Important info regarding available funding for Community Groups and Organisations

Important info regarding available funding for Community Groups and Organisations

Applications are now out for the Wicklow County Council Community Grants Scheme 2017. The fund for 2017 will be available as grant aid to successful community groups and local organisations wishing to undertake community projects in their area. There are a number of funding categories available.

Community Grants (Maximum grant €2,000)
For small projects and group running costs.

Community Pride (Maximum Grant €10,000).
Groups or projects that make a significant impact and difference to the lives of the people in their communities under the following headings:
•Age Friendly
•Communities reaching out to new communities
•Youth Projects
•Community Enterprise

Town / Village Enhancement plan or Health Checks (Maximum grant €10,000)

Completed application forms should be returned to the Office of Community, Cultural & Social Development not later than 12 noon on Thursday 30th March, 2017.

If you need an application form or more info please let me know. Please share or tag anyone or group you think might be interested.

Action needed to address dump at Bray Harbour which contains Asbestos and other dangerous chemicals- John Brady TD

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that there can be no further delay in dealing with hazardous waste including, toxic asbestos at Bray beach flowing into the Irish Sea.

Teachta Brady:


“Waste from the old municipal landfill formerly, operated by Bray Urban District Council is being continually exposed as it is being washed into the Irish Sea. I first raised this issue in 2005 and called for an environmental report on the matter.


“The actual volume of waste is now expected to contain twice as much as was thought in the 2005 report. With this, we also have to consider the amount of waste that has been lost, washed into the Irish Sea over the past 12 years.


“This has been confirmed in a new report carried out on behalf of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council at the request of the EPA.


“The dump contains more than 104,000 cubic metres of waste including, broken asbestos tiles, and excessive levels of ammoniacal nitrogen, potassium and manganese in the ground water.


“Both Wicklow and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils along with the EPA have a responsibility to act without delay on the back of this report.


“I have been continuously raising this issue for the past 12 years and I will continue to do so at every opportunity until the health and safety of the public is no longer at risk and the environmental damage is no more. Having recently raised this issue with Minister Naughten, I will continue to give the issue priority until the site is secured and made safe.”

John Brady TD welcomes unanimous Dáil support to abolish mandatory retirement age

Sinn Fein Social Protection Spokesperson John Brady TD has tonight welcomed the Dáil's unanimous support for his Bill to abolish the Mandatory Retirement Age. Speaking from Leinster House this evening, Deputy Brady said; "I welcome the unanimous support of the Dáil to bring an end to what has been a long-standing practice of discrimination against people who are forced to retire against their will. "This Bill will address a multitude serious issues facing older people including the fact that many are made to retire at the age 65 and then forced onto a job-seekers payment for a year before they can receive their state pension. "It will also alleviate the unjust and disproportionate impact on people, particularly women, who may have taken time out of work to raise families or to care for a loved one and are now left in the vulnerable position where they cannot draw full pension entitlements because they have not built-up sufficient contributions. The abolition of the mandatory retirement age will allow those people to continue working in order to bridge that gap. "This Bill is fundamentally about giving the worker, and not the employer, the choice as to when they can retire. It is a progressive and significant development, which will be welcomed by many people and organisations who have been campaigning on this issue for a long time.
"It is important to our society that the Dáil has tonight realised the imperative of removing the mandatory age of retirement and I now look forward to the passage of the Bill through the remaining stages without opposition

Brady calls on Minister to ensure Family Income Supplement payments will not be stopped for striking Tesco workers

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has called on Minister Varadkar to ensure that no person engaging in industrial action will have their Family Income Supplement stopped.

Teachta Brady said:

“On joining with Tesco workers on the picket lines in recent days, I was concerned at the number of workers who had mentioned threats made to them regarding the loss of Family Income Supplement payments for participating in strike action.

“Tesco’s use of bully boy tactics and threatening workers who are on FIS because of the Tesco contracts is totally unacceptable.

“This is not just another tactic used by Tesco management in an attempt to break the ongoing strike but a threat straight from the Department of Social Protection rulebook.

“The Department expect employees to declare that they are engaging in industrial action for their FIS payment to be stopped and then re-applied for once they return to work.

“Workers are then left to wait up to 6 months for FIS to be awarded to them again and are therefore, left with this payment that they are already entitled to.

“Minister Varadkar needs to ensure that his Department remove this rule immediately. He also needs to give assurances that no worker engaging in industrial action will have their payment cut.

“No worker engages in industrial action unless they have no other option. The State must not play any role in discouraging industrial action through such a financial sanction as this.

“On raising this with Minister Varadkar today, he has committed to look into the matter and I will be following up on this with him

Brady calls for the abolition of mandatory retirement age

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD will be calling for the abolition of mandatory retirement age when Sinn Féin's Bill is debated in the Dáil on Thursday.

The Employment Equality (Abolition of Mandatory Retirement Age) Bill 2016 is being brought forward by Deputies John Brady and Denise Mitchell.

Teachta Brady said:

“Every year workers are forced to retire for no other reason than their age.

“This Bill seeks to put an end to this discrimination and give workers choice when it comes to their retirement.

“There are a number of exemptions in this Bill for those who work in security related employment such as An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

“This is a Bill about choice for older workers when it comes to their retirement. Instead, of being obliged to retire without any choice whatsoever at 65 or 66 years old, workers will be able to decide if they would like to retire immediately or continue working.

“This Bill will also address two major pension issues. It will end the current practice of those forced to sign on for Jobseekers payments at 65 for one year until they are eligible for the State Pension at 66. It will give people who have insufficient contributions for the State Pension an opportunity to continue at work to make up the additional contributions to avoid a reduced pension if they so wish.

“Last month, Minister Varadkar announced that it was his intention to make mandatory retirement ages illegal. Fianna Fáil have been consistently in favour of the abolition of mandatory retirement and also tabled a similar Bill after this once was introduced last December.

“I am calling on both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to support this Bill for the benefit of all workers.”

Brady condemns illegal actions in attempt to break Tesco strike

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has condemned the painting over of the pedestrian crossing outside Tesco, Bray overnight.

Teachta Brady said:

“This is a new low for the management at Tesco who Mandate Trade Union has said were behind the painting over of the pedestrian crossing.

“Strike action by Tesco workers in Bray has been taking place at the pedestrian crossing since Tuesday.

“The damage caused is not only outrageous but also, is a criminal offence as the pedestrian crossing is on a public road.

“I have been in contact with the Gardaí and Wicklow County Council; both are taking these actions very seriously.

“The blatant disregard for the local community especially, for young children who use the crossing daily on their way to school, with four schools in the area, is unacceptable.

"These careless actions threaten health and safety and have made crossing the road extremely dangerous.

“I have been supporting Tesco workers in their strike action at Bray and Greystones and I continue to support the workers.

"Any actions taken by management that impacts on the community are especially unnecessary and this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Only Wicklow TD with no confidence in this Government - Brady

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that Enda Kenny and his Government are “on borrowed time.”

Speaking as the only Wicklow/East Carlow TD to vote against a vote of confidence in the Government last night Teachta Brady said:

“Last night, the Fine Gael led minority government scraped through a vote of confidence thanks to their partners in Fianna Fáil.

“In the end and after all of the talk of false concern and crocodile tears over the disgraceful handling of the McCabe case, Deputies Pat Casey and Stephen Donnelly decided they had no opinion on the matter after all.

“The actions of Fianna Fáil’s forty-four TDs have kept this chaotic government in power. They have put their own narrow, electoral considerations ahead of the needs of the people.

“They have decided that homelessness, a two tier health service and growing inequality are tolerable because the timing for an election does not suit them.

“It is apparent that Enda Kenny does not retain the support of his own party let alone the confidence of the people.

“It is also apparent that Sinn Féin is the only party of opposition in the Dáil. As a representative for the people of Wicklow/East Carlow I certainly will not be sitting on the fence on any issues.”

John Brady TD expresses serious concern over the temporary closure of Kilmacanogue Post Office

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady TD has expressed serious concern at the temporary closure of Kilmacanogue post office.

Teachta Brady said:

“It is worrying to see the closure of another post office in a small community in County Wicklow following on from the recent closure of Laragh/Glendalough post office.

“The site notice was put in place in Kilmacanogue yesterday announcing the immediate closure of the post office without any prior notice to customers.

“This is a vital service for the people of Kilmacanogue and the surrounding areas after an attempted closure was avoided only a couple of years ago.

“I have been in contact with An Post today in relation to the circumstances around the closure and to voice my concerns at the need for the post office to be re-opened for the community.

“Following my discussions with An Post I have been informed that there have been some issues of concern expressed by An Post that need to be resolved by the contractor.

“There is a responsibility on An Post not to use any potential issues as a trojan horse to close this post office. There is a duty of care to the people of Kilmacanogue and surrounding areas.
“For now, all social protection payments have been diverted to the post office on Quinsborough Road in Bray.

“I intend to keep in touch with An Post in the coming days and I hope that a resolution will be reached to ensure that the post office is reopened and the vital services provided continue in the area.”

John Brady TD to host public meetings on Health Service in Wicklow

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady TD has announced dates for his upcoming public meetings ‘Save our Health Service’ to be held in Arklow and Baltinglass.

Teachta Brady said:

“I am delighted to be rolling out public meetings to discuss the health service in Arklow and Baltinglass.

“At a time when every sector of our health service is in crisis I feel it is important for the people of Wicklow to have their say on their health service.

“The ongoing trolley crisis and waiting list scandal has put health firmly back on the political agenda and this cannot be lost. In Wicklow alone, there are 9,811 people waiting on an Outpatient appointment.

“This meeting will give people an opportunity to share their views on the current health service available in their own area, the concerns that need to be addressed, as well as a vision for our health service going forward.

“The need for a 24/7 ambulance service to be in place in both Arklow and Baltinglass is central to the health service in both towns and this must be delivered.

“Sinn Féin has embarked upon nationwide outreach on the need for an Irish National Health Service.

“This engagement is part of a process to highlight to people the system that they should be demanding of their elected representatives, that puts their health firmly at the centre of health deliberations, irrespective of income.

“Speakers at the public meetings will include Louise O’Reilly TD who is Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Health and Liadh Ní Riada MEP.

“I am looking forward to hearing the views of the people of Arklow and Baltinglass and hearing their vision for the future of their healthcare service in Wicklow.” ENDS

Meeting details: Thursday February 23rd at 7.30pm in the Arklow Bay Hotel, Thursday March 2nd at 7.30pm in Germaines Hotel, Baltinglass

Government must ensure maximum protection for Workers’ pensions – John Brady TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said when it comes to protecting workers’ pensions, Minister Varadkar does not want to know.

Deputy Brady was speaking last night during Fianna Fáil’s Private Members Business on the need to tackle the issues around defined benefit pension schemes.

The Wicklow TD said:

“Last week, Sinn Féin launched a Bill to ensure that no company with positive net revenues or which has a parent company with positive net revenues would be allowed to close a defined benefit scheme unless this scheme has reached a minimum 90% funding standard.

“Our Bill would prevent a similar situation to what happened last November in Independent News & Media. This would send a clear message to profitable companies that you will not be allowed to simply decide to renege on and walk away from your obligations to your employees.

“Minister Leo Varadkar’s excuse for doing nothing to protect employees is for fear of ‘threatening a company’s financial stability’ or ‘rendering some employers insolvent’. However, we are talking about companies who are profitable and therefore, the Minister’s argument makes no sense.

“The Minister’s rhetoric of his Department scrutinising issues around defined benefit pension schemes is achieving nothing and this is not good enough for workers in this State.

“The inaction by Government sends out a message to companies right across this State that they are free to consciously wind down defined benefit schemes and walk away from their pension obligations. Sinn Féin absolutely oppose this.

“Despite some concerns, Sinn Féin will support this Bill, but we will be looking at ways to improve this Bill to ensure maximum protection for workers.”

Donnelly’s move to Fianna Fáil ‘a long time coming’ – John Brady TD

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that Deputy Stephen Donnelly’s move to Fianna Fáil has been a long time coming.

Teachta Brady said:

“The news that Deputy Donnelly is to join Fianna Fáil is disappointing, but not surprising. It is something that has been talked about over recent years and, even more so, since his departure from the Social Democrats last year.

“This time last year, Deputy Donnelly stood on a platform of fighting for a strengthened economy and an improved health service. Today, he joins the very party that single handily destroyed our economy and unashamedly presides over a two tier health service.

“Fianna Fáil’s privatisation agenda is well known, be it in the health service or our transport service, and this could not be further from the platform Deputy Donnelly stood on only last year.

“On a day like today, I recall Deputy Donnelly’s stance after the last General election when a Government was being formed and his disgust at Fianna Fáil even considering sharing power with Fine Gael having made promises to the contrary.

“I would question Deputy Donnelly’s own promises to the people of Wicklow in the last election and I wonder if the thousands of people who voted in good faith for Deputy Donnelly in Wicklow are feeling betrayed.

"It is hard to see how the ordinary grassroots members of Fianna Fáil will relate to Donnelly and what he stands for.

“As the only opposition TD representing Wicklow/East Carlow, I fully intend to hold Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to account.”

Brady urges submissions to save Laragh/Glendalough Post Office

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that the closure of Laragh/Glendalough post office tomorrow must be a temporary measure.
Teachta Brady said:

“I spoke with Senior Management in An Post earlier today to voice my absolute opposition to any definite closure of Laragh/Glendalough post office and to seek clarity on the consultation process.

“I was informed that Laragh/Glendalough post office will close at the end of business tomorrow with the consultation process now re-opened until February 15th.

“All Department of Social Protection customers will be transferred to Roundwood post office from tomorrow.

“Once the deadline for submissions is reached on February 15th a decision will be made as to the possibility of restoring the post office services. If there is a positive outcome then An Post will open a tender process for between three and four weeks to allow any interested parties to come forward.

“I encourage the people of Laragh, Glendalough and surrounding areas to submit a written submission to Alan McLaughlin, Regional Operations Manager, Block 3B, GPO, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1.

"Post offices are the heart of rural Ireland and key to saving post offices like this one is the implementation of the Kerr report which was published in January 2016.

“There is an opportunity here to save the post office in Laragh for the community and I would ask that people join me in making a submission before February 15th.”

Fine Gael not going to solve Wicklow Rents Crisis – Brady

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that Minister Coveney’s pick and mix approach to tackling the rent crisis is utterly bizarre.

The Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has announced that Bray, Enniskerry and Wicklow town have been added to the 4% rent cap list.

Speaking following the announcement Teachta Brady said:

“Minister Coveney’s new brainwave in his ongoing yet, failing attempts to tackle the rent crisis is to pick three towns in Wicklow where the 4% annual rent cap is to be introduced.

“Towns across Wicklow have seen rent increases year on year and no town is an exception to this national trend.

“By picking just three towns in a county like Wicklow that has seen an overall increase in rents by 10.6% in the third quarter of last year disproportionately ignores an entire cohort of people struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

“This move by the Minister will do nothing for renters in towns like Arklow, Blessington and Greystones who have seen their rent increase in recent years. There is nothing in the Minister’s plans to assist these people.

“Sinn Féin has consistently called for rent certainty for all renters. On three separate occasions on bringing this forward in the Dáil Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have joined forces to stop this.

“The government’s plan for the private rented sector was disappointing and failed to introduce index linked rent certainty and sufficient security of tenure. Sinn Féin reiterates the call for tenancies of indefinite duration and for rent certainty linked to the Consumer Price Index.”

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."