Brady critical of deal with developer to take financial contribution instead of 20% social housing

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has expressed deep disappointment that the largest residential development in North Wicklow for number of years was given the go ahead by the council without any provision for social housing. The council took a decision to take a financial contribution in the development in Bray instead of a 20% provision of social housing.

Speaking about the decision taken by Bray Town Council before it's abolishment councillor Brady said "I'm shocked and extremely disappointed that in the midst of a housing crisis the council in Bray would decided to take a financial contribution as opposed to taking the badly needed 20% social housing which it's entitled to under Part V of the Housing Act. The deal appears to have been struck in 2012, however Councillors were only informed at a recent council meeting following questions from myself."

Brady continued "The development on the Herbert Road in Bray will see 24 houses and 24 apartments constructed. It is the largest residential development to take place in North Wicklow for the last 5 years, and could have seen up to 9 social housing units if the council took the 20% social housing allocation in the development. Unfortunately the council decided to use a mechanism in the planning legislation to allow the developer pay a levy instead of providing the social houses."

"We are in the middle of a housing crisis due to the flawed housing policies of Fine Gael and Labour who are refusing to build any new social housing. The result of that is here in Wicklow we have up to 3,000 families on housing lists, nearly 1,000 in the Bray area alone. The provision of 9 housing units in this development would have given some hope to a few families that are badly in need of housing, some of which whom are currently homeless. It would have also shown that the council is treating the crisis as a reality and one it's doing everything in its power to address."

Brady concluded "Unfortunately the council in Bray decided to strike a deal with a developer a take a financial contribution that will go into a black hole in the council coffers. The only thing this decision does is allows the developer make more money selling the housing units due to the fact they are an exclusive development which is social housing free. I'm deeply disappointed at this bad decision taken by the council and it begs the question is the council serious about tackling the housing crisis. Thankfully the Minister is currently looking at changing to legislation and possibly removing the ability of developers to buy their way out of providing social housing." Ends

Brady calls on communities to mobilise for Right2water rallies across Wicklow on 1 November

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has called for the largest turnout possible at the ‘Right2Water’ mobilisations planned for across Wicklow on Saturday November 1st.

Councillor Brady said "Following on from the massive show of opposition in Dublin last month to the unjust water charges, the next stage of the Right2water campaign will see local protests being held in towns and villages right across the state and that includes here in Wicklow. There are a number of protests organised for Saturday 1 November in Wicklow and I urge as many as possible to turnout to their local protests that will be held in Bray, Greystones, Wicklow Town, Arklow and Blessington."

"Right2Water.ie is a public campaign by activists, citizens, community groups, political parties/individuals and trade unionists who are calling for the Government to recognise and legislate for access to water as a human right. We are demanding the Government abolish the planned introduction of water charges."

Brady continued “Sinn Féin’s message is clear – we are completely opposed to domestic water charges. We will oppose tooth and nail any attempt to privatise water services. Irish Water has become synonymous with everything that is wrong with the Fine Gael Labour Government – cronyism, political manipulation of State boards, threats to citizens and ever mounting taxes on struggling families."

“Water charges can be defeated at the ballot box but it is vitally important that citizens throughout the State continue to mobilise and campaign for their abolition and that people remain united to fight the charges."

“Pressure needs to be exerted in communities, on the streets in council chambers and in the Dáil. With unity of purpose and determined action, water charges can be defeated. People across Wicklow needed to mobilise on the 1 November to continue the pressure on the Government and the four Government TD's here in Wicklow." Ends

Tánaiste must apologise to Wicklow RAS tenants and lift eviction threat

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor has hit out at the Tánaiste Joan Burton and called on her to apologise for her misleading and untrue remarks she made in the Dáil in relation to the threatening letters sent to Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) tenants, by Wicklow County Council, which stated that non-payment of water charges could result in eviction. He has also asked for her to guarantee that no RAS tenants will be evicted for non payment of the unjust water charges.

Speaking after the issue was raised in the Dáil by Mary Lou McDonald Councillor Brady said "The issue of the 500 letters that were sent to RAS tenants in Wicklow was raised in the Dáil on Thursday last by Mary Lou McDonald. Unbelievably in response the Tánaiste Joan Burton made some misleading and blatantly untrue remarks about Sinn Féin and in a condescending attitude tried to brush the concerns of the effected tenants to one side."

"The Tánaiste stated that Sinn Féin in Wicklow were in control of the council with Fianna Fáil and Independents and that we could some how of stopped the threatening letters going out. The facts are the Old Boys club of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and some Independents control the council, not Sinn Féin. As Joan Burton doesn't have any Councillors in Wicklow because the electorate rejected them, it's not surprising that she got that wrong. I as a sitting councillor had no prior knowledge of these letters going out nor did my party colleague John Snell who is the chairperson of the Housing Special Policy Committee in Wicklow County Council."

Brady continued "As Tánaiste and the Minister for Social Protection Joan Brutons finger prints are all over the letters that were sent out in Wicklow. RAS is a National scheme and contracts issued to the councils are drafted centrally. Unfortunately Wicklow County Council made a foolish choice to do the dirty work for both the minister and Irish Water in issuing the letters threatening to evict people if they can't pay their water charges."

"I think it is deplorable that such bully-boy tactics are being used to intimidate hard-pressed families, many of whom simply do not have the money to pay. People have already been threatened by Enda Kenny that they will have their water pressure reduced if they don't pay the charges. These bully boy tactics are something one would read about under right wing dictatorships such as in Chile under Augusto Pinochet."

Cllr Brady concluded "The Tánaiste Joan Burton must now give assurances to RAS tenants, who cannot pay water charges, that they will not be faced with eviction. She must also now assume responsibility and take action to ensure that such an approach is brought to end and issue an apology to the families that received the threatening letters from the County Council. The bottom line is people can't afford to pay these unjust charges. I have stated that I won't be paying the charges, I know from speaking to many people faced with a choice of feeding their families or paying the unjust charge that they have no choice but not to pay also. Joan must listen to the people instead of being so condescending and abolish the water tax immediately." Ends

Brady calls on the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly to investigate Wicklow County Council

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has called on the Minister of the Environment Alan Kelly to carry out an investigation of Wicklow County Council and to look at the serious allegations around planning and how the council is and has been managed. 

Cllr Brady said "There has been a lot of talk surrounding Wicklow County Council, how it's being managed and serious allegations have been made on planning matters, some of which equate to corruption. There has been a lot of talk in the media and on the ground relating to planning involving the council in Wicklow and I believe public confidence in the council is at an all time low.  In the latest report carried last week in a national newspaper it's claimed a file connected to a complaint relating to malpractice in the council which was lodged by a number of Wicklow Councillors with the Minister has gone missing from his desk".

"The Standards in Public Office are also investigating complaints made against council officials and a named councillor. I have spoken to a number of people who have made serious accusations about the council, I have also seen many files which paint a worrying picture of how the council has been managed and they also raise concerns on how planning has been dealt with in the County".

The Sinn Féin councillor continued "Irrespective as to when these files relate to, whether it be one year or sixteen years ago, they need to be investigated. In the Dáil my party leader has raised concerns about Wicklow and I reiterate them again. The ex Minister of the Environment Phil Hogan abdicated his responsibilities in ensuring the council in Wicklow and others met the highest of standards. There are very serious allegations and the minister has a duty to investigate them regardless of the outcome".

Brady concluded "The new minister Alan Kelly must restore public confidence in all aspects of Local Authority. The only way now to restore any confidence in Wicklow County Council is for him  to hold an independent investigation into the management of the County Council, all allegations regarding planning that have been made against the council need to be included. Fine Gael junior minister Simon Harris and former Minister of the Environment Dick Roche have previously called for an investigation and I'm repeating that demand now". Ends

Wicklow Sinn Féin to hold protest to coincide with the commencement of water charges on 1st October

Wicklow Sinn Féin are to hold a protest on Wednesday 1st October to coincide with the commencement of domestic water charges which will apply from 1st October 2014 and bills will start being issued in January 2015. The protest will take place outside the office of Wicklow Labour TD Ann Ferris in Bray at 1pm.

Speaking ahead of the protest Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady said "This Wednesday 1st October will see the commencement of the first billing period of the new water charges that are being introduced by Fine Gael and Labour. The first bills are due to land on people's door steps early January and it's expected that the average bill will be €280 per annum".

“Water is a basic human right. Charging twice for water is wrong and Sinn Féin will resist it in Wicklow and the rest of the 26 Counties as we did in the north. This is an issue which we will continue to be vocal on in local councils and in the Dáil".

He continued “Fine Gael and Labour don’t have a clue. They have no idea what it is like for the vast majority of families out there who are struggling to survive. Many are living on less than €10 a week after bills are paid, they cannot afford to pay hundreds of euro a year for water".

“Sinn Féin has made our position clear. We are opposed to water charges and we will reverse them in government. We have a strong track record on this issue. It was Sinn Féin Minister Conor Murphy who blocked domestic water charges in the North. There is no acceptable reason for water charges. The government has a choice. They can either continue to help those at the top or they can ease the burden on struggling families. Sinn Féin has produced detailed costed proposals to prove there is an alternative to water charges".

Councillor Brady concluded “Bills for domestic water use will be issued from January in respect of the last quarter of this year. Effectively, the government will start double-charging households for water from this Wednesday 1st October. I urge people to join in the protest on Wednesday and send a message to the government that the ordinary people of Ireland simply can't shoulder the burden anymore and that the water charges should be stopped immediately". Ends

Wicklow County Council vote to reduce the Property Tax by 15% pumping €2,642,002 back into local economy

Wicklow County Councillor and Sinn Féin group leader John Brady has welcomed the decision by the majority of Wicklow Councillors to support the reduction of the Local Property Tax rate by 15%, the decision was taken at a special meeting of the council which took place on Monday. It will result in €2,642,002 going directly back into the local economy in Wicklow. 

Speaking after the meeting councillor Brady said "I welcome the decision of the majority of the Councillors in Wicklow to reduce the unjust Property Tax by 15% which is the maximum allowed under the legislation. This is a stepping stone towards the complete abolition of the tax which Sinn Féin have committed to doing if we enter government after the next election. The decision to reduce the tax was carried by 31 votes to 1".

"The saving of 15% comes only 2 weeks before the first billing period for the new water charges commences with the first bills landing on our door steps in January. The property tax coupled with the water charges will result in approximately €1,000 per household being taken from the pockets of hard hit families. This is just another regressive tax that hits the most vulnerable the hardest, however the 15% reduction will give a little respite to struggling families and the saving will pump €2,642,002 directly back into the local economy".

The Sinn Féin councillor continued "The imposition of the property tax by Fine Gael and Labour last year has not nor will it see any increase or improvement in local services. Other funding streams to the council have been cut and last year all monies collected in Wicklow were handed to Irish Water to install water meters. In the elections in May Sinn Féin went before the electorate seeking a mandate to reduce the tax as a stepping stone, we got a mandate from the electorate to get the maximum reduction of 15% which the legislation allows for. At the meeting on Monday we delivered on that and we now must continue until it's totally abolished". 

Brady went onto say "The decision to reduce unjust tax has to be welcomed, however it's only the tip of the iceberg. I'm very conscious of the impact the remaining property tax coupled with the water charges will have on hard pressed families and the local economy in Wicklow. At Mondays meeting Sinn Féin put forward a motion opposing the Local Property Tax and calling on the government to abolish the unjust tax. The motion was passed by 19 votes to 11 and showed up the hypocrisy of some Councillors who spoke against the tax but when given the opportunity to vote against it decided to vote in favour of it. Fine Gael voted to support the tax and Fianna Fáil were split on the issue with some of their Councillors completely bamboozled as to what exactly their policy is on the issue".

Councillor Brady concluded "The reduction of 15% is a step in the right direction and a step towards its ultimate abolishment when Sinn Féin get into power. The other important thing to come out of the meeting is that it's now the policy of the council to oppose the property tax and to seek its abolishment". Ends

Motion passed by Wicklow County Council, proposed by Cllr John Brady, seconded by Cllr Nicola Lawless. The motion was passed by 19 votes to 11

'The members of Wicklow County Council are totally opposed to the Local Property Tax and see the 15% reduction in the rate which was passed in Wicklow as the start of the process of abolishing the LPT. We call on the Government to abolish this unjust tax' 

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Sinn Féin to push for 15% reduction in LPT at special meeting of Wicklow County Council

A special meeting of Wicklow County Council will take on Monday to set the basic rate for the Local Property Tax. Sinn Fein will propose a reduction of the full 15% allowed under the legislation in order to give some relief and to ease the financial burden on taxpayers.

Speaking ahead of the meeting councillor John Brady said "Wicklow County Council will meet on Monday to set the rate for the Local Property Tax, Sinn Féin have committed to reducing the unjust tax by the full 15% allowed under the legislation. This would be a precursor to it being abolished if Sinn Féin enter government after the next election". 

Brady continued "Sinn Féin will put forward a proposal at the meeting to reduce the Property Tax in order to ease the financial strain that working families are under, it is time that this government stopped going after the same people with their austerity taxes, especially when there are other options like bringing in a wealth tax instead. The public just can’t pay this tax on top of water charges which will take effect in just two weeks time with our first bills due in our doors the week after Christmas".

Brady concluded "I'm hoping that the majority of the 32 councillors will have the courage and the social conscience to back the Sinn Fein proposal for the maximum reduction of 15% on Monday. I would call on all Wicklow County Councillors to support this motion.” Ends

Wicklow County Council to review the lawn only policy in Springfield Cemetery

Wicklow County Council is to review the lawn only policy in Springfield Cemetery in Bray. The existing lawn policy which hasn't been enforced in many years has caused huge anger and concern after Bray Town Council moved last year to enforce the policy and erected sign in the cemetery informing people that if items such as flowers, ornaments and other mementos weren't removed the council would remove and dispose of them.

Speaking after Mondays Council meeting Councillor Brady said "Now that Bray Town Council has been abolished Springfield cemetery has now become the responsibility of Wicklow County Council. I raised the issue at the council meeting on Monday and stated that the issue which was poorly dealt with by Bray Town Council is still causing great concern and families who have loved ones buried in the cemetery are constantly watching and waiting for their graves to be tampered with and items removed".

"When the cemetery was first opened 1981 the policy was to have it a lawn cemetery, however this was never enforced and to try after all these years to force families to remove items is both insensitive and unacceptable. At the council meeting i asked for the policy to be looked at and a compromise to be found to allow families maintain the graves to a high standard as they have over many years. A sub committee of the council the Environment Special Policy Committee (SPC) is to take on the issue, review it and bring recommendations back to the full council".

Cllr Brady continued "I welcome this and i am hopefully that a satisfactory compromise will be found. I also put forward a resolution to the council that no attempts by the council to remove items from graves would take place whilst the review was ongoing. I am aware that officials in the Municipal District of Bray were in the process of having letters drafted to sent out to families giving them a deadline to have items removed, my resolution has now stopped that in its tracks and has given the Environment SPC time to look at the issue and report back to the full council".

Scene where Bray Firefighters lost their lives finally secured

The scene where the Bray Firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy lost their lives whilst tackling a blaze in 2007 has finally been secured. Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady and local residents have been pushing for the site to be cleaned up and secured for the last 7 years.

Speaking after a site visit the Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray John Brady said "I welcome the fact that after lengthy campaigning and pressure from myself and the community, the site of the old Haughtons factory at Adelaide Villas has now been totally cleaned up and secured".

"Pressure on Wicklow County Council resulted in them classifying the building 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. That work included clearing out the site, demolishing the two story structure on site and removing parts of the boundary walls".

Cllr Brady concluded "Thankfully that work is almost completed, unfortunately it has nearly taken 7 years for it to happen. The dangerous old 2 story building is gone, dangerous walls removed and the site has been totally cleared out. This comes as a welcome relief to the community in the area who had real concerns about the safety of the site after seeing children entering it and at how unstable the walls of the structure had become". Ends

Ballywaltrim Playground to get a major upgrade

Sinn Féin Councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray John Brady has welcomed the news that the long awaited upgrade work on the playground in Ballywaltrim will go to tender this month with a view of having the work completed over the coming months. He also stated that security and maintenance concerns also need to be addressed in tandem with the upgrade works.

Cllr Brady said "Over the last number of years I have been consistently pushing for these works to go ahead and thankfully tenders are now being drafted to allow the upgrade works commence. The plan is to go to tender during September with a view of having the work carried out by the end of the year. A lot of credit has to go to the Playground committee who have also been pushing this issue and have put in a lot of hard work to get it to this stage".

The Cathaoirleach continued "After consulting with children in the area as to what they would like to see in the upgraded playground, its hopped that a new zip line, slide, climbing frame and swings will be just a few of the new pieces of equipment that will be installed. I have also requested that equipment that is fully accessible for children with disabilities is installed also".   

"With the investment in the upgrading of the playground it very important that the security is got right. I have been given a commitment that public lighting will be installed in the playground and that the Garda CCTV camera that i campaigned for will be adjusted to ensure that it provides additional security. I have also met with the Gardaí and they have assured me that they will carry out more patrols in the area".

Cllr Brady concluded "This is a big investment in the upgrading of public amenities in the Ballywaltrim area and its good to see that children have been consulted in the process. Its important that the community takes ownership of the playground and council works with them to ensure it is maintained into the future. During the summer a large cleanup of the area was carried out by local residents, myself and my colleague Oliver O'Brien helped on out, so there is a lot of goodwill and that needs to be tapped into by the council. This is a very positive development that must be welcomed by everyone in the community, particularly the children. Ends

Brady welcomes the Reinstatement work in the Peoples Park in Bray

The Cathlaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray Councillor John Brady has welcomed the recommencement of work in the Peoples Park in Little Bray. Work in the park ground to a halt in November 2013 after SIAC withdrew from the Dargle flood protection scheme leaving the Peoples Park like a building site. The Cathlaoirleach of the new Municipal District of Bray made the reinstatement of the park one of his priorities on getting elected.

Speaking after meeting with the contractors on the site Councillor Brady said "I'm delighted that the work has started on reinstating the park. I signed the tenders for the work only last week so its good to see it progress so quickly. The work that is being carried out will include a new footpath along the new wall that runs along side the river Dargle, some landscaping and thankfully the removal of the fencing in the middle section of the park".

The Cathlaoirleach continued "I made it a priority to get the Peoples Park reinstated and I'm happy to say that's its now well under way. Unfortunately the compounds at either end of the park have to remain for the duration of the flood protection works on the Dargle, however they need to be cleaned up and i will continue to push for that to happen. The work that has commenced in the park must be seen as the starting point in the total refurbishment of the park as there is a lot more that can and should be done to make it a top class public amenity that it deserves to be". 

Cllr Brady went on to say "I am working on having a master plan done up for the Peoples Park and allowing the public have their say on what they think the park needs. I believe a food market like the one that's run in the Peoples Park in Dun Laoghaire on Sundays should be looked at as an option as well as flower beds and an upgraded band stand as a way of really making it a park for the people of Bray again".

He concluded by saying "A lot of work has been done by the engineers from the council in getting the project back on track and I'm also very pleased that we will have work recommence on the overall flood protection scheme shortly. Its critical that the people of Little Bray are fully protected from the risk of flooding, but its also important that the amenities provided for them and the people of Bray are of the highest standard". Ends

Brady Steps in to Quell Clamping Concerns in Bray

John Brady the Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray has stepped in to quell concerns in Bray that clamping is to be introduced in the town by the council. Rumors have been rife in the town over the last few weeks that Wicklow County Council was to introduce clamping throughout the town.

The Cathaoirleach John Brady said "I can safely say that the rumors that have been circulating in the town recently that clamping was to be introduced are totally untrue. These rumors have been circulating since Wicklow County Council have taken control of Bray after the abolition of the Town Council. I have been informed that a review has started by the council with a view of bringing all paid parking areas in Wicklow under the same operational policies. Currently Bray is the only town in the County to have council staff operating the paid parking. The other towns that have paid parking schemes, Greystones, Wicklow and Arklow have private contractors operating the paid parking schemes".

Brady continued "I'm totally opposed to clamping and i can assure people that as chairperson of the Bray district i will rigorously oppose clamping in the council controlled areas of the town. Unfortunately in the private car parks around the town there is clamping and I've heard many horror stories from people who have had their cars clamped in them. I do have concerns however that the control of car parking in Bray may be privatised by the County Council and i think this will be a retrograde step that should also be opposed".

"The parking wardens that are currently employed by the council in Bray do a good job and privatising this operation will have a detrimental effect on residents and shoppers alike. I believe private operators will be ruthless in their quest to meet targets and maximise profits. Under the current operation there is flexibility and an element of leeway afforded to motorists".

Brady concluded "I can assure people that clamping wont be implemented in publicly controlled areas in Bray under my watch and i will oppose the privatising of the operation of the paid parking scheme in Bray if it comes before the council".

Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District condemns Peoples Park shooting

The Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District John Brady has condemned the shooting that happened this evening in the Peoples Park in the Little Bray area of the town. He has also urged anyone with any information to contact the Gardaí.

Speaking after the incident the Cathaoirleach John Brady said "I totally condemn this shooting incident in which a young man was injured. The incident took place at approximately 5.30pm in a public park that was full of children out playing football and enjoying the evening".

Brady continued " I spoke to a number of locals at the scene shortly after the shooting and they are in total shock. The Peoples Park in Little Bray is a beautiful and peaceful part of the town and unfortunately this incident is going to put the town in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons".

Brady concluded "The fact this shooting happened in broad daylight in a park with hundreds of people shows that the perpetrator or perpetrators have little regard for the community of Little Bray and need to be apprehended. I urge anyone with any information or if they witnessed anything in the park to contact the Gardaí to ensure that the individuals involved are taken off the streets".

Is Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Vance the Pinocchio of Wicklow Politics

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has hit back at Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Vance after he made a number of false statements on local radio this week relating to the Local Property Tax and the setting of the rate for Wicklow.

Councillor Brady said "There is a saying never let the truth get in the way of a good story and Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Vance is a master at this. Councillor Vance who is very quick to remind people that he is the most experienced Councillor in Wicklow has either been caught telling blatant lies or he has shown his complete lack of knowledge on the issue of the Local Property Tax and that in fact he was bluffing his way on local radio". 

The Sinn Féin Councillor went on "The issue arose this week on local radio during a discussion about the farcical public consultation process around the setting of the rate for the Local Property Tax for 2015. The legislation allows for a 15% increase or decrease of the unjust tax, the legislation also provides for a public consultation process. That process ends on August 25th in Wicklow. Councillor Vance who maybe should be called Pinocchio claimed that as Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray i have the power to set the rate in Bray and that my buddies and i could push a 15% reduction through in Bray. Cllr Vance is completely wrong in his claim, there will be one rate set for Wicklow and that will be set by the full County Council of 32 members in September. This has been confirmed by the head of finance in Wicklow and also by the Department of Fiance officials. Fianna Fáil thankfully no longer control the council in Bray, unfortunately Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and some Independent Fianna Fáil Councillors do control the County Council and ultimately they will be the ones setting the rate for the County".

"Sinn Féin have committed to abolishing the property tax if we enter Government after the next election, however at this time we are bound by legislation and the only thing we can try achieve is a reduction of the tax by the full 15% that the legislation allows for. Sinn Féin in Wicklow would like to be in a position of power to be able to reduce the unjust tax, we hold 6 seats out of 32 and we will certainly fight for it to happen. We are a party that believes in democracy and people don't want and cant afford to be carrying the burden of a few international gamblers by being forced to pay their debts. We will act on the expressed wishes of the Irish electorate, i hope Fianna Fáil also believe in democracy and act accordingly".

Cllr Brady continued "In the radio interview Cllr Vance further claimed that Sinn Féin voted for the Wicklow County Council 2014 budget and rejected the Bray Town Council one and that we are some how hypocrites. Just like the story Pinocchio this is complete fiction. The record shows clearly that Wicklow Sinn Féin voted against the budget in Wicklow County Council because the money collected from the Local Property Tax that was supposed to be spent on public services was handed over to Irish Water to install water meters. The record also shows that we voted accordingly on Bray Town Council. The interesting thing here is that the real hypocrite is Cllr Vance because he like all his Fianna Fáil buddies voted against the budget in Wicklow citing the same reasons as Sinn Féin and yet voted for the budget in Bray".

Cllr Brady concluded "The public at large are sick and tired of lies coming from politicians. Fianna Fáil over the course of the last number of years have been the party that has led to an all time low in public confidence in politicians. What we need are honest politicians that will not use fiction or lies to try tarnish the good work of others in an attempt to try get off the hook. If Fianna Fáil are a democratic party they will listen to the electorate and reduce the property tax by the 15% and not use Sinn Féin as the excuse. Fianna Fáil control Wicklow County Council with their buddies in the Old Boys club of Fine Gael and the new Independent Fianna Fáilers, they will ultimately decide what the rate of the Austerity Local Property Tax will be for Wicklow". Ends

Brady Welcomes Kilcroney Roundabout Safety Works

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray Councillor John Brady has welcomed the remedial work that has been carried out to address the dangerous road surface on the Kilcroney roundabout. The Sinn Féin Councillor first raised serious concern about road surface back in February after numerous motorists brought it to his attention that on entering the roundabout cars where loosing traction sending them into a skid.

Cllr Brady said "I welcome these essential works that have been carried out on the road surface on the Kilcroney roundabout. Since i first raised this issue back in February i was overwhelmed with stories from constituents who had spun out on the roundabout. Each and every case was passed onto the council who in turn passed them onto GSJ Maintenance Ltd hold the contract for that section of the N11. A number of surveys where carried out over the last number of months and a solution to the problem was devised".

The Cathaoirleach continued "The work was carried out on Friday and there has been an immediate improvement to the surface. A company Trac Blast was brought in to carry out the works. They basically remove the top coating from the road surface leaving increased penetration and improved friction. The road surface on the Kilcroney roundabout up to the Hills roundabout have been treated and the process should last a number of years".

Brady concluded "From a safety point of view i am delighted to have got these works carried out. Motorists can now feel safe entering the roundabout without the fear of skidding out of control and flipping their vehicle or ending up in the middle of the roundabout".

Wicklow Sinn Féin to hold public meeting to demand reduction of Property Tax and on Water Charges

Wicklow Sinn Féin are to hold a public meeting on the issues of the pending Water Charges and to demand a reduction of the Property Tax by Wicklow County Council. The meeting will take place on Thursday 14th August at 7.30pm in the Royal Hotel,Bray.

Speaking ahead of the public meeting Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady said "Sinn Féin is to hold a public meeting on Thursday 14th August to inform people what they can do to start the fight back against the pending water charges and the property tax which has already been introduced. The Property tax which has been introduced by Fine Gael and Labour is hurting ordinary low and middle income families and this is having a knock on effect for local economies. This tax coupled with the new water charges will hit most ordinary families with an annual bill exceeding €1000. We are at a critical time where people have to let their voices be heard."

"Two important things are happening in Wicklow over the next few weeks. Firstly there is a public consultation process being held by Wicklow County Council with a view of setting the rate for the Property Tax. Sinn Féin ultimately want rid of this unjust tax and have pledged to abolish it, if we enter Government after the next election. However in the meantime the only option open to us to to reduce it by the maximum allowed under the legislation which is 15%. The consultation process being held by Wicklow closes on August 25th and members of the public must make submissions demanding that the County Council reduce it by the full 15%."

Cllr Brady continued "The second important thing is the installation of the water meters will commence here in Wicklow in September. The rates have been set and we are now expected to pay the highest charges for water anywhere in Europe. Sinn Féin will stand with communities here in Wicklow in their opposition to the installation of meters by Irish Water, as we have done in other parts of the Country already."

The Sinn Féin Councillor concluded "The meeting on Thursday next is a public information meeting and we plan on mobilising people to make submissions seeking a reduction on the Property Tax by Wicklow County Council and secondly letting people know about the water metering installation process that's due to start and what people and communities can do to fight back. All are welcome to attend on the night."

Water in Ireland now dearer than most European Countries-Brady

Sinn Féin County Councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District John Brady has accused Fine Gael and Labour of again lying to the public and introducing water charges that will see water in Ireland becoming dearer than in most European countries.

Councillor Brady said “Before the elections, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that the average water charges bill would be around €240 per annum. It is now transpires that the average will be €278. Even that conceals the fact that many will pay vastly more than that after 2016 when the average costs to be recouped in order to run Irish Water will rise to €594. The charges that have been set for a litre of domestic water will see water in Ireland becoming dearer than in most European countries.  It will see most Irish families paying at least 20 per cent more than the Government claimed less than three months ago”.

The Sinn Féin Councillor continued “There is a lot of anger among the public in relation to domestic water charges and other stealth taxes such as the Property Tax. I predict there will be huge opposition to the installation of the water meters when Irish Water starts the installation process in Wicklow in September and Sinn Féin activists will fully support communities opposing that process”.

Brady continued “Another lie from the Government is the fact that the free water allowance for children will also been severely reduced according to figures by the water regulator. The Government previously said that up to 38,000 litres a year per child would be allocated - but that is to be reduced to 21,000 litres. It means parents will be given only enough free water for their children to take one shower and flush the toilet once each day. Everything else will have to be paid for”.

Councillor Brady concluded “The introduction of the water charges will unfortunately hit the most vulnerable the hardest; there are no free allowances for the elderly or low income families. The charges on top of all the others that have been introduced will hit local economies by taking more money from the pockets from people who don’t have any more to give. Wicklow Sinn Féin will continue to oppose the Water Charges and we have organised a public meeting on the issue which will take place on Thursday August 14th at 8 pm in the Royal Hotel in Bray.”

Wicklow Sinn Féin to table a motion to reduce the property tax in Wicklow

Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has called on all Wicklow County Councillors to support a Sinn Féin motion to reduce the Local Property Tax by 15%. The motion will be before the council on Monday.

Councillor Brady said "Sinn Féin continues to actively oppose the government's property tax. It is an unfair, unjust tax that puts the burden on middle and low-income households. We are committed to reversing this tax if elected to government. But in the meantime we aim to reduce the burden of this tax for households here in Wicklow by reducing the tax by the most allowed under the current legislation”.

“The motion will be tabled at the council meeting on Monday  will commit Wicklow County Council to supporting the maximum cut of 15% for 2015. Sinn Féin will also defend jobs and local services. We will be working with Councillors across all local authorities to defend funding for local government. We will also be calling on Wicklow TDs to guard against any further cuts to local authorities’ grants.”

"Sinn Féin will be looking for cross party support for our motion this Monday and in our campaign against government cuts. This will be putting money back into people’s pockets, which will benefit the local economy. The property tax is an unjust tax burden on middle and low-income households”.

Brady concluded “Under the legislation the council must undergo a 30 day public consultation regarding the proposed introduction of the tax. This will give householders an opportunity to demand a full reduction of the tax. Wicklow Sinn Féin will be running a campaign to get as many people to make submissions before the closing date which is 25^th August. The responses will be gathered and applied to a report, which will be presented to city Councillors in September and its important as many people as possible let their voices be heard.” Ends

Wicklow Sinn Féin to hold a vigil to show solidarity with the Palestinian people

Wicklow Sinn Féin is to hold a vigil to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to call on the people of the Wicklow to boycott Israeli goods that are on sale in this country. The vigil will take place on Monday 21^st July in Kilmacanogue at 6 pm.

Speaking ahead of the vigil Wicklow County Councillor and Cathaoirleach of Bray District John Brady said “On July 8^th Israel launched its latest offensive on the Palestinian people in Gaza, since then over 350 people, the majority innocent women and children have been killed. Israel has imposed a cruel and brutal blockade on the people of Gaza since June of 2007. This blockade of humanitarian aid, food and fuel has crippled the day-to-day life of Gaza and is the context against which the current aggression is set”.

"There have been almost 2500 air strikes, as well as naval bombardment of Gaza and over the last number of days a ground assault has begun on the Gaza strip which is home to 1.8m Palestinians. Palestinian homes have been demolished and the basic infrastructures such as schools and mosques have been targeted and destroyed”.

Brady continued "The firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel should end. But these actions cannot excuse the application of overwhelming military force by the Israeli government. Israeli aggression is little more than an act of revenge and collective punishment of the Palestinian people which amounts to genocide”.

“The decision by the Israeli Government, in the face of international anger, to escalate its military offensive over the last few days by launching a ground offensive requires a firm and resolute response by the Irish Government, which must now expel the Israeli Ambassador. I am also calling on people in Wicklow to boycott all Israeli products until the genocide of the Palestinian people ends and the offensive by Israel and the siege of Gaza is ended”.

Brady concluded “I urge people to come to the vigil in Kilmacanogue tomorrow at 6 pm and bring flags and banners to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and send a message to Israel to stop the genocide”. Ends

Wicklow TDs must work to protect the Wicklow Library service

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District has called on the 5 Wicklow TDs to work together to save the Wicklow Library service which is slowly but surely being dismantled due to the public service staffing embargo that’s in place since 2009. This follows the news that the Wicklow Local studies section is due to close with immediate effect due to staff shortages.

Cllr Brady said “In Wicklow we have an excellent library service which thankfully have been built upon over many years. Unfortunately the service is slowly being dismantled. Since 2009 we have seen a 28% reduction in staff due to the public service staffing embargo, this has resulted in the opening hours of libraries being cut and unfortunately the latest cut will see the excellent County Wicklow Local Studies Service which is located in the Ballywaltrim library close with immediate effect”.

“Council officials have taken the unfortunate decision to close this important service due to a retirement, which has resulted in staff having to be redeployed to keep other services open in Greystones”.

Brady continued “The important service houses valuable local records and archives such as Ordnance Survey maps, parish maps, and place histories as well as a local newspapers dating back to 1858.It has been used extensively by historians who helped officials built up the excellent archive which is housed in the library HQ in Ballywaltrim in Bray”.

Brady went onto say “I am asking that every option be explored to ensure this valuable resource remains open. We are entering an important period of commemorating; this year marks the 100 anniversary of the outbreak of World War 1 and the 1916 centenary is fast approaching. Access to locally held information is critically important to historians and others looking at documenting and remembering locals and local events that occurred at that important time in history. People used the service for many reasons; carrying out research,  into family matters, histories of clubs, groups and organisations, individuals seeking genealogical information, folklore, political matters, religious matters and all kinds of material from the old papers and reference books”.

Brady concluded “An application has been made to the Department of the Environment for the filling of a number of vacancies in Wicklow County Council Library Service, including the position of Executive Librarian at Greystones library. If successful, this will enable the position of Assistant Librarian in Ballywaltrim and Local Studies to be restored. I am urging the 5 Wicklow TDs to ensure this application is successful and that the Local Study Service can remain open and that the future of our library service is protected”. Ends