Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor welcomes the Abandonment of Eirgrid Pylon Project

Wicklow Sinn Fein Councillor Welcomes Abandonment of Eirgrid Pylon Project

Responding to the announcement that Eirgrid have abandoned plans to construct a string of pylons across the Irish countryside; Sinn Fein candidate for Wicklow in the upcoming general election John Brady has hailed the decision as a victory for all those groups and individuals across South West Wicklow who opposed the plan from its inception:

“Sinn Fein along with community groups from across South West Wicklow opposed the plans from the outset. The €500 million Grid Link Project had proposed to develop an overhead 400kv power line linking the electricity transmission networks in Leinster and Munster. The Stage 1 Report for the project had identified a number of route corridor options for the proposed overhead power line. There was however huge concern and opposition in South West Wicklow as the D1 and D2 routes pass through the County adjacent to Carnew, Shillelagh and Baltinglass. This would have resulted in massive unsightly pylons cut through some of the most scenic parts of Wicklow. Sinn Fein called on the government to launch an independent commission to look into the possibility of an underground option.”

Councillor Brady went on to say that the real heroes today are the community groups that stood fast against the plans:

“Sinn Fein stood with thousands of groups and concerned citizens all over the country in objection to the project; dozens of demonstrations, meetings and letter writing campaigns have led to Eirgrid’s sensible decision to abandon plans to construct the cable carrying pylons and opt to upgrade the existing grid structure instead.”

In conclusion Councillor Brady said that Sinn Fein is fully behind the development of Irish Infrastructure:

“Sinn Fein fully supports Ireland meeting its renewable energy targets, we believe that Ireland should be energy independent and we are also in favour of developing green and clean power. It is crucially important that Ireland’s infrastructure - on every level – is constantly reviewed and improved. However, Sinn Fein will always reasonably oppose projects that might damage the natural architecture of our landscape, affect the quality of life of Irish citizens or ignore the genuine concerns of local communities; particularly when appropriate alternatives are available; as has been the case with the Eirgrid Pylon Plan from the outset. The question has to be asked however, how much public money has been wasted before this plan was scraped.”

Sinn Féin Alternative Budget will centre on fair taxation and delivering for ordinary people - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin Alternative Budget will centre on fair taxation and delivering for ordinary people - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin's Wicklow General Election candidate Cllr John Brady has welcomed the launch of the party's alternative budget proposals and stressed that the plan is centred on the principles of fair taxation, investment in public services and improving frontline deliver.

Councillor Brady stated that tax payers will benefit from the fair and progressive nature of Sinn Féin plans.

He said;

"Sinn Féin has put forward tax proposals that are about delivering fairness and putting money back in the pockets of ordinary people in Wicklow.

"We will put between €600 and €2,000, depending on their wage and personal circumstances, back into the pockets of average citizens by scrapping water charges, the tax on the family home and by taking minimum wage workers out of the USC net. These are progressive measures that are about ensuring that ordinary families feel the recovery in real terms.

"Sinn Féin is looking to end the regressive and deeply unfair approach to taxation in this state. We don't think that is unreasonable to ask people earning over €100,000 to contribute an additional 7 cent out of every euro on income over €100,000.

"These are the kind of measures we need to implement if we are to deliver first class public services from which everybody in the state will benefit. Therefore, we believe that those who can pay a little extra should.

"In many ways the differences between the tax proposals of Sinn Féin and those of the government reflect the choice the people have to make at the election. Our proposals meet the €1.5b adjustment but we are fully investing the money in public services while the government is intending to implement a 50/50 spilt between tax cuts and spending, the majority of which will be used to service the Landsdowne Road Agreement.

"To support the government's proposals means to endorse an approach built on the chronic underfunding of our schools, hospitals and housing provision. It will mean a continuation and worsening of overcrowding in our A&Es and the ballooning of housing waiting lists. The consequences for lives of people and for society and general have been well documented over the last number of years.

"Sinn Féin is aiming to pocket money back into the pockets of ordinary people and ensure that everybody has access to quality healthcare, education and housing.

"These Sinn Féin's proposals demonstrate that an alternative is possible."

Brady calls on Council to take action on their expensive Pigeon Loft on Eglinton Road, Bray

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has called on Wicklow County council to take immediate action in securing, refurbishing and putting to good use 3 large vacant residential properties that they are owners of on Eglinton Road in Bray. The only purpose they are currently serving is as an expensive pigeon loft. The properties were part of the land portfolio put together by Ballymore Properties for the Florentine Development in Bray. The entire portfolio, including the three large houses, was purchased by Bray Town Council for €1.95m in December 2013.

Speaking after a recent Municipal District meeting were Councillor Brady raised the issue of the vacant, derelict properties; the Sinn Féin Councillor said “At our Municipal meeting I raised the issue of the three vacant residential properties on Eglinton Road that the council are owners of. These properties are listed buildings and have been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair that they are dangerous and an complete eyesore. At a time when we have a housing crisis, for the council to have boarded up like properties such as this is an absolute disgrace.”

“The properties were originally purchased by Ballymore Properties, mainly for the large rear gardens which boarded the Florentine site. When the council purchased the entire Florentine site in 2013 the residential properties were included in the sale. It is hoped that plans for the development of the Florentine shopping centre will be in place in the next month or two. However the actual houses will not be part of that development. In response to a question I put to the Manager about what plans are in place for the houses, he stated that only when the Florentine Centre is developed will he start looking at putting in place a plan and making a proposal to the Councillors.”

Cllr Brady went onto say “I think that the responses to my questions about these properties are absolutely disgraceful and shows a complete disregard towards the people of Bray and the housing crisis that exists. Anyone that knows the history of the Florentine site knows that it has taken 20 years to get to this point; it will take a few more before any development is completed there. We can’t wait until then before something is done with these properties, action needs to happen immediately.”

Councillor Brady concluded by saying “Not only are these valuable protected structures that the council owns in a prime town centre location, they are opposite a public Library and beside businesses, they are dangerous and a complete eyesore. A plan needs to be put in place now to secure, make them safe and ultimately refurbish them so they can be put to use trying to tackle the housing crisis that exists. The only purpose they are currently serving is as an expensive pigeon loft.”

Closure of Garda Stations in Hollywood and Donard saves just €8,000 per annum while costing communities their security - Cllr John Brady

Closure of Garda Stations in Hollywood and Donard saves just €8,000 per annum while costing communities their security - Cllr John Brady


Sinn Féin General Election candidate Cllr John Brady has issued a stinging criticism of the Fine Gael and Labour Party government for jeopardising the safety of communities in West Wicklow in order to save a measly €8,000 per annum.

Garda stations in Hollywood and Donard were closed by the government in 2013. A response to a Parliamentary Question, submitted by Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Padráig MacLochlainn, now shows that the state only saved €4,000 per annum from the closure of each station.

Councillor Brady said;

“Figures from earlier this year, for the Baltinglass District where the two Garda stations were closed, show there was an increase of 50% in aggravated burglaries and a 41% increase in theft/unauthorised taking of vehicles since the closures. This has resulted in people living in rural Wicklow feeling more isolated and vulnerable. It is incredible such a state of vulnerability has been created in order to save a measly €8,000 per annum.

“It is clear that misguided decisions to close Garda stations in order to make small savings to the exchequer merely increase the opportunity for criminal activity and add to the uncertainty and fear that the citizens in this state are already experiencing under seven years of austerity.

“Minister Fitzgerald has also stated that objective the of closures wasn't cost savings but to allow for the ‘more efficient and effective deployment of resources’. It is very difficult to reconcile that justification with the fact that the closure these Garda Stations left people in our towns and village feeling far from safe. Many communities feel extremely vulnerable given the rise in crime in rural Ireland.

How can this be the outcome if the government is claiming that it is using policing resources more effectively and efficiently?

“The people of this constituency deserve first class public services. This means a fully resourced policing service and it means keeping our Garda stations open.

“We need to get Garda numbers back over the 14,000. That must be a priority in the forthcoming budget.”


QUESTION NO: 654

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

by Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

for WRITTEN on Tuesday, 22nd September, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total savings to her Department resulting from the closure of Garda stations from 2011 to 2015..


- Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

REPLY.

The formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was implemented in An Garda Síochána during 2012 and 2013. The primary objective of the programme was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. In its review of the Garda Station Network that informed the rationalisation programme, Garda management concluded in relation to certain stations that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if those stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. In reaching these conclusions, Garda management reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the overall operation of Garda stations.

The Garda authorities advise me that policing services in all areas continue to be provided as required through the revised structures. In addition, the centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling systems that will be operational and intelligence led. This patrol system will ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the country and will yield the following benefits:

Increased Garda visibility and patrol hours

Increased mobility and flexibility within an area resulting in an improved policing service to the public

Enhanced co-ordination of Garda activity resulting in a greater visibility and presence in the communities

More effective use of limited resources across a wider area

Continued Garda presence in communities

An Garda Síochána is committed to providing the best possible policing service to the people of Ireland within the resources available. An Garda Síochána regularly reviews and assesses the capabilities and the deployment of Garda resources to provide a policing service that meets the needs of the community.

The ability of the organisation to contribute to Public Safety. Public Service and Community Protection remains the foremost consideration of An Garda Síochána.

The estimated savings on utilities and maintenance as a result of the closure of each station building is approximately €4,000 per annum. The closure of 139 Garda Stations has resulted in an estimated total saving to the state of €556,000 per annum. However, as I have stated, the key objective involved when closing Garda stations was to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure modest cash savings.

Empty Dáil Seats an Insult to the People of Wicklow/East Carlow

Speaking in response to revelations that Wicklow TDs are failing to attend Dail sittings for crucial votes; Sinn Fein Councillor and candidate in the upcoming general election John Brady has hit out at what he sees as a shocking disregard for Wicklow/East Carlow constituents.

“Billy Timmins of Renua and Labour’s Anne Ferris should hang their heads in shame. At a time when the country has been struggling to cope with the tragedy of Fine Gael and Labours Austerity, resulting in soaring housing lists, chaos in hospital corridors and heart-breaking homelessness; it seems our Wicklow TDs are either bored with their jobs or so out of touch with reality, they are incapable of appreciating their privileged position. What other employer would tolerate such a brass demonstration of contempt from their employees? Billy Timmins has the worst attendance of the Wicklow TD’s, he has missed 81.1% of the votes in the Dáil this year. The second biggest offender is Labour’s Anne Ferris, who has missed 70.9% of all votes.”

Councillor Brady continued by pointing out how these TD’s are paid employees of the Irish people and are not giving value for money:
“It is now generally accepted that the Country is in the grip of a health, homeless and housing crisis which has reached ‘National Emergency’ status. The indifference shown by our local representatives is nothing short of stunning. Dail TD’s are paid tens of thousands of Euros in basic pay and expenses, far in excess of what most people could ever dream of earning. Despite this our local Wicklow representatives don’t even have the courtesy to show up to work and do the job the people have elected them to do.”

Councillor Brady concluded by saying “Since 2011 Anne Ferris has received € 569,623.57 in pay and expenses. The Labour TD was recently involved in controversy after claiming an additional €16,000 a year for travelling ‘the long way to the Dáil’, despite her massive pay and expenses she has missed 70.9% of the votes in the Dáil this year. Meanwhile Renua TD Billy Timmins has received €542,460.50 since 2011, yet missed a staggering 81.1% of the votes. I think the electorate are justified in asking what exactly are these TDs doing in the Dáil if they are not participating in important Dáil debates and votes.”

Brady urges Councillors to support campaign to develop a Skate Park in Bray

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has called on Bray Municipal District Councillors to support the campaign to get a Skate Park in Bray and commit to identifying a site so it can be constructed as swiftly as possible, to meet the needs of the large numbers of Skaters in the locality.

Speaking on the campaign, Councillor Brady said “There are huge numbers of Skaters in the Bray area and they have come together under the banner of the Bray Skaters Association with the sole purpose of getting a skate park developed in Bray. I’ve been working closely with the group and fully support the campaign. We have identified a funding source and we now need the support of the Bray Municipal District councillors to identify and agree a site so the project can move forward.”

“Following my request a delegation from the skaters is due to address the next council meeting in Bray. I hope that the other councillors in the Bray District also pledge their support to this campaign and commit themselves to identifying a site for the new Skate Park. There are a number of successful Skate Parks across the County and Bray is the largest urban area that hasn’t got one.”

Brady concluded “There is a huge demand for a Skate Park; unfortunately the skaters are constantly getting moved by council staff and Gardaí from locations that they meet to skate. Young people don’t all have the same interests, so it’s important that there are choices for them to ensure that they have some positive activity to engage in. Recently a skate jam was held on Bray seafront and up to 60 skaters took part, this highlighted the scale of the demand for a skate park in the town. In the past skaters in Bray had been given false hope, this time with the support of all councillors we can turn this into a reality.”

Decision to increase Property Tax in Wicklow by 15% will hit struggling families

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has stated that the decision to increase the Property Tax rate in Wicklow by 15% will hit low and middle income families across Wicklow hardest and impact detrimentally on the economy of Wicklow. Assurances were given by the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly that Wicklow was one of six local Authorities that could cut the tax by the maximum of 15% without it impacting on local core services.

Speaking after the meeting the Sinn Féin Councillor said “The Labour Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has given assurances that Wicklow was one of six local authorities that could cut the Local Property Tax by the full 15% which is allowed under the legislation without it impacting on local core services. Having received those assurances, Sinn Féin put forward a proposal to maintain the cut of 15% that had been agreed by the majority of the council last year. Unfortunately the Sinn Féin proposal was defeated by 22 votes to 8, with 2 councillors abstaining. A Fine Gael proposal to increase last year’s property tax rate by 15% was unfortunately supported by Fianna Fáil and a large number of Independents.”

Councillor Brady went onto explain the impact that the decision to increase the tax will have on families across Wicklow “The unfortunate decision to increase the Property Tax in Wicklow will hit struggling low and middle income families right across Wicklow, and potentially push them closer to homelessness. There were 120 house repossessions listed for Wicklow Circuit Court before the summer recess and a further 255 active bills for repossession. This increase in the unjust Property Tax will push many other families in debit, mortgage arrears and compound the financial difficulties they are experiencing.”

“The vast majority of people in Wicklow aren’t witnessing any recovery. The decision by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independent pact to increase the tax by 15% will suck a further €2,493,096 from the Wicklow economy which is still on its knees due to government cuts and increased taxes. Over €30 billion was taken out of the Irish economy by the austerity policies of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail over the last 8 years.”

The Sinn Fein Councillor concluded “The Government duped the people on the Local Property Tax. The purpose of Local Property Tax is not about the funding of local services. The reality is that the local property tax is a tax that was created to aid the process of diverting finances from central government away from the funding of locals councils to the supporting of toxic banks. Sinn Féin remains opposed to this tax which is proving a complicated, regressive and insufficient way of funding our local democracies. Last year the majority of councillors in Wicklow supported a Sinn Féin motion opposing the Property Tax and called on the Government to provide adequate funding to council to provide critical services. Even though the majority of councillors in Wicklow appear to be speaking out of both sides of their mouth on the tax, Sinn Féin in government will abolish the property tax.”