Wicklow motions on Housing, Pylons and Fire-Service adopted at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Wexford

A large number of Wicklow Sinn Féin members and supporters travelled to Wexford over the weekend to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis that took place in the Wexford opera house. A large volume of motions were debated including a number for the organisation in Wicklow which were supported and now become the party's position on the issue.

Speaking after the Ard Fheis Wicklow Sinn Féin councillor John Brady said "The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis this year took place in Wexford and several thousand delegates and supporters converged on the opera house over two days to listen to and participate in debate on many party policy issues. The organisation here in Wicklow had submitted three different motions. The motions related to the housing crisis, pylons and the need for a National fire authority, they were all debated at length and all adopted as the party position on each issue".

The councillor said "The motions we had submitted are real issues of concern here in Wicklow. The organisation put forward some very progressive motions. The first one to be dealt with was on the housing crisis and need to start building social housing using housing trusts that would be established in each local authority, this in conjunction with working being carried out by the voluntary and community sector would seriously tackle the housing crisis".

"The second motion that was submitted by Wicklow was in relation to the plans by Eirgrid to run the Grid Link 400 kv project from Cork to Kildare via Wicklow along with several other counties. This would see the use over huge pylons right across the country side with big implications for tourism, land and property prices, the environment and agriculture. The Wicklow motion calls on the Irish Government to direct Eirgrid to proceed with the proposed project only on the basis that it will run underground, which in line with the view of an international expert commission employed by the government, is a viable option".

Brady continued "Our last motion related to the fire service and the need for the removal of the control of the fire service from underfunded local authorities and put under the control of a newly created all-Ireland National Fire Authority. This would ensure that training, equipment and turnouts would be uniform right across the Country with resources put into areas that need it as opposed to paying the wages of the top heavy chiefs that are simply not needed. I believe the changes will only happen when the control of this emergency service is removed form councils who are constantly cutting corners and trying to save money, this is something we unfortunately have witnessed first hand here in Wicklow and we have far too many deaths because of this flawed policy including two brave fire men. Only then will we see areas like Bray get the full time fire service it needs".

Brady Concluded "Thankfully these and many other progressive motions have been supported by the party's membership and they are now the party's positions on theses issues. Over all the Ard Fheis was very positive and the membership is buoyed up and ready for the Local Elections which are on in May. It was great to see so many new members and candidates and Wicklow had plenty of both there. If the Ard Fheis was anything to go by the European and Local Elections are going to be rigorously contested by Sinn Féin and i think we will have plenty of surprises and shocks for the establishment parties along the way". Ends

Motions put forward by Wicklow at the Sinn Féin 2014 Ard Fheis  and adopted.

108. This Ard Fheis recognises that the 26-County state, via local authorities, is moving away from the provision of public housing and shifting to what is called housing support. This model puts the onus for housing provision on the voluntary and community sector as well as subsidising private landlords.

While voluntary and community housing bodies provide great service and are an essential part of our housing system, they are incapable of providing the level of housing needed.

This Ard Fheis calls for the establishment of housing trusts by each local authority which could source financing for a major public housing build without borrowing as part of the state’s ‘national debt’.

127. This Ard Fheis:

• Notes the proposed plans to expand the electricity grid on the island via the North-South Interconnector, the Grid Link and Grid West projects.

• Supports in principle the enhancement of supply and expansion of the electricity grid and the stated aims of Eirgrid to help secure future electricity supply for homes, businesses, farms, factories and communities, to help Ireland meet its 40% renewable energy target and to provide a platform for economic growth and job creation.

• Notes with concern the impact that construction of the proposed high-voltage 400KV pylon supported powerlines would have, most notably, in the areas of:

• Agriculture

• Health

• Landscape

• Tourism

• Land and property values

• Commends the community-based groups across the island who have been campaigning effectively on the issue, who have helped to inform the wider population of the projects, and have been voicing the many genuine and serious concerns that communities have about the proposed projects.

Further notes:

• That underground cables have lower transmission losses than overhead lines because, due to thermal reasons, underground cables have a larger conductor and therefore significantly smaller losses.• Studies on several 400KV transmission grids show that the characteristics of underground cables can in many cases be beneficial to the overall performance of the network.

• Disturbance of underground cables occurs less frequently than for overhead lines. Overhead cables are affected by severe weather. Only outside influences can disturb and damage underground cables. Underground cables are low maintenance compared to overhead lines.

• Underground cables - at installation - cost more than overhead lines but the fact that they are low-maintenance, have lower transmission losses, have a longer lifespan and no environmental or other negative impact would suggest that the initial additional outlay will be offset over time by the many advantages.

• That an international expert commission, employed by the government, found that the undergrounding of cables was “a viable option”.

Calls for:

• The Irish Government to direct Eirgrid to proceed with the proposed projects only on the basis that they will be undergrounded.

• In the case of the North-South Interconnector, that the lines be placed underground using ducts within the new A5/N2 road development.

• The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, which facilitates the forcing through of such projects regardless of the expressed wishes of communities, be repealed.

• A united all-party front in opposition to the overgrounding of powerlines and to make the case for undergrounding.

161. This Ard Fheis reiterates our policy for an all-Ireland National Fire Authority. This would remove control of the fire service from underfunded local authorities and would provide a cost-effective system to offer live-saving services to those who need it. 

Meaningful action needed by Council to apprehend serial illegal dumpers

Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has called for immediate and meaningful action to be taken by Bray Town Council to tackle long term illegal dumping at a number of litter blackspots in the town.

The councillor stated "I have been contacted by angry residents from Stable Lane and Carlisle Terrace on Seymour Road in Bray in relation to the illegal dumping that has been ongoing now for years. The council is aware of these litter black spots and regularly have the rubbish removed from the locations, which both have high numbers of private rented accommodation. Locals have now ran out of patience and are calling on the council to take meaningful action to tackle the illegal dumping once and for all".

"In fairness the council organise to have the illegally dumped household refuse removed on a weekly basis, however this is nearly giving the dumpers the incentive to continue to do it as they appear to get away with it. The council must however get tough on the dumpers, firstly they need to erect signage warning people not to illegally dump and what the penalties are when they get caught. The council i believe must also erect CCTV at these locations to help apprehend the serial offenders, who when prosecuted should be named and shamed". continued Brady

He went on to say "I believe its costing the council thousands of euro a year just to clean up these two sites alone, this money should and could be better spent better by upgrading and improving public services and amenities for all instead of cleaning up after some irresponsible litter louts. I think the council should make public the amount of money they waste cleaning up after these people".

Brady concluded by saying "Landlords also have a roll to play in stamping out the disgusting actions of the small minority that engage in these stupid actions that not only impact negatively on the area but also on the entire town. But ultimately its up to the dumpers to have a bit of cop on and respect for their neighbours and our town".

Dangerous Road Surface at Kilcroney Roundabout Needs Immediate Action

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has said immediate action is needed to address the dangerous road surface at the Kilcroney roundabout in Bray. He has stated that he has been made aware of many near accidents at the location, when motorists enter onto the roundabout the cars loose all traction sending them into a skid.

The councillor said "I was first contacted on this issue a number of weeks ago by a motorist who went into a spin in his car whilst on the roundabout. He stated he wasn't travelling at speed and the surface was dry. Subsequently taking to other motorists it has became very apparent how extensive the problem actually is, i have spoken to at least 10 motorists who experienced the same thing at the same location over the last 6 months or so".

Brady continued "The latest incident that i was made aware of happened last week when a car with two people inside went into a complete spin on the roundabout, one of the occupants in the car is pregnant and they were convinced the car was going to completely flip over. In the end the car came to a halt facing into the roundabout, again the car was not travelling at any great speed and the tyres on the vehicle were only recently replaced".

The councillor went onto say "I raised the issue at a council meeting and i was surprised when one of the officials present stated the same had happened to him recently at this location. The maintenance of the N11 and the slip roads including the roundabouts has been privatised and a company named GSJ Maintenance Ltd hold the contract. The issue has been raised with them and hopefully action will be taken soon to address this serious problem. The issue has been happening for so long now it doesn't appear that it is an oil spill, it appears to be a poor road surface. I have suggested a special non slip surface be installed like is found at some junctions".

The councillor concluded "I believe the problem to be more extensive and that most motorists haven't reported incidents that may have happened to them. I urge them to either contact myself or the council so a true picture on the scale of the problem can be complied so pressure can be put on GSJ Maintenance to take action to address the problem". Ends.

Hell and Back 2nd February for Merryn

Fantastic day at Hell & Back, it was very cold and tough and I am now covered in bruises. I am delighted to have finished and to have played a small part in trying to raise funds to try help a little girl named Merryn in her fight against cancer. We'll done to everyone who done it, particularly team Merryn.

Angry Tenants to Protest over Exorbitant Rent Increases

Tenants of Bray Town Council are to stage a protest outside the February monthly meeting of the Council to voice their anger and opposition to recent rent increases imposed on them by the Council. Council tenant’s rents have increased on average between 20-30% following the adoption of the Town Council Budget in January.

Speaking after tenants received notification of their rent increases Councillor John Brady said "Letters from the Town Council started to land on the door steps of council tenants on Friday morning informing them of the huge rent increases which had been approved by the majority of councillors at the annual budget meeting in January. On average rents are going up by between 20-30%. Tenants are so angered by these exorbitant increases they plan on staging a protest outside the next Town Council meeting which takes place on Tuesday 4th February".

Sinn Féin representative Oliver O'Brien went on to say "We in Sinn Féin will be supporting the protest which will take place outside the Town Hall on Tuesday next at 7pm. Sinn Féin Councillors Rossa Murray and John Brady are the only councillors that voted against the councils budget because of these huge increases that are being imposed on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Unfortunately the increases were supported by the Labour Party, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael".

Cllr Brady concluded "Housing is a huge problem right across the board. This government is hammering people on Rent Allowance, Social Leasing schemes and they have also made it more difficult for people in the private rented sector where rents are continuing to spiral and there is no assistance available to them. I am asking all people affected by housing issues to join in the protest on Tuesday as I believe it’s not just about council tenants, it’s about the right to have a roof over your head".

Elevated Radiation Levels in Sellafield Highlight the Need for it's immediate closure-Brady

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has said that the British Government must close Sellafield permanently rather than the proposed closure of part of the plant by 2018. He made his calls following news on Friday that non-essential staff at site in Cumbria were asked to stay at home due to elevated radiation levels.

The Sinn Fein councillor said “For years the Sellafield plant has been poisoning the waters around the coastline of Ireland and Britain with radioactive discharges.  This radioactivity is also a source of the rising number of cases of cancer in this region. The news on Friday that staff were asked to stay at home due to elevated radiation levels is alarming and again raises the need for the British Government to close this plant in its entirety and put measures in place which will clean the area up”.

Brady continued “The Thorpe Reprocessing Plant at Sellafield is to close in 2018, but it is little comfort for the people of Wicklow and on the East coast of Ireland who are living beside one of the most radioactive seas in the world. The British government while closing the reprocessing plant have also plans to build a nuclear power plant on the site which will mean continued radio activity for the foreseeable future”.

Councillor Brady went onto say “Sellafield doesn’t have a great safety record and I like the majority of Irish people have no faith in it. In 1957, the worst nuclear disaster in Britain also occurred at the site, when one of the nuclear reactors caught fire releasing radioactive material that spread across the UK and Europe. A 2012 report by the National Audit Office in Britain said some facilities at the 68-year-old site had "deteriorated so much that their contents pose significant risks to people and the environment".

“Sellafield is the largest and most hazardous nuclear site in the UK, and stores enough high and intermediate level radioactive waste to fill 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools and it is estimated the cost of cleaning up the waste at Sellafield could be up to €82billion. I believe Sellafieldis a ticking time bomb that needs to close immediately and the events on Friday just serve to highlight again how precarious nuclear energy is. I am calling on the Irish Government to immediately raise this issue and demand the closure and cleaning up of the entire site”. Concluded Councillor Brady. Ends

Government decision to establish investigation into undergrounding of high voltage powerlines is a con Job

Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has labelled the government’s announcement that it intends to set up an independent investigation into the undergrounding of high voltage powerlines as a con job, aimed at trying to fool the electorate ahead of the May Local and European elections.

Cllr Brady said “The proposed construction of these powerlines using overhead pylons has caused considerable controversy and concern here in Wicklow. Groups have been set up in South West Wicklow in the Carnew and Baltinglass areas to oppose the overhead pylons. It is the hard work and perseverance of the campaigning communities involved and the huge level of submissions received in the consultation process that has finally brought the government to this point”.

Brady continued “The government’s proposal to set up an independent investigation, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Catherine McGuinness, to examine the prospect of undergrounding of high voltage powerlines is con job that is just an election stunt to save the skins of Labour and Fine Gael councillors and MEPs in May”.

“It appears that potential health implications of over-ground pylons appeared to be excluded from the review and that there was no health expert on the panel. It is essential that all implications are analysed in the review and the preparation of these reports must be transparent, comprehensive and most importantly they should listen to all the expert evidence as well as the voices of the communities opposed to the construction of the pylon network” continued Brady

Brady concluded “The technology now exists to efficiently underground high voltage electrical cables. Many counties such as Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom routinely bury cables and Ireland needs to follow suit. What we need is political will and not political election stunts”.