Category Archives: Top Stories

Tús and Community Employment Scheme to be Reviewed

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Raising the Tús Scheme in the Dáil

Raising the Tús Scheme in the Dáil

In the Chamber yesterday I queried the operation of Tús and Community Employment schemes. Too often a worker is willing and able to remain placed with the same institution (usually a charitable or community organisation like Tidy Towns or McAuley Place) but is forced by “job-path” to spend a year in limbo and seeking alternate work.

This sees both the organisation and the individual losing out on an arrangement that gives the the individual a job they enjoy and the organisation an extra staff member.

This all stems from changes made to the scheme last August when it was outsourced to private providers. Following my question Minister Varadakar has agreed to review the operation of the scheme.

New Dublin Bus Times for Celbridge and Maynooth

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New_Sunday_TimesI am delighted to say Dublin Bus have confirmed additional Sunday services to me following meetings I had held with them during the Summer on 67 route.

The new timetable will mean a 67 will arrive into Celbridge & Maynooth every 30 minutes on Sunday from the 27th of this month. The new timetable is attatched for those interested. I am looking forward to continue working with Dublin Bus and the NTA to improve services for the commuters in Celbridge and Maynooth.

My Lovely Horse Dáil Briefing this Week

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My_Lovely_Horse_Dail_BriefingI was delighted to attend an engaging discussion on animal welfare with MyLovelyHorse Rescue centre in Dáil yesterday. I knew MLHR when they just started in Kilteel and it’s great to see how they have grown their services and setup.

A badly needed resource and the politicians that attended the session all pledged to work together on improving legislation and resources. Well done to Gino Kenny TD for organising the briefing and for his work with Clondalkin rescue centre.

I look forward to visiting the new My Lovely Horse shelter, just setup at Enfield.

Securing Significant Savings for Train Commuters in Kilcock, Sallins and Naas

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Cllr. Carmel Kelly and I at Sallins Train Station Recently.

Cllr. Carmel Kelly and I at Sallins Train Station Recently.

I am delighted that Sallins, Naas and Kilcock train stations will be moved into the ‘short hop zone’ and fares will be reduced by up to 50% following a series of meetings I held with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the matter.

After a prolonged engagement with the NTA, including meetings in Leinster House, and sustained lobbying with both them and Irish Rail, on the disparity of train fares for commuters in Kilcock, Naas, and Sallins they now have revised the zoning model and are making significant changes for the betterment of commuters in these areas. Continue Reading →