I recently published one for Sallins and here is one for Johnstown.  A reasonably low level update of what I’ve done and what I’d like to do in the particular area:

Good news on Kill school – The tender has completed and a contractor is in the process of being appointed. The new school is expected to open in September 2010. This is great news and credit to principal, teachers and parents who have worked tirelessly on this project.

Separately I have proposed a shared secondary school be considered to serve Kill /Johnstown / Sallins villages (Where by taking together numbers may satisfy department guidelines).

Johnstown Garden Centre – Last Summer I wrote to the NRA and Kildare County Council in support of the old garden centre site becoming amenity – as a community park or similar. I have since seen and I am fully supportive of plans prepared by the Johnstown community association. The fate of this site will ultimately be decided in the local area plan.

Environment – I have complained to the EPA re private landfill facility at Kerdiffstown. Following an investigation of the alleged unauthorised development a comprehensive report has been prepared covering the following issues: Previous Panning permissions, Enforcement Action taken to date, Compliance issues, Financial Contributions, Waste Licence and Interface with EPA, Analysis of Topographical surveys undertaken. This report has been referred to the council law agents for urgent legal advice. The proposed incinerator at Rathcoole which was objected to by Johnstown Residents has been refused planning permission (all your Fianna Fáil reps lodged objections to the incinerator development).

Flooding – A report has been prepared and work is underway between Kildare County Council and the OPW. If elected I would seek to ring fence funding and accelerate implementation of these works (whilst attenuation ponds in the Manor need similar attention)

Local Planning – The Johnstown Area Plan is currently under review. I made a submission last November (see here). The draft plan should go on display with public consultation later this Summer and I would encourage all then to make views known.