Massive turnout at meeting calls on Taoiseach to safeguard Ardmore Studios - Brady

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has commended the huge crowd that attended the public meeting around the sale of Ardmore Studios last night.

Teachta Brady said:

“The huge turnout at the public meeting last night is testament to the huge regard that the people of Wicklow hold on Ardmore Studios’ place in our community.

“Those in attendance particularly, the staff, who organised the meeting, voiced their outrage at the mixed messages coming from the Government.

“Indeed, almost four months after the announcement that Ardmore Studios is to be sold as a going concern, we are yet to hear a coherent voice from Government as to their intentions around the State’s share of 32%.

“The current uncertainty around the sale of Ardmore Studios is not only impacting on the staff but it is impeding on further productions taking place at Ardmore.

“The Ministers with responsibility for Ardmore Studios Ministers Humphreys and Mitchell O’Connor are on two different wavelengths when it comes to the State’s shares in Ardmore Studios. This is not good enough.

“The Government must exercise their right to veto any sale of the 68% shareholding that is not in the interest of Ardmore Studios in Bray as outlined in the articles of association. That was a message that was made loud and clear last night.

“The clear message coming out of the public meeting last night is that the Government cannot continue as silent partners, we need clarity as to the Government’s intentions with the State’s share and we need an absolute commitment that no sale of Ardmore Studios will go ahead unless it is in the interest of Ardmore Studios in Bray.

“The Taoiseach’s commitment to Ireland being a global hub for TV and film production is well and good however, when it comes to actually taking action to ensure this, talk from the Taoiseach is cheap.

"I am calling on the Taoiseach to make a clear and definitive statement on the State’s future plans for its 32% shares in Ardmore Studios. ”

Brady welcomes Blessington Greenway Development

Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady says the continuation of this development has the potential to produce a major national and international tourism attraction in West Wicklow.

Teachta Brady said:

“To say the least, I am delighted that the council have recently announced its intention to push on with the next phase in this fantastic enterprise. The first phase of the project has been a remarkable success, opening up Blessington lakes in a way that allows people to truly appreciate the natural beauty and stunning vistas the area provides, whilst at the same time protecting the natural habitat.”

“When completed, the Greenway will see 40km of walking and cycling trail wrap around the lakes offering tourists and locals a world-class nature amenity. Whilst we in Sinn Fein have long supported these plans it must be noted that all praise and credit should rightly go to the local community who have been the launch pad for the development and have tirelessly worked to ensure the necessary resources and funding became available. I wish to commend them for their hard work and thank them for putting another jewel in the heart of the Garden of Ireland.”

Teachta Brady concluded “The plan is currently on public display and Submissions and observations can be made on or before 20th March 2017.”

No commitment for Ardmore Studios from Taoiseach – John Brady

No commitment for Ardmore Studios from Taoiseach – John Brady TD

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady TD has said that the Taoiseach’s refusal to commit to retaining the State’s 32% share in Ardmore Studios, Bray is “extremely worrying”.

Teachta Brady said:

“Today, I asked the Taoiseach directly to clarify his position regarding the protection of the State’s 32% share in Ardmore Studios.

“I had received conflicting information from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys having been in contact with both Ministers since last October.

“While Minister Mitchell O’Connor had stated that there would be no sale of the State’s 32% share Minister Humphreys instead stated that she would be reviewing the sale of the State’s shareholding.

“The Taoiseach had an opportunity to provide certainty to the people of Wicklow as well as employees at Ardmore Studios who are seeking clarity on the future of Ardmore Studios in Bray and instead the Taoiseach chose to completely ignore the question.

“While on the one hand the Taoiseach talks about developing Ireland as a global hub for film and TV production when it comes to taking clear action on doing so the Taoiseach does not want to know

“'I agree that Ireland should be a global hub for film and TV production however, Wicklow and in particular, Ardmore Studios needs to be central to it.”

Water levels at Vartry Reservoir a cause for concern - Brady

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has been raising concerns at the low water levels in Vartry Reservoir with Irish Water.
Teachta Brady said:

“Having been contacted by a number of concerned residents in relation to the low water levels I contacted Irish Water to investigate the matter.

“The water levels are shockingly low for this time of year and residents are rightly concerned by this.

“It was only when I sent photographic evidence of Vartry that Irish Water showed some concern and the matter has since been investigated.

“In correspondence received yesterday Irish Water advised that the Raw Water Reservoir levels at Roundwood are monitored and production from the plant adjusted on a monthly basis to suit the reservoir levels.

“They also stated that the raw water abstraction from the Roundwood Reservoir is based on the sustainable yield levels and historical trends.

“Irish Water has confirmed that current production is lower than normal for this time of year due to the lower level in the reservoir. They insist that customers are not being affected and if this changes both customers and public representatives will be informed.

“Given that last year was recorded as the hottest year since records began in the 1880’s and that this has occurred for three years in a row is concerning.

“The question has to be asked if this is an impact of global warming and if it is, Irish Water will have to look at the issue to ensure that water supply is not compromised.”

Courts Service must make next move for Jigsaw service in Bray - Brady

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has urged the Courts Service to assist in providing essential youth mental health services for Bray.
Teachta Brady said:

“The Mental Health Services of the HSE have requested to take over the old courthouse building at Boghall Road in Bray from the Courts Service.

“The HSE intend to use the unused building to provide for the development of a Jigsaw service in the Bray area.

“Jigsaw, who is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, provides a unique and essential service for our young people. The need for such a service was reflected in a recent Wicklow Comhairle na nÓg survey of 1,000 young participants who identified mental health as the number one issue for their age group.

“The development of Jigsaw in Bray would therefore, make a significant and positive contribution to youth mental health.

“I urge the Courts Service to transfer this unused building to the Mental Health Services of the HSE in providing this essential service for young people in Bray and surrounding areas.

“I have written to the Courts Service and I have urged that they transfer the building to the HSE.

“I also call on Minister Harris, as my constituency colleague, to intervene and assist the HSE in ensuring that Jigsaw is delivered in Bray without further delay.”

Brady echoes concerns of Wicklow Chief Superintendent regarding Garda numbers

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that comments made by the Wicklow Divisional Chief Superintendent John Quirke show a stark reality for the County.

Speaking after a Joint Policing Committee meeting this morning Teachta Brady said:

“Having specifically asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Equality to provide additional Gardaí and Garda resources to Wicklow ahead of the most recent allocation it is terribly disappointing that this did not happen.

“In 2016, Wicklow received no additional Garda resources whatsoever and this is, in the words of the Wicklow Divisional Chief Superintendent John Quirke ‘concerning’.

“The next allocation is expected next month however, it does not appear that any Gardaí will be stationed in Wicklow then either.

“The fact that the Chief Superintendent, who is at the cold face on the ground, finds the complete lack of additional resources concerning highlights the seriousness of the situation and the real need for Garda resources.

“Wicklow is not immune from crime and anti-social behaviour. We have towns such as Arklow and Wicklow town with no community Gardaí in place whatsoever. This cannot continue.

“I intend on questioning the Minister asking that additional Garda resources be made available for County Wicklow. I will also be contacting the Garda Commissioner directly on this matter.

“Wicklow must not go ignored in the next round of Garda allocations – we need Garda resources and the Minister needs to recognise the Chief Superintendents concerns and act accordingly.”

Harris Haunted by Harsh Decisions

Speaking after recent figures showed the number of patients on hospital trolleys across the state at its highest level ever, Sinn Fein spokesperson for social protection and TD for Wicklow/East Carlow said that the ongoing crisis in our health service, which has manifested itself in unprecedented numbers of patients on trolleys has not developed overnight. This crisis is the result of years of under investment and it is a direct result of government policy. Therefore only a change in the approach of the government will yield results.

Teachta Brady said:

“It will come as no surprise that the worst hit Hospital in Dublin is the one Wicklow residents rely on most. Many people might remember the dispute at St Vincent’s University Hospital accident and emergency last year when over-crowding became so intolerable that nursing staff were forced to take industrial action. At the time I pointed out that part of the reason conditions were so difficult at St Vincent’s was because of a government decision to restrict services at St Columcilles Hospital in Loughlinstown. St Columcilles had provided a valuable accident and emergency service to Wicklow patients for decades but the decision to cut services forced people onwards to St Vincent’s which in turn put ridiculous pressure on services there.”

“The cuts at St Columcilles were forced through by the Fine Gael/Labour coalition at the time with the full support of all five Wicklow TDs including the now minister for health Simon Harris. We were promised at the time that the cuts at St Columcilles would be counter balanced with increased funding for higher capacity at St Vincent’s. Unsurprisingly that promise was never honoured.”

Teachta Brady said history is repeating itself:

“The recent figure of 612 people languishing on hospital trolleys is the highest figure ever. Again, the Dublin hospital worst affected is St Vincent’s University Hospital. St Vincent’s is caught in the net of a hapless government decision that yet again has come back to haunt them. The Irony of course is that Wicklow TD Simon Harris is now Minister for Health, his own government’s decision to effectively shut down emergency services at St Columcilles has led to a second year of crises at St Vincent’s where the real victims are the patients and staff. Harris has tried to explain away the problem on the basis that the current flu epidemic could not have been predicted. He is probably the only Health Minister on the face of the Earth who couldn’t foresee an increase in Flu virus in the winter.”

Teachta Brady said the establishment parties cannot have it every way:

“Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour with their cut and hide policies have again left us a mountain to climb. It’s not rocket science; you simply cannot cut resources and expect public services to keep pace. If you cut access to Accident and Emergency as in the case of St Columcilles in Loughlinstown; and then refuse to invest elsewhere to pick up the slack, you are going to run into a world of problems. In this case it is the wider population of South County Dublin and Wicklow who are paying the price. Simon Harris needs to stop trying to cover up for his own party decisions that have come back to haunt him. Either restore appropriate services at St Columcilles in Loughlinstown or invest adequately in St Vincent’s.”

Teachta Brady concluded

"There are very clear measures that the Minister could immediately take which would begin the process of dealing with the chronic overcrowding. I believe this should start with the reopening of 500 beds in our hospitals, including the closed 23 beds in St Bridget’s ward in St Columcilles. I also believe that we need to increase the capacity in primary care. This would enable more patients to transfer to a community setting. This can only be done by increasing home help hours and recruiting more therapists.

"We need to be clear - the buck stops with Minister Simon Harris. He needs to get a grip of this situation and meaningfully address the emergency in our hospitals. One thing is obvious - he needs to stop looking for excuses and start focusing on finding solutions."