Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has labelled the
Housing crisis in Wicklow as despicable, he also stated that the
actions of Bray Town Council in sending young families to a homeless
shelter in Rathdrum as a totally unacceptable solution to the crisis.
Councillor Brady stated "The housing crisis in Wicklow is continuing
to spiral out of control, there are 4,154 families in Wicklow in need
of social housing. Over the last 2 years the situation facing families
has dramatically deteriorated and its now resulted in young families
being referred to a homeless shelter in Rathdrum. The current
government policy has put a stop to the construction of social housing
and a new policy of social leasing enacted. The government has also
cut the amount paid for rental assistance which is forcing people out
of their private rented accommodation because the landlords are
unwilling to reduce the rent. This coupled with a huge shortage to
houses under the Rental Accomodation Scheme (RAS) have created a
ticking housing time bomb that's about to explode."
Cllr Brady went on "I am currently dealing with a number of families
who have been and are in the process of being made homeless. One young
mother from Bray and her 3 children were sent to the homeless shelter
in Rathdrum last week were they still remain. She had to move out of
her private rented accommodation because the landlord needed the house
back for another family member. She has been unable to find another
house in Bray within her price bracket and has had to present herself
and her children as homeless to the Town Council. Even though she has
been on the councils housing list for 7 years the council stated they
have nothing for her and told her to stay with family members or go to
the homeless shelter in Rathdrum, which is 40 km away and served with poor
public transport."
"It is disgraceful that things have got this bad, but to add insult to
injury for the council to send a young mother with 3 children, one of
which attends school in Bray, to a homeless shelter in Rathdrum is
totally unacceptable. I am aware of at least one other young mother
who is facing the same prospects in 2 weeks time unless action is
taken. This i believe is only the tip of the iceberg, many other
families simply refuse to go to Rathdrum and end up on the floor of a
friend or family member." Brady continued.
He concluded by saying "We need immediate action to be taken in
Wicklow to deal with the housing crisis. It is disgraceful that houses
remain boarded up in Bray whilst young families are forced into a
unsuitable homeless shelter. We need emergency accommodation in Bray
to cater for young families who find themselves homeless and
ultimately we need to force Fine Gael and Labour to get their heads
out of the sand on this issue, we need a change to the flawed housing
policy that's created this human tragedy." Ends
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow john.brady@oireachtas.ie
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Censorship of Wicklow Fire Fighters is Wrong- Brady
Wicklow Sinn Féin councillor John Brady has sharply criticised a
gagging order that has been imposed on members of Wicklow Fire Service
by Wicklow County Council. The Brigade order was signed by the Chief
fire Officer Aidan Dempsey on 29th April, it bans members of the fire
service talking to the media or identifying themselves as members of
Wicklow Fire Service.
Cllr Brady said "I am very concerned at the level of censorship that
has been imposed on members of Wicklow Fire Service by the County
Council. The gagging order was signed off by the Chief Fire officer
Aidan Dempsey, it bans any member of the fire service identifying
themselves as firefighters on the Internet or during discussions on
social media. Any person found to be in breech of the order may be
subject to Wicklow County Councils grievance and disciplinary
procedure"
"I believe that this Brigade Order could well be an infringement of the
rights for freedom of speech for members of the fire service. I know
all firefighters are proud to serve their community and are well
respected by the communities they serve, they proudly wear tee shirts
and jackets off duty showing they are members of the fire service. The
gagging order bans staff from taking pictures in the fire stations or
at the scene of a fire or at a training event. This is simply a tactic
being employed by the council to ensure they control what message
comes from the fire service and the council, the timing of the Brigade
order says it all really. It was served little more than a month
before the high profile court case against the Council relating to the
deaths of firemen Brian Murray and Mark O' Shaughnessy. The order also
bans fire fighters talking to public representatives." continued
Brady.
The Sinn Féin councillor concluded "Unfortunately the council seem to
believe they are operating the secret service and that the fire
fighters lead a double life keeping their job top secret. Restricting
firefighters from the Internet and websites such as Facebook or
LinkedIn is shortsighted, censorship and ultimately a restriction of
Freedom of speech which is protected by Article 40.6.1 of the Irish
constitution." Ends
.JPG)
.JPG)
gagging order that has been imposed on members of Wicklow Fire Service
by Wicklow County Council. The Brigade order was signed by the Chief
fire Officer Aidan Dempsey on 29th April, it bans members of the fire
service talking to the media or identifying themselves as members of
Wicklow Fire Service.
Cllr Brady said "I am very concerned at the level of censorship that
has been imposed on members of Wicklow Fire Service by the County
Council. The gagging order was signed off by the Chief Fire officer
Aidan Dempsey, it bans any member of the fire service identifying
themselves as firefighters on the Internet or during discussions on
social media. Any person found to be in breech of the order may be
subject to Wicklow County Councils grievance and disciplinary
procedure"
"I believe that this Brigade Order could well be an infringement of the
rights for freedom of speech for members of the fire service. I know
all firefighters are proud to serve their community and are well
respected by the communities they serve, they proudly wear tee shirts
and jackets off duty showing they are members of the fire service. The
gagging order bans staff from taking pictures in the fire stations or
at the scene of a fire or at a training event. This is simply a tactic
being employed by the council to ensure they control what message
comes from the fire service and the council, the timing of the Brigade
order says it all really. It was served little more than a month
before the high profile court case against the Council relating to the
deaths of firemen Brian Murray and Mark O' Shaughnessy. The order also
bans fire fighters talking to public representatives." continued
Brady.
The Sinn Féin councillor concluded "Unfortunately the council seem to
believe they are operating the secret service and that the fire
fighters lead a double life keeping their job top secret. Restricting
firefighters from the Internet and websites such as Facebook or
LinkedIn is shortsighted, censorship and ultimately a restriction of
Freedom of speech which is protected by Article 40.6.1 of the Irish
constitution." Ends
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Brady welcomes N11 project, but local jobs needed
Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has welcomed the deal that was signed to complete the Rathnew to Arklow bypass on the N11 in Co. Wicklow. However he is looking for assurances to be given that locals will be employed on the project and that guarantees will be given that at no point in the future tolls will be introduced.
Speaking after the deal was signed Brady said "I warmly welcome thesigning of this contract, its been long awaited and unfortunately wehave had far too many false dawns on this scheme in the past. The dealinvolves the construction, operation, maintenance and financing of the16.5 kilometres of four-lane dual carriageway linking the existingArklow Bypass with the existing Rathnew/Ashford Bypass in Co.Wicklow.The contract has been awarded to BAM civil limited in a publicprivate partnership and is worth 282 million euro. It’s expected tocreate up to 1,000 jobs during development of the Bypass which isbeing bundled in with the N7 Newlands Cross free-flow system in westDublin. I think its important that the vast majority of these jobs goto people in Wicklow who have the necessary skills and that thematerials for the project would also be sourced from suppliers in theCounty."
Cllr Brady continued "What the people of Wicklow want now isguarantees that some of the thousands of unemployed people from thecounty will benefit from the construction of the dual carriageway.Guarantees are also needed that at no point in the future will theroad be tolled."
"We have been told that the provision of tolls are not to beimplemented at this point, however we need assurances, that at nopoint in the future will they be installed on the N11. The signing ofthe contract is welcome if somewhat long overdue." Brady concluded.
Speaking after the deal was signed Brady said "I warmly welcome thesigning of this contract, its been long awaited and unfortunately wehave had far too many false dawns on this scheme in the past. The dealinvolves the construction, operation, maintenance and financing of the16.5 kilometres of four-lane dual carriageway linking the existingArklow Bypass with the existing Rathnew/Ashford Bypass in Co.Wicklow.The contract has been awarded to BAM civil limited in a publicprivate partnership and is worth 282 million euro. It’s expected tocreate up to 1,000 jobs during development of the Bypass which isbeing bundled in with the N7 Newlands Cross free-flow system in westDublin. I think its important that the vast majority of these jobs goto people in Wicklow who have the necessary skills and that thematerials for the project would also be sourced from suppliers in theCounty."
Cllr Brady continued "What the people of Wicklow want now isguarantees that some of the thousands of unemployed people from thecounty will benefit from the construction of the dual carriageway.Guarantees are also needed that at no point in the future will theroad be tolled."
"We have been told that the provision of tolls are not to beimplemented at this point, however we need assurances, that at nopoint in the future will they be installed on the N11. The signing ofthe contract is welcome if somewhat long overdue." Brady concluded.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Artists invited to submit proposals for sculpture to commemorate Wicklow firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy
Commemorative
Commission
Wicklow
County Council
Bray Town
Council
15th
April 2013
Artists are being invited to submit a proposal for a site specific
sculpture at location Fr Colahan Terrace in Bray Co Wicklow. The commission is for a permanent external site
– based work which is commemorative in nature.
The focus of the commission is to commemorate the lives of two firemen
who lost their lives during their work with the Fire Service. The aim of the commission is to provide the
family and extended community in the area with an outlet for expression and
remembrance, which can enhance the public facility where it is placed. The preference would be for the development
of a piece, which would allow people a contemplative space in which to
reflect.
The Fire Service forms a vital component of Local Authority Services,
with the focus of saving lives and protecting public safety at its core. The dedicated personnel provide an important
emergency response function as well as participating in vital education and
awareness raising for example in our primary schools supporting fire
prevention.
The site proposed for the location of the work is at the heart of a
community facility in the park in Bray.
Submission Requirements:
This is an open competition.
Form /
Contact detail sheet: Completed, clearly
Stating commission Title.
Curriculum
Vitae: No more than two
A4 pages typed including two referees.
Supporting
Information: Drawings of
proposed work and visual materials indicating
scale and or other forms of submission which help clarify the proposed concept.
Budget: Please provide us with a
budget clearly stating all costs the budget including VAT should not exceed the
amount available of €23,000
Concept
Proposal: Between
one and two A4 typed pages outlining your ideas of approach to the commission
Timeline: Your proposed timeline for realisation
from concept to site
Ensure that: All elements are clearly labelled
and sufficiently comprehensive. That the budget also includes cost for siting
work. That the proposal is manageable
and realistic in scale.
Selection Panel: The selection panel will include:
- A
nominee of Bray Town Council
- A
nominee of Wicklow County Council
- A nominee
of the Commemorative Committee
- An
arts specialist representative
Proposed Selection
week ending 26th May 2013
Selection Criteria: Artistic merit and uniqueness of proposal
Response
to site and context
Meaningful
response to location and community
Ability
to realise the commission
Experience
of working in this context
Contracts: Wicklow County Council will
offer the successful artist/writer a
Contract for Services. (Award of
Contract by 31st May 2013) Payments will be made in instalments as per Contract. Due regard for the Safety, Health and Welfare
at Work Act, 2005 and any other statutory issues will apply.
Please
send contact detail sheet and requested material to:
Helena Dennehy
A / Senior Executive Officer
Water & Environmental Services
Wicklow County Council
Co. Wicklow
Submissions
should be clearly marked Commemorative
Commission Bray
Closing
Date: The closing date for
receipt application is 17th May 2013 at 12 noon.
Please note that late, e-mailed or faxed submissions
will not
be accepted.
Important Note: Desired delivery date and completion of the sculpture would be
7th September 2013
however artist must include within their submission detailed and realistic time
scale for delivery.
Some assistance
will be provided to prepare the ground works and site finishes by Bray Town
Council. As this is a public site,
artists should present materials which are durable and coated for the
protection of vandalism.
Enclosures:
- Site
Location Map
- Site
Photo
- Contact
details sheet including Name, Address,
Commemorative
Commission
Wicklow
County Council
Bray Town
Council
Form
/ Contact detail sheet:
NAME: ___________________________________________
Correspondence Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Day time Contact Number: ____________________________________________
Email Address: _____________________________________________
Commission Title: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Closing
Date: The closing date for
receipt application is 17th May 2013 at 12 noon. Please note that
late, e-mailed or faxed submissions will not be accepted.
Please
send contact detail sheet and requested material to:
Helena Dennehy
A / Senior Executive Officer
Water & Environmental Services
Wicklow County Council
Submissions
should be clearly marked Commemorative
Commission Bray
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Wicklow County Council to hold a Special meeting to discuss the Housing Crisis in the County
Wicklow County Council is set to hold a special meeting on Monday to
discuss the Housing Crisis in the County which has seen an all-time
high of 4,154 families looking for social housing from Wicklow local
authorities.
Cllr Brady stated "I am glad that the housing crisis that’s affecting
so many people in Wicklow is at last getting the recognition that it
deserves at council level. I have been speaking about the problem with
housing for a long time now and unfortunately it has fallen on deaf
ears. The current housing policies of Fine Gael/Labour are compounding
the problems for families who are on housing lists with the local
authorities in Wicklow. The Government has adopted a policy of
building no more council houses and the level of funding provided to
local authorities for housing related purposes has been slashed. In
2009 Wicklow received €15m for Housing projects, this year the
allocation is just €2.4m and the Housing Adaptation grant for people
with disabilities has been cut by 40% from €954,794 last year to
€567,117 in 2013."
Cllr Brady continued "Applicants on the housing list are soaring for a
number of reasons. The main reason being the failed housing policies
which the government is perusing, also because of the age structure of
the population. The cuts to the rent allowance is also forcing people
out of private rented accommodation. There are 2,700 people in receipt
of Rent Supplement in Wicklow at a cost of €16.3m which is paid to
private landlords. The amount paid to people has been slashed, however
private landlords have not dropped rents to reflect this and the
shortfall has to be made up by the tenants which is causing huge
difficulties."
Brady went on to say "What we need is action to tackle the housing
crisis. We have 4,154 families on waiting lists, 2,700 on Rent
Supplement and 490 on the Rental Accommodation Schemes. This state is
in a continuing housing crisis which is leaving the worst off in our
society sleeping on couches and raising their children in unhealthy,
damp and crowded conditions. The government is turning a blind eye to
this, more interested in paying someone else’s bank debt than
providing for the rights of its people."
Brady concluded "We need a Social Housing Initiative which will
stimulate the building and construction industry, both through funding
additional dwellings and increasing expenditure on repairs and
maintenance. This will help stimulate businesses which supply
construction materials and help to retain jobs in the industry. The
state must use the Pension Reserve Fund, the European Investment Bank,
incentivised investment from the private pension sector and social
housing bonds to raise funds to start to end this crisis finally.
According to CSO figures there are 5,422 vacant dwellings in Wicklow,
these also need to be utilised as an emergency way of dealing with the
housing list of which over 25% are waiting 5 years or more to be
housed. I will be raising all these issues at the special Council
meeting on Monday and also seeking a meeting with Minister for Housing
Jan O'Sullivan." Ends
discuss the Housing Crisis in the County which has seen an all-time
high of 4,154 families looking for social housing from Wicklow local
authorities.
Cllr Brady stated "I am glad that the housing crisis that’s affecting
so many people in Wicklow is at last getting the recognition that it
deserves at council level. I have been speaking about the problem with
housing for a long time now and unfortunately it has fallen on deaf
ears. The current housing policies of Fine Gael/Labour are compounding
the problems for families who are on housing lists with the local
authorities in Wicklow. The Government has adopted a policy of
building no more council houses and the level of funding provided to
local authorities for housing related purposes has been slashed. In
2009 Wicklow received €15m for Housing projects, this year the
allocation is just €2.4m and the Housing Adaptation grant for people
with disabilities has been cut by 40% from €954,794 last year to
€567,117 in 2013."
Cllr Brady continued "Applicants on the housing list are soaring for a
number of reasons. The main reason being the failed housing policies
which the government is perusing, also because of the age structure of
the population. The cuts to the rent allowance is also forcing people
out of private rented accommodation. There are 2,700 people in receipt
of Rent Supplement in Wicklow at a cost of €16.3m which is paid to
private landlords. The amount paid to people has been slashed, however
private landlords have not dropped rents to reflect this and the
shortfall has to be made up by the tenants which is causing huge
difficulties."
Brady went on to say "What we need is action to tackle the housing
crisis. We have 4,154 families on waiting lists, 2,700 on Rent
Supplement and 490 on the Rental Accommodation Schemes. This state is
in a continuing housing crisis which is leaving the worst off in our
society sleeping on couches and raising their children in unhealthy,
damp and crowded conditions. The government is turning a blind eye to
this, more interested in paying someone else’s bank debt than
providing for the rights of its people."
Brady concluded "We need a Social Housing Initiative which will
stimulate the building and construction industry, both through funding
additional dwellings and increasing expenditure on repairs and
maintenance. This will help stimulate businesses which supply
construction materials and help to retain jobs in the industry. The
state must use the Pension Reserve Fund, the European Investment Bank,
incentivised investment from the private pension sector and social
housing bonds to raise funds to start to end this crisis finally.
According to CSO figures there are 5,422 vacant dwellings in Wicklow,
these also need to be utilised as an emergency way of dealing with the
housing list of which over 25% are waiting 5 years or more to be
housed. I will be raising all these issues at the special Council
meeting on Monday and also seeking a meeting with Minister for Housing
Jan O'Sullivan." Ends
Action needed as Child injured by a Horse in Bray Housing Estate
Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady is calling for action to be taken by
the local authorities in Wicklow to deal with the issue of horses
within housing estates. This follows a recient incident in a housing
estate in Bray where a child was kicked by a horse.
Cllr Brady stated "On Monday last a child who was walking across
public open space in the Fassaroe estate in Bray was kicked by a horse
that was being kept in the area. Thankfully the child was not
seriously injured, however it is only a matter of time before someone
is seriously injured if immediate action is not taken by the local
authorties in Wicklow to deal with this problem that has dramatically
increased over the last number of years."
Cllr Brady continued "I have been contacted by residents from across
Wicklow in relation to horses that are being kept within housing
estates, it has become a very serious and dangerous problem
particularly in urban areas. There are problems with the horses
straying, roaming, causing danger on roads and being ridden without
proper restraint by underage riders. Under the Control of Horses Act
1996 the County Council is responsible for the control of horses
within their area. Wicklow County Council has the power to appoint
authorised persons to deal with any problems relating to the control
of horses. Authorised persons have the power to seize and impound
horses, impose an on-the-spot fine and take court proceedings against
owners."
"I don't have any problems with responsible people keeping horses once
they have the proper facilities to do so. Keeping them within housing
estates is totally inappropriate and dangerous and has to be stopped.
It is creating huge problems not only with regards to public safety
but also for animal welfare. Local authorities must tackle this
problem before a child is seriously injured or worse." Ends
the local authorities in Wicklow to deal with the issue of horses
within housing estates. This follows a recient incident in a housing
estate in Bray where a child was kicked by a horse.
Cllr Brady stated "On Monday last a child who was walking across
public open space in the Fassaroe estate in Bray was kicked by a horse
that was being kept in the area. Thankfully the child was not
seriously injured, however it is only a matter of time before someone
is seriously injured if immediate action is not taken by the local
authorties in Wicklow to deal with this problem that has dramatically
increased over the last number of years."
Cllr Brady continued "I have been contacted by residents from across
Wicklow in relation to horses that are being kept within housing
estates, it has become a very serious and dangerous problem
particularly in urban areas. There are problems with the horses
straying, roaming, causing danger on roads and being ridden without
proper restraint by underage riders. Under the Control of Horses Act
1996 the County Council is responsible for the control of horses
within their area. Wicklow County Council has the power to appoint
authorised persons to deal with any problems relating to the control
of horses. Authorised persons have the power to seize and impound
horses, impose an on-the-spot fine and take court proceedings against
owners."
"I don't have any problems with responsible people keeping horses once
they have the proper facilities to do so. Keeping them within housing
estates is totally inappropriate and dangerous and has to be stopped.
It is creating huge problems not only with regards to public safety
but also for animal welfare. Local authorities must tackle this
problem before a child is seriously injured or worse." Ends
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Letter to the Editor in relation to comments made by Wicklow Fianna Fail PRO Stephen Kearon following the death of Margaret Thatcher
A chara,
I feel compelled to write this letter out of total disgust
at a number of Tweets that came from Wicklow Fianna Fáil PRO and former
Government Advisor to the rejected former Minister Dick Roche, Stephen Kearon
following the death of Margaret Thatcher. On Monday last following the death of
former British Conservative Prime Minister Maggie Thatcher the Fianna Fáil
mouth piece posted a number of disgraceful tweets saying “Thatcher deserves our
gratitude for ensuring Provo thugs & criminals who didn’t like prison food
deservedly died painfully” he followed this with another message saying “Sands
is now burning in the eternal fires of hell, just what his kind deserves”
Is mise le meas
Cllr. John Brady
63 Kilbride Grove
Bray
Co. Wicklow
087-0666780
Monday, 8 April 2013
Wicklow County Council adopts The Katie Taylor Bursary Sports Scholarship scheme
Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has welcomed the adoption of the Katie Taylor Bursary sports scholarship by Wicklow County Council. The bursary is intended to provide an opportunity to study at third level to persons who may not be in a position to undertake a course of study, because of serious disadvantage. The scholarship is aimed at marking the huge achievement of Katie Taylor at London 2012 by winning a gold medal.
Speaking after the adoption of the sports scholarship scheme Cllr Brady said "After the extraordinary achievements of Katie Taylor at the London 2012 Olympics by winning a gold medal i proposed that Wicklow County Council mark the achievement by putting in place a sports scholarship as a lasting memory of Katies fantastic achievement. In the past Katie has been given the freedom of Wicklow and numerous civic receptions by the County Council. I felt that it would be fitting that something would be put in place to help other people out that may have an outstanding sporting ability but may find it difficult to go on to third level education due to their circumstances."
Cllr Brady continued "My proposal was taken up by the protocol committee and a lot of work was done on the issue by Lorraine Gallagher to get it to this stage. At the council meeting on Monday i was delighted to formally propose the adoption of the Katie Taylor Scholarship which was subsequently unanimously adopted by the council. The bursary will see an award of €1000 to the successful applicant for each academic year over a 3 year period, each year a new applicant will be selected. The primary aim of the bursary is to assist students who face significant barriers to progress in education and is intended for students with outstanding sporting ability."
Cllr Brady concluded "I believe this is a great initiative that not only marks the achievement's of Katie Taylor at last years Olympics in London but it will help ensure that young people can follow their dreams and ambitions through sport."
Brady tells Bray Town Council not to be hypocrites and to secure their site on Killarney Road
Wicklow Sinn Fein councillor John Brady has told Bray Town Council to secure their site at Kilbride Lodge, which is on the Killarney road. The site is owned by the council and is currently being used for high levels of antisocial behaviour.
Cllr Brady said "I am calling on Bray Town Council to immediately move to secure the old Kilbride Lodge site which is currently being used for antisocial behaviour. The activities on the site are effecting neighbouring houses in both Glenthorn and Ballywaltrim Cottages. The council secured the site a number of years ago under Part V of the Housing Act and had planned on using it for badly needed social housing. Unfortunately the current policies of the Fine Gael, Labour Government have put an end to the construction of new council housing by all local authorities."
Cllr Brady continued "Since the council secured the site it has lay in a state of dereliction and it is currently used for the keeping of horses, drinking parties and illegal dumping. It is also being used to target the nearby houses of Glenthorn and Ballywaltrim Cottages and the residents lives are being made a living hell by the activities on site."
"I am calling on Bray Town Council to immediately have their site secured and cleaned up. The council cant be hypocrites on issues such as this. In the past they have taken action against private landowners under the Derelict Sites Act for having their sites in similar conditions and the council need to lead by example and set standards that they want private landowners to follow."
Cllr Brady said "I am calling on Bray Town Council to immediately move to secure the old Kilbride Lodge site which is currently being used for antisocial behaviour. The activities on the site are effecting neighbouring houses in both Glenthorn and Ballywaltrim Cottages. The council secured the site a number of years ago under Part V of the Housing Act and had planned on using it for badly needed social housing. Unfortunately the current policies of the Fine Gael, Labour Government have put an end to the construction of new council housing by all local authorities."
Cllr Brady continued "Since the council secured the site it has lay in a state of dereliction and it is currently used for the keeping of horses, drinking parties and illegal dumping. It is also being used to target the nearby houses of Glenthorn and Ballywaltrim Cottages and the residents lives are being made a living hell by the activities on site."
"I am calling on Bray Town Council to immediately have their site secured and cleaned up. The council cant be hypocrites on issues such as this. In the past they have taken action against private landowners under the Derelict Sites Act for having their sites in similar conditions and the council need to lead by example and set standards that they want private landowners to follow."
Cllr Brady concluded "Ultimately i want to see the site developed to meet the high demand for social housing that exists right across Wicklow and i will continue to put pressure on both Fine Gael and Labour to reverse their crazy no build policy. In the past the problem in Bray was the lack of council owned land to develop social housing, that has changed, the council has over the last number of years acquired a number of land banks for that purpose. Whilst we are waiting for a change of policy to allow these sites get developed for the purpose they where obtained, the council need to ensure that their land is not impacting negatively on the community. The council should explore the possibilities of allowing the site to be used by the community in the interim period, it has been suggested that this would make an ideal community allotment and this should be explored." Ends
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Brady calls for an emergency extension to the fuel allowance payment
Wicklow Sinn Fein County Councillor John Brady has called for an
emergency extension to the fuel allowance payment for the elderly and
those in receipt of social welfare payments. Brady wants the
government to reverse the cut of 6 weeks to the payment which was
introduced in Budget 2012.
Brady stated “The fuel allowance payment to the elderly and those on
social welfare is an essential payment of €20 a week to help cover the
cost of heating the family home. The Fuel Allowance season was reduced
by 6 weeks in Budget 2012 from 32 weeks to 26 weeks for all
recipients; it’s now paid for 6 months from mid-October to mid-April.
The last payment is due in two weeks; however there is no end in sight
to the cold weather”
Brady continued “The reduction of 6 weeks for the payment coupled with
higher fuel prices and the coldest March in 50 years has left
vulnerable people struggling to heat their homes.”
Brady went on “It has been estimated that 3,000 excess winter deaths
of people aged over 65 were recorded in Ireland between 2005 and 2009,
over 400 were directly linked to the temperature inside their homes. A
survey released in December found that more than half of older people
in Ireland go without food or clothing in order to meet the costs of
heating their homes. Almost one in ten older people surveyed said they
use their ovens to provide extra heat during cold snaps.”
Cllr Brady concluded “I am appealing to the Minister for Social
Protection Joan Burton to provide an emergency extension to the fuel
allowance. I am also calling on Wicklow Labour TD Anne Ferris to come
out of her self imposed exile and take a stand on this issue. Ferris
had been very vocal on this issue in the past and very critical of the
previous government. However there has been nothing from her in
relation to the cut of 6 weeks to fuel allowance that her government
imposed, she can now make amends for that by demanding an emergency
payment to the most vulnerable.”
emergency extension to the fuel allowance payment for the elderly and
those in receipt of social welfare payments. Brady wants the
government to reverse the cut of 6 weeks to the payment which was
introduced in Budget 2012.
Brady stated “The fuel allowance payment to the elderly and those on
social welfare is an essential payment of €20 a week to help cover the
cost of heating the family home. The Fuel Allowance season was reduced
by 6 weeks in Budget 2012 from 32 weeks to 26 weeks for all
recipients; it’s now paid for 6 months from mid-October to mid-April.
The last payment is due in two weeks; however there is no end in sight
to the cold weather”
Brady continued “The reduction of 6 weeks for the payment coupled with
higher fuel prices and the coldest March in 50 years has left
vulnerable people struggling to heat their homes.”
Brady went on “It has been estimated that 3,000 excess winter deaths
of people aged over 65 were recorded in Ireland between 2005 and 2009,
over 400 were directly linked to the temperature inside their homes. A
survey released in December found that more than half of older people
in Ireland go without food or clothing in order to meet the costs of
heating their homes. Almost one in ten older people surveyed said they
use their ovens to provide extra heat during cold snaps.”
Cllr Brady concluded “I am appealing to the Minister for Social
Protection Joan Burton to provide an emergency extension to the fuel
allowance. I am also calling on Wicklow Labour TD Anne Ferris to come
out of her self imposed exile and take a stand on this issue. Ferris
had been very vocal on this issue in the past and very critical of the
previous government. However there has been nothing from her in
relation to the cut of 6 weeks to fuel allowance that her government
imposed, she can now make amends for that by demanding an emergency
payment to the most vulnerable.”
Sinn Féin in government will repeal the Family Home Tax – Brady
Sinn Féin in government will repeal the Family Home Tax – Brady
Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has welcomed the Sinn
Fein bill to repeal the Family Home Tax that was introduced to the
Dail this week and said his party is committed to repealing the tax if
in government after the next general election.
Speaking after the launch of the Financial Local Property Tax Repeal
Bill Councillor Brady said:
“This bill is a key part of Sinn Fein’s alternative to austerity for
lower and middle income families. These families have borne the brunt
of austerity budget after austerity budget under Fianna Fáil and Fine
Gael/Labour. They need a break.
“This tax was signed off on by Fianna Fáil and has been taken up by
the Fine Gael and Labour. There are a wide range of alternatives as
Sinn Féin has consistently pointed out.
“The method of collection of this new tax is brutal. Those who are
accepted as being unable to pay face a 4% penalty next year while
those who can’t pay but are not recognised as being unable to pay face
a 8% penalty. The government will raid salaries, social welfare
payments and pensions to extract this tax on the family home.
“We know the reality that one in four mortgages are in distress yet
these same households who may be in negative equity and have paid
stamp duty now face this extra tax. That is blatantly unfair.
“We saw in last week’s list of exempted ghost estates just how few
exemptions will be tolerated.
“Sinn Féin in government will repeal this tax. Our bill would refund
the tax paid by citizens for the year in which it is scrapped.
“This bill which has been introduced on the floor of the Dáil this
week and will be debated during our Private Members’ Time at the
earliest opportunity.
“We will continue to campaign across the state to win support for this bill.”
Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has welcomed the Sinn
Fein bill to repeal the Family Home Tax that was introduced to the
Dail this week and said his party is committed to repealing the tax if
in government after the next general election.
Speaking after the launch of the Financial Local Property Tax Repeal
Bill Councillor Brady said:
“This bill is a key part of Sinn Fein’s alternative to austerity for
lower and middle income families. These families have borne the brunt
of austerity budget after austerity budget under Fianna Fáil and Fine
Gael/Labour. They need a break.
“This tax was signed off on by Fianna Fáil and has been taken up by
the Fine Gael and Labour. There are a wide range of alternatives as
Sinn Féin has consistently pointed out.
“The method of collection of this new tax is brutal. Those who are
accepted as being unable to pay face a 4% penalty next year while
those who can’t pay but are not recognised as being unable to pay face
a 8% penalty. The government will raid salaries, social welfare
payments and pensions to extract this tax on the family home.
“We know the reality that one in four mortgages are in distress yet
these same households who may be in negative equity and have paid
stamp duty now face this extra tax. That is blatantly unfair.
“We saw in last week’s list of exempted ghost estates just how few
exemptions will be tolerated.
“Sinn Féin in government will repeal this tax. Our bill would refund
the tax paid by citizens for the year in which it is scrapped.
“This bill which has been introduced on the floor of the Dáil this
week and will be debated during our Private Members’ Time at the
earliest opportunity.
“We will continue to campaign across the state to win support for this bill.”
Friday, 22 March 2013
Wicklow Sinn Féin has announced details of its Easter Commemoration.
Wicklow Sinn Féin has announced details of its Easter Commemoration.
Sinn Fein County Councillor John Brady has announced the Wicklow
County Easter commemoration will assemble at Bray Town Hall on Easter
Saturday at 1.30pm and parade to the 1798 monument on Castle Street.
This year's oration will be delivered by Eoin O Broin. Eoin is a Sinn
Fein Ard Comhairle member and Dublin Mid West activist; he is the
author of a number of books and is Sinn Fein political advisor in
Leinster Hse.
Cllr Brady stated "Easter is an important time for Irish Republicans
and we would ask that as many people as possible join with us in what
is the main Easter Commemoration to be held in County Wicklow. We
would also ask that people would wear an Easter Lily as a token of
remembrance to all those who died for Irish Freedom," Clr. Brady said.
Cllr Brady continued “The Wicklow County commemoration this year will
be held in Bray on Easter Saturday 30th March. Everyone is welcome. As
we near the 100th Anniversary of 1916, it is important that as
republicans we keep the memory and the vision of the 1916 Proclamation
alive and part of the politics and discourse of the Irish people. The
vision contained within the proclamation is now more relevant and
required than ever before.”
Sinn Fein County Councillor John Brady has announced the Wicklow
County Easter commemoration will assemble at Bray Town Hall on Easter
Saturday at 1.30pm and parade to the 1798 monument on Castle Street.
This year's oration will be delivered by Eoin O Broin. Eoin is a Sinn
Fein Ard Comhairle member and Dublin Mid West activist; he is the
author of a number of books and is Sinn Fein political advisor in
Leinster Hse.
Cllr Brady stated "Easter is an important time for Irish Republicans
and we would ask that as many people as possible join with us in what
is the main Easter Commemoration to be held in County Wicklow. We
would also ask that people would wear an Easter Lily as a token of
remembrance to all those who died for Irish Freedom," Clr. Brady said.
Cllr Brady continued “The Wicklow County commemoration this year will
be held in Bray on Easter Saturday 30th March. Everyone is welcome. As
we near the 100th Anniversary of 1916, it is important that as
republicans we keep the memory and the vision of the 1916 Proclamation
alive and part of the politics and discourse of the Irish people. The
vision contained within the proclamation is now more relevant and
required than ever before.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)