Millennium roundabout update – I raised this again at the recent Naas area council meeting and questioned the benefits, the duration and the standard of works on this job. The lead engineer apologised on behalf of the council (first time I’ve ever seen that happen) which I did accept with good grace and he said the works would be finalised in two weeks. I queried the massive footpaths to which he replied that these offer crossing points would help the many people that walk to and from the train station, he also said there would be two lanes on each approach when finished (though I find it hard to see where the two lanes will go). That’s about a week ago and this week there is another ridge on the Naas side of the roundabout which is like driving up a sharp kerb on every journey. I will be asking the engineer to join me onsite tomorrow morning to talk to contractor and find out what on earth is going on.
Category Archives: Policy
“Action Plan for Jobs” Ignores Long Terms Problems in Economy
Earlier this week we witnessed the Government (re)announce their much lauded “Action Plan for Jobs” in Naas, Co. Kildare. While on the face of it we’re made to believe that this is something we should be grateful for, once you start to examine the detail of the plan you can see that it lacks long term vision for the economy and it is very poor deal for local small and medium sized businesses. In fact, many independent commentators have criticised the plan for having very little detail on specifics at all. The bulk of the Government’s economic policy has been geared towards attracting multi-national corporates (who are now currently under fire for paying very little tax).
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Good News for Naas – Superquinn Site Sold with Proposed Redevelopment
Yesterday saw great news for Naas as I learned the Superquinn site in the centre of the town has found a buyer and will be redeveloped. At this stage I have no details of who the new owner is yet but let’s hope it’s a quality retailer or equivalent business that will drive a new focus on bringing life back in to the centre of the town. As mayor and councillor for the area, my door will certainly be open to them to do all I can to help them progress. It will inject some stimulus back into the town and may also put pressure on NAMA to finally act on the other beleaguered shopping centre site.
Fine Gael Rules Out Reopening of Garda Stations in Kildare
Comments made by Minister for Justice Francis Fitzgerald are unacceptable after she has completely ruled out the reopening of rural Garda stations closed by Fine Gael and Labour over the last five years. The closure of rural Garda stations in Kildare, coupled with cutbacks to Garda resources, has coincided with a spike in rural crime in the county. This is something I’ve highlighted over the past 5 years on numerous occasions.
It’s astonishing to see the Justice Minister completely rule out any reopening of rural Garda stations closed by Fine Gael and Labour over the last five years. These station closures have had a significant negative impact on the operational capability of the Gardai. It has removed Gardai from many communities across Ireland and has made it easier for criminals to target homes and businesses in rural Ireland.