus driver that he will not travel it and in the meantime at least one family is forced to walk on the road which to me seems unsafe.
Education, enforcement and engineering can lead to safer roads and I am publicly calling on Kildare County Council to examine these roads adjacent to Castledermot as a matter of extreme urgency and prioritise resurfacing, drainage and edging works to prevent serious accident.”
ENDS
Monday, December 18, 2006
Concern at elderly care proposals – Daly
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has said he is concerned about a number of aspects of the Government's new proposals on long-term care for the elderly.
“We have seen the introduction of a new death tax on the elderly. It appears the Government intends to wash its hands entirely of the future care of the elderly, those who built up this country, worked in far more difficult times than now and paid their taxes and PRSI, but now find they will be subject to a death tax after they have gone, in some cases requiring the sale of the family home.
“The persons who will need nursing home care in the next ten to 15 years are those who worked in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, built the Celtic tiger and paid their taxes and PRSI. They find themselves levied with a new death tax of 15 per-cent.
“The Government’s proposal is built on three pillars, namely, an inspectorate regime for nursing homes, community services and this funding proposal. The Government seems completely unaware of what is happening in respect of the provision of community services. It is some years since those in psychiatric institutions were abandoned in communities with no facilities to support them, but I see something similar happening now.
“The Government is proposing that by January 1, 2008, there will be community services to look after elderly people in their homes and communities. The current rate of provision of such services makes a mockery of this issue. The Government is living in fantasyland if it believes the services will be provided. There are not enough general practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists or home-helpers and the State cannot employ the physiotherapists it has trained. Where will the Government find the personnel to provide cover to people refused entry to nursing homes?
“To expect those services to be in place by January 1, 2008 is complete and utter fantasy. If the Government has been unable to prevent the serious abuse of some elderly in some licensed nursing homes, where a monitoring regime is supposed to exist, how does it expect that a community service to look after those elderly who are semi-highly dependent can be put in place by that date? How can it justify this as one of the fundamental pillars of this new programme, which also includes a death tax?
“The Government has always proclaimed itself a low-tax Government, but it has introduced a raft of stealth charges and new taxes in the past few years. In the Budget, the health levy was increased by 25 per-cent, there was an increase in the cost of private beds in public hospitals, and the Government voted through a measure requiring 5 per-cent of the notional value of a person’s home to be assessed for the purposes of a claim for subvention.
“What will happen in the case of a person who is unable to avail of home supports and is required to go to a nursing home, but is refused for not being high-dependency? Are these people being told to get lost and go back where they came from? If they are refused the option of nursing homes, where will they go?
“In a country of considerable wealth, we have failed once again to provide for the vulnerable. That is the legacy of this Government.”
“We have seen the introduction of a new death tax on the elderly. It appears the Government intends to wash its hands entirely of the future care of the elderly, those who built up this country, worked in far more difficult times than now and paid their taxes and PRSI, but now find they will be subject to a death tax after they have gone, in some cases requiring the sale of the family home.
“The persons who will need nursing home care in the next ten to 15 years are those who worked in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, built the Celtic tiger and paid their taxes and PRSI. They find themselves levied with a new death tax of 15 per-cent.
“The Government’s proposal is built on three pillars, namely, an inspectorate regime for nursing homes, community services and this funding proposal. The Government seems completely unaware of what is happening in respect of the provision of community services. It is some years since those in psychiatric institutions were abandoned in communities with no facilities to support them, but I see something similar happening now.
“The Government is proposing that by January 1, 2008, there will be community services to look after elderly people in their homes and communities. The current rate of provision of such services makes a mockery of this issue. The Government is living in fantasyland if it believes the services will be provided. There are not enough general practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists or home-helpers and the State cannot employ the physiotherapists it has trained. Where will the Government find the personnel to provide cover to people refused entry to nursing homes?
“To expect those services to be in place by January 1, 2008 is complete and utter fantasy. If the Government has been unable to prevent the serious abuse of some elderly in some licensed nursing homes, where a monitoring regime is supposed to exist, how does it expect that a community service to look after those elderly who are semi-highly dependent can be put in place by that date? How can it justify this as one of the fundamental pillars of this new programme, which also includes a death tax?
“The Government has always proclaimed itself a low-tax Government, but it has introduced a raft of stealth charges and new taxes in the past few years. In the Budget, the health levy was increased by 25 per-cent, there was an increase in the cost of private beds in public hospitals, and the Government voted through a measure requiring 5 per-cent of the notional value of a person’s home to be assessed for the purposes of a claim for subvention.
“What will happen in the case of a person who is unable to avail of home supports and is required to go to a nursing home, but is refused for not being high-dependency? Are these people being told to get lost and go back where they came from? If they are refused the option of nursing homes, where will they go?
“In a country of considerable wealth, we have failed once again to provide for the vulnerable. That is the legacy of this Government.”
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Daly calls on Kildare consumers to 'shop local' for Christmas
Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called on consumers in the county to ‘shop local’ this Christmas.
“There is no denying that every consumer deserves the right to seek out the cheapest prices when shopping, but I feel there is great value to be had in many of the smaller towns.
“Retailers in small towns in county Kildare provide a first class service throughout the year, and rather than travelling long distances in search of a bargain, I feel shoppers should look close to home first of all and try and maintain a certain loyalty to places where they have shopped for most of the year.”
The Fine Gael candidate said local retailers often relied on the loyalty of their customers to ensure their businesses remain viable.
“In recent years, retailers in the county's smaller towns have come under increasing pressure in a market in which multi-national chains have tried to monopolise with huge advertising campaigns.
“But many local shops have responded by spending large sums on modernising their premises, and providing state of the art facilities for the modern consumer.”I feel this sort of investment in local business deserves to be supported by the community.
“Every penny spent in the these communities means that businesses can prosper and continue to provide much needed employment in less populated areas.
"Successful businesses in smaller towns provide crucial full-time and part-time employment.
“In order to maintain the vibrancy and the future development of our smaller towns, the local community must row in behind these hardworking businesses and ensure their viability."
“There is no denying that every consumer deserves the right to seek out the cheapest prices when shopping, but I feel there is great value to be had in many of the smaller towns.
“Retailers in small towns in county Kildare provide a first class service throughout the year, and rather than travelling long distances in search of a bargain, I feel shoppers should look close to home first of all and try and maintain a certain loyalty to places where they have shopped for most of the year.”
The Fine Gael candidate said local retailers often relied on the loyalty of their customers to ensure their businesses remain viable.
“In recent years, retailers in the county's smaller towns have come under increasing pressure in a market in which multi-national chains have tried to monopolise with huge advertising campaigns.
“But many local shops have responded by spending large sums on modernising their premises, and providing state of the art facilities for the modern consumer.”I feel this sort of investment in local business deserves to be supported by the community.
“Every penny spent in the these communities means that businesses can prosper and continue to provide much needed employment in less populated areas.
"Successful businesses in smaller towns provide crucial full-time and part-time employment.
“In order to maintain the vibrancy and the future development of our smaller towns, the local community must row in behind these hardworking businesses and ensure their viability."
Monday, November 13, 2006
Cash strapped Kildare families face fuel bills they can’t pay – Daly
Cash strapped Kildare families are facing ESB and gas bills they cannot pay while the Government reaps the benefit of price hikes according to Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly.
"Recent price hikes in electricity and gas charges were premature and the obstinacy of the Government and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in turning a deaf ear to consumer concerns about the numerous gas and electricity hikes is truly amazing.
"Electricity price rise due next January will mean that prices have increased by 60% over the last six years – with hard working families facing into another year of price hikes, coming after a series of ESB increases in the last number of years – 3% in Jan ‘06, 4% in Jan ‘05, 8.6% in Oct ‘04 and 5% in Jan ‘04.
"January’s price increase will mean Irish consumers will pay about 17.5% more for electricity than their British counterparts, facing an annual bill of approximately €900.
"In September, consumers were hit with a 33.84% hike in gas. This comes on top of the existing burden of high mortgages, long commute times and high childcare costs, all of which will only fully impact in mid 2007. Thanks to this increase the average Irish consumer will pay €1,200 a year for gas - almost €300 more than in Britain.
"The direct corollary is the Government gets a windfall in extra VAT rising from €116 million to €223 million between 2001 and 2005 and culminating, if the present trend continues, in a massive €362 million by the end of 2006 - a major win for the Government, a major loss for the domestic and industrial consumers.
"The net losers are, as usual, the householder, manufacturing and service industries. These additional hikes are placing a heavier burden on those families who are already overloaded and are a threat to the economy from the increasing lack of competitiveness in both the manufacturing and service sectors. To pile price increases on top of those who are already overburdened in this fashion is irresponsible at best and at worst cynical, but more seriously shows significant flaws in the regulatory system applied here."
"Recent price hikes in electricity and gas charges were premature and the obstinacy of the Government and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in turning a deaf ear to consumer concerns about the numerous gas and electricity hikes is truly amazing.
"Electricity price rise due next January will mean that prices have increased by 60% over the last six years – with hard working families facing into another year of price hikes, coming after a series of ESB increases in the last number of years – 3% in Jan ‘06, 4% in Jan ‘05, 8.6% in Oct ‘04 and 5% in Jan ‘04.
"January’s price increase will mean Irish consumers will pay about 17.5% more for electricity than their British counterparts, facing an annual bill of approximately €900.
"In September, consumers were hit with a 33.84% hike in gas. This comes on top of the existing burden of high mortgages, long commute times and high childcare costs, all of which will only fully impact in mid 2007. Thanks to this increase the average Irish consumer will pay €1,200 a year for gas - almost €300 more than in Britain.
"The direct corollary is the Government gets a windfall in extra VAT rising from €116 million to €223 million between 2001 and 2005 and culminating, if the present trend continues, in a massive €362 million by the end of 2006 - a major win for the Government, a major loss for the domestic and industrial consumers.
"The net losers are, as usual, the householder, manufacturing and service industries. These additional hikes are placing a heavier burden on those families who are already overloaded and are a threat to the economy from the increasing lack of competitiveness in both the manufacturing and service sectors. To pile price increases on top of those who are already overburdened in this fashion is irresponsible at best and at worst cynical, but more seriously shows significant flaws in the regulatory system applied here."
Friday, November 03, 2006
Daly Marks another year on empty school site
Education planning in Kildare is a scandal
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, who is principal of Athy Community College, will today (Friday) mark the failure of the Department of Education to commence work on a new Community College for Athy by once again holding an outdoor civics class on the site of the proposed college.
“It is six years since Taoiseach Bertie Ahern planted a tree on the site of a proposed new Community College for Athy, when he promised speedy delivery.
“Once more, I am taking a class on this empty, greenfield site to highlight the frustration caused to pupils, parents and teachers by the Government’s failure to build the long-promised new Athy Community College,” said Cllr Daly
“Last year, I held an outdoor class on this site to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the failure to advance this project since the Taoiseach’s promise.
“The project was first promised by the Department of Education seven years ago. Following our protest last year the Department initiated a planning process and a meeting took place between interested parties and the Taoiseach.
“It will now be September, 2008 before Athy Community College is completed.
“The delay in building a new Athy Community College is an example of the ineptitude and out-dated methods which exist in the Department of Education.
“It will take nine years for this project, which was to be fast-tracked, to reach completion.
“Is it any wonder there are parts of Kildare with no school places available whatsoever?
“The Department is seriously in arrears in its building programme, but is not spending its annual budget.
“Towns and villages all over the county are awaiting primary schools which should have been constructed years ago.
“In Newbridge, there are no longer any remaining primary school places despite the fact that the Department was aware of an impending crisis some years ago.
“It appears that crisis stage has to be reached before the Minister for Education realises the obvious.
“I wonder how many other school principals will be forced to take similar drastic action to advance building programmes which lag behind population growth?” asked Cllr Daly.
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, who is principal of Athy Community College, will today (Friday) mark the failure of the Department of Education to commence work on a new Community College for Athy by once again holding an outdoor civics class on the site of the proposed college.
“It is six years since Taoiseach Bertie Ahern planted a tree on the site of a proposed new Community College for Athy, when he promised speedy delivery.
“Once more, I am taking a class on this empty, greenfield site to highlight the frustration caused to pupils, parents and teachers by the Government’s failure to build the long-promised new Athy Community College,” said Cllr Daly
“Last year, I held an outdoor class on this site to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the failure to advance this project since the Taoiseach’s promise.
“The project was first promised by the Department of Education seven years ago. Following our protest last year the Department initiated a planning process and a meeting took place between interested parties and the Taoiseach.
“It will now be September, 2008 before Athy Community College is completed.
“The delay in building a new Athy Community College is an example of the ineptitude and out-dated methods which exist in the Department of Education.
“It will take nine years for this project, which was to be fast-tracked, to reach completion.
“Is it any wonder there are parts of Kildare with no school places available whatsoever?
“The Department is seriously in arrears in its building programme, but is not spending its annual budget.
“Towns and villages all over the county are awaiting primary schools which should have been constructed years ago.
“In Newbridge, there are no longer any remaining primary school places despite the fact that the Department was aware of an impending crisis some years ago.
“It appears that crisis stage has to be reached before the Minister for Education realises the obvious.
“I wonder how many other school principals will be forced to take similar drastic action to advance building programmes which lag behind population growth?” asked Cllr Daly.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Daly calls for a national refuse waiver system
Following the announcement that Kildare County Council are considering privatising the refuse collection throughout the county Fine Gael General Election candidate Cllr Richard Daly says that the only people to suffer under this privatisation are the elderly and the lower income families.
“In the past we have seen privatisation of the refuse collection creating inequality throughout the county where some citizens benefit from waivers under the public system and others have no such facility under privatisation. I have highlighted this inequality in the past.
It is sad that those who least can afford it will be the losers in such a privatisation. The elderly and those who can ill afford it will loose all waivers and be forced to pay full price under private refuse collection.
A national waiver system must be introduced for those entitled to it to ensure a responsible and equitable approach to waste collection. We already have a problem of illegal dumping which will undoubtedly escalate if a large section of the county is forced to pay considerably more.
All political parties should be insisting on a national waiver system and in the shortest possible time” said cllr Daly
“In the past we have seen privatisation of the refuse collection creating inequality throughout the county where some citizens benefit from waivers under the public system and others have no such facility under privatisation. I have highlighted this inequality in the past.
It is sad that those who least can afford it will be the losers in such a privatisation. The elderly and those who can ill afford it will loose all waivers and be forced to pay full price under private refuse collection.
A national waiver system must be introduced for those entitled to it to ensure a responsible and equitable approach to waste collection. We already have a problem of illegal dumping which will undoubtedly escalate if a large section of the county is forced to pay considerably more.
All political parties should be insisting on a national waiver system and in the shortest possible time” said cllr Daly
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Crime and Safety are Major Issues for Kildare voters – Daly
Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly has said that residents throughout the constituency have complained about the escalation of crime and the fears for their personal safety and the protection of their property.
“We have seen in recent weeks newspaper headlines relating to thugs and vandalism in several Kildare towns, a lack of implementation of our laws to protect our citizens and a Garda force which is under resourced and understaffed as our population booms in the county.
The basic “life-threatening”issues of crime and health are what need to be addressed and urgently. Castledermot, Newbridge, Monasterevin and Athy have all been victims of thuggery and vandalism in the past couple of weeks while the promised resources to our Gardai have not arrived.
An under equipped Garda force cannot respond to the escalation of anti social behaviour and crime. The criticism on the doorstep is not about the Gardai, it is about the lack of Gardai.
Over the past nine years the current government has shown they incapable of addressing the crime issue which affects our county despite the billions of unexpected euro in the state coffers. Equipping our Gardai will not have an inflationary effect and the money is there .”said cllr Daly
“Lack of Garda numbers mean that responses have to be prioritized. The urgent takes precedence to the most important. Crime response replaces crime prevention. The force becomes a fire brigade instead of a community resource for prevention.
The powerless people in our towns and villages can rest assured that making Kildare a safe place to live is one of my main priorities. Our elderly must feel safe in their homes and we as a community must ensure that as a society we take steps to address the basic neglect of our citizens rights to security.
In order to give local residents the opportunity to express their views on the current situation in their community I am holding a Public Meeting in Monasterevin on the coming Wed (1st Nov) in the Hazel Hotel where members of the community will be invited to express their opinion.”
“We have seen in recent weeks newspaper headlines relating to thugs and vandalism in several Kildare towns, a lack of implementation of our laws to protect our citizens and a Garda force which is under resourced and understaffed as our population booms in the county.
The basic “life-threatening”issues of crime and health are what need to be addressed and urgently. Castledermot, Newbridge, Monasterevin and Athy have all been victims of thuggery and vandalism in the past couple of weeks while the promised resources to our Gardai have not arrived.
An under equipped Garda force cannot respond to the escalation of anti social behaviour and crime. The criticism on the doorstep is not about the Gardai, it is about the lack of Gardai.
Over the past nine years the current government has shown they incapable of addressing the crime issue which affects our county despite the billions of unexpected euro in the state coffers. Equipping our Gardai will not have an inflationary effect and the money is there .”said cllr Daly
“Lack of Garda numbers mean that responses have to be prioritized. The urgent takes precedence to the most important. Crime response replaces crime prevention. The force becomes a fire brigade instead of a community resource for prevention.
The powerless people in our towns and villages can rest assured that making Kildare a safe place to live is one of my main priorities. Our elderly must feel safe in their homes and we as a community must ensure that as a society we take steps to address the basic neglect of our citizens rights to security.
In order to give local residents the opportunity to express their views on the current situation in their community I am holding a Public Meeting in Monasterevin on the coming Wed (1st Nov) in the Hazel Hotel where members of the community will be invited to express their opinion.”
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Daly calls on Minister Power to protect the elderly -22-10-06
Despite another litany of promises, the Government has failed to follow
through with action to police standards in nursing homes, according to Fine
Gael General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly.
“If the test of any Government is how it cares for the elderly, the Fianna
Fáil/PD administration is a miserable failure and I am calling on Minister
Power to come to the assistance of this most vulnerable sector of our
community,” said Cllr Daly.
“Last May’s Prime Time Special highlighted the appalling treatment of
elderly residents at Leas Cross Nursing Home.
“Last June, the Government promised new law to allow for an independent
inspectorate, better enforcement and new national standards. It would also
allow the authorities to close a nursing home.
“Eighteen months on, little has improved, there is no new law, no national
standards, and very patchy enforcement.
“Last week, Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny read into the Dáil record some of
the findings of Professor, O’Neill who wrote the report on deaths at Leas
Cross.
“The findings were shocking and again highlighted the failure of the
inspection regime to police standards in nursing homes.
“Despite all their promise the Government has failed to follow through with
effective action and Minister Power as a Junior Minister in Health is in a
very strong position to be part of the solution.
“It is failing to deliver on a tough new nursing home inspectorate, despite
making 12 separate commitments to do so.
“The Bill setting up a new independent agency will not be published until
next year.
“Constantly long-fingering laws to ensure that Leas Cross never happens
again is one of the most searing indictments of the Government's attitude,”
said Cllr Daly.
Slow roll-out of Eircom broadband is costing money, jobs & investment in Kildare - Daly
Dutch broadband is ten times faster at half the price
Kildare South Fine Gael General Election candidate, Cllr Ricahrd Daly, has slammed Eircom for its slow progress in rolling out broadband and its refusal to upgrade telephone exchanges in rural areas.
“In some cases, it is taking up to 18 months to get a telephone line installed in parts of South Kildare, let alone broadband. There are still pockets of Kildare without broadband which were not included in last roll out.
“The recent announcement by Eircom that it will not upgrade exchanges with a thousand lines or less leaves rural Ireland in the lurch. Not alone is Eircom not prepared to provide the service themselves, but the company is actually blocking other telecoms companies that want to enter the market because of the failure of ComReg to insist on local loop unbundling.
“Minister Dempsey needs to re-evaluate what he considers a success in the roll-out of broadband when only 440 telephone exchanges out of 1,100 have been, or are going to be, upgraded.
“Irish broadband customers pay up to €50 a month for a broadband service that is much slower than other countries. It is clear that Minister Dempsey is not taking his responsibility seriously in terms of the roll-out of broadband.
“In The Netherlands, customers pay €22 a month for 20 megabyte broadband while Irish customers pay eircom more than twice as much for just one megabyte broadband.
“As a result, rural Ireland is losing, money, time, jobs and investment.”
(ENDS)
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