Speaking in Kill in 2013 with FF spokesman on justice Niall Collins TD on recent garda station closures.
Recent figures released show a significant decrease in Garda numbers deployed in Kildare. The government have failed in their lack of forward planning and regard to the public safety of Kildare residents. This news comes on top of a spate of closures of Garda stations by the government which I have warned against over the last number of years. I have been highlighting crime and security concerns for some time now.
It is not good enough that Kildare has to suffer further decreases to Gardaí numbers in our county. The cumulative cuts imposed by the current government over the previous four years have left Kildare’s Garda force severely depleted. We are now drastically below the national average in regards to Gardaí to population ratio. In fact we have the lowest number of Gardaí per capita in the country. Despite three government T.D.’s North Kildare continues to receive the worst of the cuts to services imposed by Fine Gael and Labour.
It was great to be at the launch of the new recycling facility in The Waterways, Sallins last Sunday, April 20th. Everyone involved in the Waterways development must be commended for their continued hard work and community effort which has led to this recycling facility being set up for both residents and business alike. The Waterways complex includes residential, commercial and retail elements and they have joined forces, with the help of grants from Kildare County Council as well as their own resources, to put in place a new systems which will promote and facilitate greater levels of recycling across the complex.
It was a huge honour to be selected recently as the Fianna Fáil candidate to contest the next general election in North Kildare. It was a real contest with almost a full house of the eligible membership and a real democratic exercise showing a rejuvenated organisation. Commiserations to Cllr. O’Rourke who put in a really strong campaign as well. I look forward to meeting and engaging with the whole constituency in the coming months. In 2011 we were promised a whirlwind of change. In Kildare with 5 out of the 7 TDs Government TDs, we have been certainly let down. If elected at the next general election in Kildare North, I will be looking to challenge this political malaise that currently exists.
After the storm comes the sun. The heavens opened in Monread Park today but the spirits were not dampened as we planted and dedicated the Tree of Hope for all victims of suicide and as a place for their loved ones to remember them. Well done to Maud Nolan for all her work on this and to the council parks department for providing the materials and doing such a good job with a tree and bench now providing this quiet corner of reflection. Thanks to the Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Frank O’Rourke, for officiating at the event.