Bray cathaoirleach expresses solidarity with striking Roadstone workers

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District John Brady expressed solidarity and paid a visit to the striking Roadstone workers in Fassaroe, Bray. The workers in Bray have joined nearly 350 of their colleagues at 20 locations around the Country who are on strike since Monday last.

Speaking after visiting the workers in Bray the Cathaoirleach said "On Thursday i went to Roadstone in Fassaroe to show solidarity with the workers there who have been on strike since Monday after talks with management broke down. The workers join there colleagues in Arklow and approximately 350 workers in 20 other locations across the Country who as a last resort had no option but to take strike action".

Cllr Brady went onto say " Trade unions representing workers have engaged in negotiations with the management of Roadstone Woods Ltd in relation to cost reductions.  Management have been looking at reducing the payroll cost by €10 million over the next five years and it follows a cut of €6 million in payroll costs in 2012. Talks broke down over the weekend and unfortunately strike action had to be taken".

"When one looks at the huge bonuses given to directors of Roadstone as outlined at their AGM, i think its totally unacceptable for these big pay cuts to be imposed on ordinary workers which will inevitably inflict more financial hardship on them. This company is in profit and i think unfortunately a lot of big businesses are exploiting the recession purely to drive down wages for workers to satisfy the stock market and shareholders". 

Brady concluded "I pledged to do everything within my power to support the workers and i urge members of the public to do so also as whats happening in Roadstone will be somewhere else tomorrow unless we stick together. Support from the public towards the strikers has been fantastic and I'm asking people not to cross the picket line. Hopefully talks will resume and the exploitation of the workers in attempting to drive their wages down will cease". Ends 

Brady welcomes action to tackle derelict and dangerous buildings in Bray

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District John Brady has welcomed the action which has been taken to address two dangerous derelict buildings in Bray. Contractors moved onto the Old A O'Smiths site which is located on the Boghall Rd and also onto the old Haughtons factory at Adelaide Villas, this is the site where two firefighters lost their lives tackling a blaze in 2007. The contractors are securing and making safe both sites and it has been greeted with relief by the communities in both areas.

Speaking after visiting both sites the Cathaoirleach said "I welcome the fact that after lengthy campaigning and pressure from myself and the community action has finally commenced to make safe these very dangerous buildings. After continuous pressure from myself and local residents contractors moved into the building where Bray firemen Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy lost their lives in 2007. The remaining structure was classed as a dangerous structure and the owner was given one month to carry out a list of safety works or face a range of penalties. The work includes clearing out the site, demolishing the two story structure on site and removing parts of the boundary walls".

Brady continued "This week contractors also moved on the old A O'Smiths site which is located on the Boghall Rd. This was also a very dangerous building and children have regularly been seen playing around it. A number of months ago a blaze broke out on site after piles of illegally dumped rubbish which had been dumped inside the building had been set on fire. The building had also become a drug den and syringes were scattered all over the inside. Contractors have started to block up all the windows and doors with concrete blocks to restrict any entry in the dangerous building". 

The Cathaoirleach continued "Unfortunately its has taken far too long to get to this stage to ensure these buildings are made safe. It comes in the same week however that another derelict building on Ballywaltrim Lane was burnt to the ground. Wicklow County Council must ensure that all buildings that pose a risk to public safety are dealt with and the owners are held to account and forced to take responsibility. I am very conscious that securing these buildings and making them safe is only a short term solution. Long term solutions need to be looked at to ensure that the sites are put to good use in terms of creating new jobs or industry and also meeting the needs of the communities they are located".

He concluded by saying "I fully intend on ensuring that all derelict buildings or sites that pose a risk to the public are dealt with and that they don't become magnets for drug dealing or anti social behaviour and ultimately drag entire areas down. We need to look at positive and proactive ways in tackling the issue of derelict sites and using the powers that the council has at its disposal".

Wicklow Sinn Féin councillor John Brady makes history by becoming the first cathaoirleach of the new Municipal District of Bray

History was made last night at the inaugural meeting of the Municipal District of Bray council meeting when Sinn Féin councillor John Brady became its first cathaoirleach and the first Sinn Féin cathaoirleach of a local authority in Bray or Wicklow. Cllr Brady was nominated by his colleague Cllr Oliver O'Brien and was seconded by Cllr Brendan Thornhill.

Councillor Brady defeated Fianna Fail councillor Pat Vance 6-2 after securing the support of other independent councillors Fox and Behan along with Green Party councillor Steve Matthews.

Speaking at the council AGM councillor Brady said "It is with great personal pride that I take on this role which is historic for a number of reasons. Firstly because it’s the first time this position has been filled under the reconfiguration of local government by Phil Hogan and secondly it’s the first time a member of Sinn Féin has held the chair position of any council here in Bray."

"I want to be a champion of equality, an advocate for strong community and bearer of change.If, in twelve months’ time, I can look back on my term, if I can honestly say that I have taken the Cathaoirleach role into the homes, communities and work places of those whom this office represents, then I will be a proud republican activist."

Cllr Brady outlined his priorities for the coming year which include tackling the housing crisis, unemployment, suicide awareness, completion of the river Dargle Flood Protection Scheme and the restoration of the Peoples Park, a Full Time Fire Service for Bray and the development of the Florentine centre.

In his closing comments the new cathaoirleach outlined a number of new initiatives including the creation of the Cathaoirleachs community fund which will see up to 50% of his allowance as chairperson going directly back to community groups, clubs and organisations. A series of public meetings are also to be organised around Bray, Enniskerry, Kilmacanouge to ensure the work done on the new Municipal District Council of Bray is in line with the views of the citizens it represents and that it remains fully accountable to them and no other vested interests.

Below is the full text of the Cathaoirleachs speech.

It is a magnificent honour to be nominated and elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray, which includes Kilmacanouge and Enniskerry.

In 2004 I became the first republican to sit here in the town hall since the murder of Seamus Costello in 1977. Now 10 years after me being first being elected by the people of Bray I have been given the honour of sitting here in this chair as the first Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray.

I want to thank my Colleague Cllr Oliver O’Brien for proposing me and Cllr Brendan Thornhill for seconding me. I also want to thank my family, Gayle, Meghan, Saoirse, Siobhraidh, Oisin and Croía for their continued support and for putting up with me. I also want to thank my supporters and the citizens of Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmac for giving me a continued mandate to represent them. I also want to thank my colleague Rossa Murray who for the last 5 years sat along side me on Bray Town Council and made my life so much easier. 

If, in twelve months’ time, I can look back on my term, if I can honestly say that I have taken the Cathaoirleach role into the homes, communities and work places of those whom this office represents, then I will be a proud republican activist. 

I want to be a champion of equality, an advocate for strong community and bearer of change.

The local and European elections brought about significant political change. After six years of social and economic crisis and seven harsh austerity budgets people have had enough.

Sinn Féin was returned to Wicklow County council with 6 representatives with 2 of those coming from here, the Municipal of Bray. We are now the largest political party on the council here in Bray. With our new political strength there also comes a huge responsibility.

Those of us elected to this Council, from all parties, have a responsibility to work together to make life better for the people we represent.

I look forward to working constructively and positively with all councillors elected to deliver for the people of Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmacanouge.

I want to be a Cathaoirleach for all of the people of this district. But in particular I want to be a voice for those who have been left out or left behind. I want to be a campaigning Cathaoirleach – campaigning for change, for inclusion, for equality.

My priorities for the year will be;

- To highlight and find solutions for the ongoing housing and homeless crisis in the area and across the State.

- Suicide awareness  

- To promote practical solutions to the unemployment crisis and help build Bray as a positive retail destination

-  A full time fire service for Bray

- Resumption and completion of work on the Dargle River Flood Protection scheme and the restoration of the People Park

-  To ensure a programme is implemented so the millions in unspent Bray Town Council Development monies are spent on projects in the locality. 

HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

We are in the midst of the worst housing crisis in modern history. Almost 4,200 households across Wicklow are on the waiting list, nearly 1,200 in the northern part of the County. A growing number of families are sleeping tonight in local hotels/hostels because they cannot afford the rent in private accommodation and the council is unable to house them and indeed we have people sleeping on the streets here in Bray.

Since 2008 Government funding for social housing has been cut by 90%.

The solution to the housing crisis is very simple – we need to build more social houses.

As Cathaoirleach I pledge to use my office to highlight this crisis. To put a human face on the suffering of thousands of families who do not have a home of their own.

I also pledge to promote meaningful solutions to this crisis.

Local government must be able to meet peoples housing need. We need to have the money to build and buy more social houses.

There is a housing crisis and we as a council must act to ensure that changes are made to allow us to work towards dealing with the crisis.

Suicide Awareness

We have unfortunately lost many of our family members, friends, and community to suicide. Many of those where young bright people when thought they had no alternative. I want to use my position over the coming year to lift the taboo on this issue, speak about it and work with the many excellent groups and organisations out there dealing with the issue, I believe this council can play a proactive role on this issue.

     

UNEMPLOYMENT

In Bray there are 4,944 people unemployed. We need to work together to get Bray working again. During my year as Cathaoirleach I will engage with youth organizations, trade unions, business groups, employers and young people themselves to debate and promote practical solutions that will give people hope and get people working. I will work to ensure that Bray becomes a major retail destination again and that the Florentine development is central to that and that we reach our tourist potential. 

Full Time Fire Service

For many years I like many people including Margret Cahill have called for the provision of a full time fire service in the town. Our history unfortunately shows clearly that we need one, we have a station purposely built to house one and unfortunately the funding hasn’t followed from central government. I intend on using my year in office in a positive way to advance to provision of a full time fire service in Bray.  

I look forward to the months ahead in my new role, not just as a Sinn Féin Cathaoirleach but one for all of the people living in Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmacanouge. I will endeavour to be fair as the Chairperson of Council meetings and provide everyone with equal time and opportunity, regardless of political orientation.

I want to state that we are very lucky to have a flexible, professional, innovative and committed team and workforce in the Municipal District council. We need to get to grips with all our new roles and functions as quickly as possible and I will ensure that training for councillors will be provided if required.  I also intend on developing a strong working relationship with Comhairle na nÓg and ensuring they can play a constructive role within this council.

I’m genuinely looking forward to working closely with the manager, other senior officials and their team in the coming year.

While I as one individual don’t have the solutions to tackle every problem we may encounter, together as elected representatives, staff and residents we have the knowledge and ability to make great progress in the coming year.

As we approach the 100 anniversary of the 1916 Rising I believe we need to start our plans to remember, learn and commemorate the birth of our Republic, I will bring forward plans for that in the near future, in the meantime we as a council should endeavour to ‘Cherish all the children equally’ as is stated in our proclamation of Independence. Tackling inequality and ensuring every single person has the opportunity and the means to live a full and happy life is the greatest challenge facing the leadership of our Municipal District.

I am resolved to be relentlessly positive about our community and to work hard with everyone to make our county and our district a place for everyone. I want to be ensure equality and community thrive in our area, that means that no matter if your if your black or white, Gay lesbian or straight, able-bodied or have a disability, a member of the travelling community or from the settled community, that you will be treated with respect and equality and that you can be proud to be a part of our community.

Over the coming months I plan on setting up the Cathaoirleach community fund. With this I plan on distributing up to 50% of my allowances as Chairperson back into the community. I as Cathaoirleach also plan on organising a number of public meetings in several locations across Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmacanouge to ensure the work done here on the council is in line with the views of the citizens we represent and that we remain fully accountable to them and no other vested interests. I will bring forward details of both initiatives in the near future.

I am up for the challenge over the next 12 months and look forward to working with all of you to realize that vision.

Go raibh mhaith agaibh. 

Ends

Accountability and answers needed after damming verdict returned at inquest into the deaths of Bray Firefighters

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady was welcomed the unanimous decision of the jury at the coroners court who returned narrative verdicts into the deaths of Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy who died whilst tackling a blaze in Bray on 26th September 2007. The damming verdict of Wicklow County Council was returned after 17 days of evidence, but answers are still needed from senior officials in Wicklow County Council as to why they refused to cooperate fully with the HSA and the Gardaí and why they refused to answer 1300 questions that were put to them.

After the verdict was returned Cllr Brady stated “I fully welcome the Narrative verdict which was unanimously returned by the jury at the inquest into the deaths of Bray firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy. After listen to the evidence over 17 long days the coroner allowed them mention the risk factors that caused or contributed to the circumstances relating to the men’s deaths. I still however believe that Senior Officials in the County Council have serious questions to answer around the management, operation and handling of the fire service prior to the men’s deaths and their lack of cooperation in the subsequent Health and Safety Authority and Garda investigations”.

Councillor Brady continued “In 2005 the late Brian Murray and other fire fighters staged a walkout of Bray Fire station; this was an attempt to get series issues of concern in the fire service addressed by Wicklow County Council. On that day in 2005 I was to only councillor to meet the men and listen to their serious concerns. The damming verdict returned by the jury late on Friday, found that Wicklow County council had failed to maintain the vital communications systems in Bray and Greystones fire stations. They further found there was an absence of specific instructions relating to Pre-Determined Attendances (PDAs) as to how fire fighters should respond to a series of given situations. These are just some of the issues that Brian Murray raised with me and senior officials in Wicklow in 2005. These issues were ignored when I raised them at council level and ultimately became contributory factors in the deaths of both Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy 2 years later”.

Cllr Brady went onto say “The verdict has upheld the good names of both Brian and Mark who paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving their community. It has been very difficult sitting in the coroner’s court over 17 days listening to the council trying to effectively blame the 2 men for their own deaths. Both families and I have been vindicated in our views that the men’s deaths were not a tragic accident, but as a result of the systematic failure of the system and those that presided over it in Wicklow County Council. I believe Wicklow County Council must now apologise to the families of Brian and Mark for the men's deaths. It was difficult for the families to listen to the evidence heard at the inquest over the 17 days. It was very detailed and painful for them to relive those terrible days, however it was remarkable to hear that whilst Brian and Mark were lying in the morgue on the day after the fire the County Manager Eddie Sheehy organised a big dinner for himself along with the then Chief Fire officer James Dunphy, Director of Services Bryan Doyle, senior council official Tom Murphy and the Senior Assistant Fire Officers Joanne O'Connor and Tadgh O'Shea in the Druids Glen. It appears that getting their story straight over remorse or compassion was their priority in the aftermath of the mens deaths".

“What we need now is accountability, 2 men are dead and the Wicklow County Manager, Eddie Sheehy, the man that presided over the system that allowed them to die must ultimately be held to account. I believe he had not only failed to cooperate fully into the investigation that led to the need by the Gardaí to raid the County Buildings he has also brought the fire service and Wicklow County Council into disrepute. He needs to explain why he and others arrested as part of the investigation refused to answer over1300 questions that were put to them. The people of Wicklow have no faith or confidence in him nor the remaining Senior Assistant Fire Officers Joanne O’Connor and Tadgh O’Shea who were also arrested and presided over the flawed system that allowed the men to die in 2007. For accountability and confidence to be restored these three need to be immediately removed from their positions” continued Brady

The Sinn Féin councillor concluded “The jury found the Council, following the purchase of a new fire tender in 2007, had failed to follow up “with appropriate training for all firefighting personnel” in the use of the Compressed Air Foam System (CAFs) which was on the new tender. In the case of the death of Mark O’Shaughnessy, the jury held specifically that he had received no CAFs training whatsoever. The Chief Fire officer for Wicklow at the time of the men’s deaths James Dunphy has subsequently retired on what I would imagine is a substantial pension. This is an unbelievable situation that the people that put fire fighters on the front line to tackle serious fires with both hands tied behind their backs and ultimately die are rewarded with golden handshakes. There is something rotten with the system that allows that. We need to learn from the deaths of Brian and Mark and never allow them happen again, people need to be held to account and not rewarded for their incompetence and failures”

Wicklow Councillors shamefully break commitments given to families of Bray Firefighters

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has hit out at Councillors from across Wicklow for shamefully making false promises to the families of the two Bray Firemen, Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy who died in a blaze in Bray in 2007 and for letting them down by not turning up as promised, to the inquest into the men's deaths that resumed in the Coroners court on Thursday last.

The councillor who has been present at the coroners court since the outset said "I am very disappointed that not one other councillor from Wicklow made the effort to attend the coroners court to hear the evidence at the inquest into the deaths of Bray firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy. The inquest resumed on Thursday last after being adjourned on March 6th. The inquest was adjourned and a lot of focus had been placed on a canister that had appeared in some of the pictures at the scene the day after the fire that weren't pictured at the scene by the Garda Forensic Unit on the day of the fire".

Cllr Brady continued "A subsequent special meeting of the County Council was called and was held on Monday 14th March to discuss the issue and the new evidence that had been heard at the inquest. Unfortunately after a circling of the wagons again on the issue by Fianna Fáil, Labour and Fine Gael and the pandering by the chairperson of the Council Jimmy O'Shaughnessy to the officials of the council the discussion was shut down and kicked to touch. However councillors from across the political spectrum stated in front of the families of Brian and Mark who attended the council meeting, that they would attend the Coroners court when the inquest resumed on 1st May. They were falling over each other on the issue saying that they couldnt talk about it at the council meeting but would attend the inquset to listen to the evidence of members of the Garda Forensic Unit and also the councils so called expert witness Michael Slattery, would carried out a report on the incident on behalf of the council".

"However quite surprisingly, not one councillor from any other party apart from myself bothered to attend when the inquest resumed. Is it any wonder people are so cynical of politicians and the promises they make. The deaths of Brian and Mark was a black day for Bray and Wicklow, not only did we loose two brave firemen, Wicklow County Council lost two employees. The councillors elected to Wicklow County Council are elected to represent all the people of Wicklow, they gave a commitment to the families after refusing to debate this serious issue on 14th March to attend the court and listen to the evidence, they unfortunately have broken this promise and have let both families down". continued Brady.

The Wicklow councillor concluded by saying "I urge the Councillors who claim to be representing the people of Wicklow to start doing so. Its not good enough to make false promises, or are they taking a leaf from the book of Pat Rabbitte who seems to think that making false promises is the type of thing you do around election time. These so called public representatives need to put the interests of the citizens of Wicklow ahead of their own reelection campaigns. I'm asking them to put aside a couple of days of their canvassing to attend the coroners court over the next week when the inquest continues".

Serious questions need to be answered on the water shut off from Vartry Reservoir in Roundwood to Wicklow

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has raised serious concerns in relation to the water shut off in the northeastern part of Wicklow. Water from the Vartry Water Treatment plant in Roundwood has been effected by water production problems since Thursday last and residents have had water pressure reduced or shut off since then. A recurrence of last years algae problem at the reservoir appears to be the problem.

Cllr Brady said "I have been inundated with calls and emails from residents from the Enniskerry, Kilmacanogue and Kilpedder areas who have either had reduced or no water since Thursday of last week. They have had no information on the nature of the problem or how long its expected to last. The Vartry reservoir in Roundwood is controlled by Dublin City Council and unfortunately residents have been kept in the dark on this problem as there seems to be a breakdown in communications between Dublin and Wicklow Councils. The seriousness of the problem seems to have escalated over the weekend and many areas now have no water. Little or no information is coming for either Wicklowor Dublin councils to residents and this needs to change".

Cllr Brady went on to say "I have spoken to engineers who have said that the problem is an algae bloom on the reservoir, this is a recurrence of the problem that effected the water supply this time last year. The problem went on for a numbers of weeks and effected many homes and business's leaving many without water for lengthily periods. It is incredible that one year on residents are now left in the same situation and still completely in the dark". 

"Not only do the residents and businesses need the water back immediately, A number of questions need to be answered as to how this problem can occur again within a year? and what preventative measures have been taken by Dublin City Council to stop the problem?" continued Brady.

The councillor concluded "I have asked for a suspension of standing orders at today's County Council meeting to discuss this very important issue. Its not acceptable in this day and age that people are left without any water, this comes at a time when water meters are being installed to try force people to pay for water. I will be requesting that more water tankers are made available in all effected areas to ensure everyone has access to clean water and that Wicklow is not adversely effected by the water being cut or reduced to ensure County Dublin's water supply is maintained. Ultimately this problem needs to be resolved as quickly as possible and that it doesn't happen again, i will also be having the issue raised in the Dáil to ensure that the Minister and Irish Water are also made aware to ensure its resolved". 

Brady expresses concern as public toilets remain locked and litter bins overflow on Bray Seafront

Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has expressed concerns about the negative impact the Government's overtime and recruitment ban is having on Wicklow, its public amenities and the potential damage its inflicting on tourism. He expressed his concerns following the Easter Bank Holiday weekend which seen the litter bins overflowing on Bray Seafront and the public toilets remaining closed on Friday, because no one from the council was available to open them.

Cllr Brady said "Over the weekend i had been contacted by a number of business people and members of the public in relation to the seafront area of Bray. On Good Friday the public toilets on the seafront remained closed all day long. When i contacted the council i was informed this was down to staffing issues. I informed them that it was not acceptable that they remain closed and i asked them to ensure they were opened for the remainder of the weekend. A substantial refurbishment of the toilets was recently carried out and to have them closed when the seafront is packed with both local people and visitors to the town sends out all the wrong signals".

He went onto say "The problems in the area were further compounded on Monday when the bins in the area were left overflowing and were not emptied until Tuesday morning. The rubbish was blowing all over the area and many people were left with a negative impression of the seafront and of the town".

"Normally the area is kept to the highest of standards by the council outdoor staff. Everyone that visits Bray always have nothing but good to say about the seafront. I am concerned however that the overtime and recruitment ban that the government have in place is having a negative impact on the excellent work that's carried out in the area. Overflowing bins and locked public toilets don't portray a good image and it has the potential to damage the area as an attraction for tourists" continued Brady.

Cllr Brady concluded "I am calling on both the government and the council to ensure that the proper resources are put into maintaining our public amenities and to ensure the overtime ban is lifted to ensure that areas like the seafront in Bray get the staff that are needed to maintain it at critical times such as weekends and Bank Holiday's. We need to be doing everything possible to sell the town in a positive light to exploit its tourist potential, the solution to this problem is simple and i urge the Government TDs to use their power to ensure the crazy overtime ban is lifted to ensure we don't have a re occurrence of weekends such as this".

Wicklow Sinn Féin hold Annual Easter 1916 Commemoration in Bray

Wicklow Sinn Féin held their Easter 1916 County commemoration in Bray on Easter Monday. A large crowd was led by the Rising Phoenix Republican Flute Band. An all female colour party carried the flags, this was to mark the 100 anniversary of the formation of Cumann na mBan. 

The rally was led to the 1798 monument on Castle Street and the proceedings were chaired by Bray Sinn Féin representative Oliver O'Brien. He welcomed the large crowd to the 98 anniversary of the Easter Rising and called on Mary McDonald from Arklow to read the Proclamation of Independence. A wreath was laid to remember all who lost their lives in the struggle for Irish Independence. Oliver O' Brien then introduced the main speaker, Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady.

In the main oration Councillor Brady welcomed the large crowd and said it was time to rededicate ourselves to the Republic that was declared 98 years ago, he went onto say "In two years time, we will celebrate the centenary of the Rising. That will be an occasion to both reflect upon the legacy of the Rising and the Proclamation, and what they must mean for the future. It is an opportunity to build a popular national consciousness on the true values of the Proclamation, and to encourage Irish citizens and the Diaspora to reclaim the spirit of 1916".

He went onto say "Sinn Féin is about realising the vision of 1916 and making the noble ideals contained in the Proclamation a reality for Irish people. We seek to undo the ‘carnival of reaction’ initiated by the partition of our country. Sinn Féin wants to see the reconquest of Ireland by the people of Ireland — a real republic where the citizens and not vested interests — whether in politics, banking, the institutions of state or foreign governments— are in control"

Brady continued "Our vision is of a New Republic for the 21st century, which - like the Proclamation of 1916 - guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities for all citizens; cherishes all the children of the nation equally and is anti-sectarian. This means equal rights for those in same sex relationships, ethnic minorities and those of all creeds and none"

"The enforced austerity by the coalition in Dublin and the coalition in London is the antithesis of everything the Rising and Proclamation envisaged. To stand for the ideals of 1916, must mean standing against austerity; and standing up for the vulnerable, those unable to care for themselves, and the working poor, north and south" continued Brady.

He concluded his oration by saying "Elections have always provided a platform for advancing the republican cause. The Local and EU elections in a few weeks time – where every voter in Ireland, North and South, has the chance to vote Sinn Féin, offers republicans an opportunity to significantly advance the cause of an Irish Republic".

The commemoration ended with the playing of the National Anthem before marching back up to the Town Hall

Shopfront Grant Scheme should be extended to cover the Little Bray Area

Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has called on Bray Town Council to extend the Shopfront Grant Scheme to cover the Castle Street area of Little Bray. The scheme currently only covers the Main Street area and provides a grant of up to 50% of the costs of replacing the shopfronts by retailers.

Whilst welcoming the scheme Councillor Brady said "This is a good scheme that can provided a grant of 50% for works less than €6,000 and 40% for works exceeding that amount and over up to a maximum grant of €7,500.00. I welcome the scheme and I believe the scheme if bought into by the retailers will greatly enhance the town and I urge all retailers to look at it and make an application".

"I do however believe the catchment area for the grant should be extended. Currently the scheme will apply to all existing independent retailers situated on Main Street from Bray Bridge to the Town Hall Area. However I believe it should be extended to all the retailers and rate payers in the town including the Castle Street area. Little Bray is nearly always forgotten about, but it also plays a key roll in retail in the town and it should be included" continued Brady.

Brady continued "This scheme is aimed at improving the appearance of shopfronts in the town and this will include removing the external shutters and placing them inside the front window of the store along with replacing and improving the fascia’s and signage. Castle Street is one of the main routes into the town and has a lot of retail units along it. I have been approached by a number of interested retailers from the area about the grant scheme who want to try improve their units also. Unfortunately the current terms of the grant exclude them from applying. I am now calling on Bray Town Council to extend the scheme to cover the area because it will benefit all other areas of the town also by enhancing and improving the area".

Brady concluded "The closing date for applications is 2nd May 2014 and I urge all retailers to have a look at the scheme and make an application. More information on the scheme can be obtained on the council website or by contacting me".

Fianna Fáil labelled as Politically Opportunistic Hypocrites on water charges

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady and Bray representative Oliver O’Brien have hit out at Fianna Fáil and called them hypocrites on the issue of water charges. They went further to say that both Fine Gael and Labour are trying to spin their way through the upcoming elections by attempting to fool the electorate.

Speaking after the news on Wednesday that households would pay an average of at least €240 a year for the next two years for water charges, Councillor Brady said “Over the last few days there has been a lot of media focus on the issue of water charges. Sinn Féin and I have been consistent in our opposition to water charges because they are a flat aggressive tax that will impact most on working families. However the sheer opportunistic hypocrisy from Fianna Fáil on the issue is unbelievable”.

Oliver O’Brien “Over the last few days we have seen Fianna Fáil local election candidates issue statements condemn Fine Gael and Labour over water charges. The reality is Fianna Fáil first proposed water charges in their National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014, that plan envisaged an average charge of €400. This is nothing but pure political opportunistic hypocrisy from the party that brought the Country to its knees”.

Brady continued “On Wednesday last we heard Enda Kenny say that he expects the average bill for water will be €240 a year. The bottom line is the proposed Water Charges are another tax on struggling families, are unfair and unjust, and make no economic sense. Once introduced Water Charges would be increased over time and ultimately privatised. The spin coming from Fine Gael and in particular the Labour party is a clear attempt to spin their way through the upcoming election. Irrespective as to how much a standing charge is forcing people to pay another stealth tax, particularly for water is unjust”.

Oliver concluded “The Government’s Water Charge is borrowed from Fianna Fáil and opposed at that time by the Labour Party, is another tax on top of all the other taxes and charges faced by struggling families, who have already been hit with an unprecedented list of taxes and stealth charges. In the upcoming elections people will have an ideal chance to pass judgement on the government and Fianna Fáil on this and other issues.  Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil are all cut from the same cloth and they should be held to account for their actions”.

An Post called on to intervene to secure future of Little Bray Post Office

Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has called on An Post to intervene to save the post office in Little Bray. The post office opened in theCostcutters store at Sunnybank in 2011 after a campaign by Sinn Féin, however the future of the post office has been uncertain since theCostcutter store closed in November 2013.

Councillor Brady said "Following a successful campaign by Sinn Féin to have a post office opened in Little Bray, one opened in theCostcutters store at Sunnybank on the Upper Dargle Road. The post office which is a huge benefit to the entire Little Bray area was located In the Costcutters store".

"Unfortunately Costcutters closed last November leaving the In store post office open in the back of the large unit. This was deemed a temporary arrangement until a new tenant was found. Security concerns have been raised for both the staff and users of the post office and going forward it appears that the current situation is not tenable and it's future uncertain" continued Brady.

"The management of the post office have identified an alternative premises for the post office in the Little Bray area to ensure the community continue to have the critical and excellent services of the post office. However it's estimated the move will cost in the region of €36,000 which the Postmistress of the post office is expected to foot".

Councillor Brady concluded "An Post are the ones putting pressure on the postmistress to make the move to a new premises. I think it's grossly unfair to expect the postmistress to foot the huge cost. I have contacted the Chief Executive of An Post Donal Connell to ensure there is assistance given to cover the cost of the move. It is important that the post office is retained in Little Bray and the uncertainty of its future must be brought to an end, this can only be done by An Post, they need to put the needs of the community first. My colleague Councillor Rossa Murray and I led a campaign to secure the post office for the area and we will fight even harder to ensure it stays".

Brady welcomes the Wind Turbine Legislation Bill

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has welcomed the news that the government will not oppose the Wind Turbine Legislation Bill that Sinn Féin has proposed. The Bill if enacted will see strict regulation of the location and operation of wind farms. The Bill that would replace the existing guidelines with a statutory provision for setback distances of ten times the height of a wind turbine.

The legislation would also prevent electricity generated from wind being exported before Ireland achieves its targets in renewable energy.

Councillor Brady said “Wind farms have become a huge cause of concern here in Wicklow and the proposal for industrial scale wind farms has generated massive debate and a lot of local opposition. We have seen applications for turbines of a height and size never seen before in this country. Many people are frightened by the prospect of huge turbines being erected in their hundreds and the impact that would have on the landscape and potentially on the quality of people’s lives.  Due to the concerns of the public in Wicklow a review of the County Council Development Plan is ongoing and a council meeting will take place on April 28^th to discuss the proposed amendments to the plan.

“We clearly need planning regulations that are fit for purpose and are mandatory rather than voluntary or suggestions. One of the key proposals in this Bill that the government has stated it will not oppose is that there is a minimum setback distance of ten times the height of the turbines. All proposed wind farms must also comply with and be consistent with County Development plans, and that they cannot be over ridden by the Strategic Infrastructure Act of 2006. Wind farms must be located in areas zoned by local councillors.

“While the export of electricity from wind and other renewable sources has a lot of potential for this country in the future, we should be reducing our own dependency on imported fossil fuels, before we go down that road. This Bill will also prevent electricity generated from wind being exported before Ireland achieves its targets in renewable energy. There is huge opposition to Wind Farms in the UK and we can’t allow Ireland to become blighted with wind turbines solely to supply the UK market” concluded Brady. Ends

Bray Town Council must act on former Superquinn site on Southern Cross

Bray Sinn Féin election candidate Oliver O'Brien has called on Bray Town Council to act to ensure that dumping and other illegal activities are ended at a site on the Southern Cross Road that was due to be development as part of the Superquinn chain of supermarkets.  He made the call after meeting with the residents association of the neighbouring Deer Park, Whiteoaks, Heatherwood and Ard Na Greine estates, he further went onto say that ultimately whats needed is the development of the site for the purpose it was zoned to provide services for the residents in the area.

After meeting the residents association Oliver said "The saga of the undeveloped Superquinn site has now been dragging on for many years and unfortunately has been left in a limbo since Musgraves took over Superquinn last year. The residents of the Southerncross area have not only been left without critical infrastructure such as a shop, they have been left with a large site where illegal dumping is rampant. I am now calling on the council to ensure the owner of the site has it cleaned up, secured and that the council us all its influence to ensure that the site is developed in accordance with the planning permission that was granted".

"In 2007 the councillors on Bray Town Council voted to dispose of their interests in 1.78 acres of the site for €14.4million. Planning permission was granted for a supermarket and other ancillary neighbourhood uses, it also has planning for a 6 screen cinema. There is a financial clause in the contract the council made with the owner of the site to keep pressure on them to ensure it was developed, this clause now needs to be enforced" continued O'Brien

"The residents along the Southerncross are long overdue the local infrastructure that's so badly needed. Bray also badly needs a cinema and the residents in the neighbouring estates of Deer Park, Heatherwood, White Oaks, Ard Na Greine and Mountain View Drive need the anti social behaviour to stop, the site secured and cleaned up. My colleague councillor John Brady has constantly been raising this at council level and the council must now act under the powers they have under the Litter Act and also the clause they have dating back to the time of the sale of the site in 2007" concluded O'Brien.

The importance of using your hard won vote

On May 23^rd we will be able to shape our future by exercising our democratic right to vote in the Local Government and European Elections. Unfortunately a sizable percentage of the Irish electorate either don’t bother coming out to help shape their future or are simply not registered to vote. In the last local elections only 57.7% voted, in the general election in 2011 69.19% of voters exercised their right to vote.

There are many reasons why people don’t engage in the democratic process. I think it’s really unfortunate and disappointing that such a large percentage of the electorate don’t come out and have their say. When we look at images from countries such as South Africa and the thousands of people queuing up, in many cases for hours on end to vote in the Country’s first free election, which was held 27 April 1994. Democracy and the right to vote has been a long tough fight and is only a fairly new concept here in Ireland, unfortunately people take it for granted and don’t see the importance of it and how it effects them on a daily basis.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, the suffragette movement fought a campaign to get women the right to vote. Demonstrations included chaining themselves to railings and setting fire to mailbox contents. One woman, Emily Davison, died at the Epsom Derby when she was run down by the King's horse. Many suffragettes were imprisoned in Holloway Prison in London, and were force-fed after going on hunger strike. It wasn’t until 1918 that women first cast here were allowed to vote in the general election after winning the right to Universal suffrage in 1918. But their trip to the polls came with certain conditions - they had to be over thirty years of age and land owners. Constance Markievicz who gained 7,835 votes in a Dublin constituency and became the first woman elected MP to the Westminster Parliament. She did not take her seat in Westminster and became Minister for Labour in the First Dáil.

Before the Electoral Act of 1968-9, government elections in Northern Ireland allowed owners of businesses to cast more than one vote. This ensured the Unionists controlled the 6 counties and ultimately led to the Civil Rights campaign and one of the key demands of ‘One man, one Vote’. It was a real case of we are all equal, but some are more equal than others.  African-Americans only won the right to vote through the Voting Rights Act of 1965 after a lengthy campaign. The act expanded federal authority over states to ensure black political participation through protection of voter registration and elections.

Unfortunately the right to vote here is taken for granted and some voters have been turned off politics by previous experiences or interactions with politicians or witnessing how successive governments disregard the electorate once they take power. Democracy in Ireland is for one day every five years, then a select few implement what they think the people want as opposed to doing the job they are elected to do which is represent the people. I believe Sinn Féin and I are different, I believe in a Participatory democracy, were the needs and views of the people are paramount.

More needs to be done to educate and show people the importance of voting and how politics affect most things in your daily life, everything from the price of a pint of milk to the cost of petrol, from the number of children in a class to the type of community you live.  On Friday May 23^rd people in Wicklow will have the privilege of voting to elect people to represent them on Wicklow County Council and also in the European Parliament.  By not voting you are ensuring that the status quo remains. That status quo is the system operated by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour. A system that have destroyed our economy resulting in high unemployment, emigration, front line services decimated, more taxes and a system with a total lack of accountability or transparency.

Sinn Fein wants to end that system to ensure people and communities in Wicklow come first. We are standing a great team of candidate’s right across the County and we have an excellent European candidate Liadh NÍ Riada. It’s important firstly to ensure you are registered to vote and you can do so by checking www.checktheregister.ie or contacting any of the Sinn Féin candidates.

If not registered you have until May 6^th to do so by filling out a RFA2 form

http://www.checktheregister.ie/appforms/RFA2_English_Form.pdf

Voting will take place on Friday 23 May 2014. Polling will be between the hours of 7am and 10pm on that day.

Please remember the long and hard struggle that was fought to ensure you have the right of a vote, it only takes a few minutes to do so. Remember that if you don’t you have no right to sit at home and criticise the government for making cuts or increasing taxes or the lack of facilities in your community, you have a powerful weapon and that’s your vote, so please use it.

Brady calls on Lidl to Live up to their Social Obligations

Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has called on Wicklow County Council to redouble their efforts to get additional sites for recycling bring banks in the Little Bray area of the town. Currently there is only one bring centre in the area which is located at the Community Centre in Fassaroe.

Speaking after raising the issue at a recent council meeting councillor Brady said "I have been contacted by a number of constituents who were voicing their concerns about the lack of recycling facilities in the Little Bray area. The Community Centre in Fassaroe has a bring centre allowing people dispose of their beverage cans and bottles. However this is the only one in the Little Bray area. Previously there had been one located in the car park of Super Value or Superquinn as it was then, however this was removed to facilitate works and has never been reinstated. The Community Centre in Fassaroe provides an excellent option for people with their recycling, but its not a realistic option for people living along Castle street or Dwyer park".

Cllr Brady continued "I think the County council must redouble their efforts to find an additional site or sites in the area. I have written to the management of the Lidl store which is located on the Old Dublin Road and asked them to change their policy of not allowing bottle banks to be located at any of their stores. I believe there is ample space on the site of the old Industrial Yarns to accommodate a bring centre to give people in the Little Bray area another option to the only one that exists in Fassaroe".

"With waste costs increasing more and more people want to recycle to keep their bills down, however it makes no sense either financially or environmentally to jump into a car and drive with your recycling to a bring centre. They should be within walking distance for them be effective. There are concerns from some members of the public when bottle banks are located in residential areas, however the site at Lidl which is very assessable is not located near any residential properties. I urge the management of the store at a national level to live up to their social obligations and change their current policies of not allowing bottle banks. I also call on the environment section of Wicklow County Council to continue their work in trying to identify a site in the Little Bray area" concluded Brady.