70 years to clear Social Housing waiting list in Wicklow at the Governments pace - Brady

The Wicklow Sinn Féin General Election candidate and County Councillor John Brady has said that the government’s plans to build just 50 social housing units in Wicklow this year are very disappointing given the scale of the crisis and at the current government pace it will take over 70 years to clear the social housing list in the County. He made his comments following the announcement by Minister Alan Kelly that an average of just 100 million euro will be spent building council houses over the next 3 years despite record homelessness numbers and severe housing need.

Cllr Brady said "These figures are scandalous and the Minister expects people to congratulate this government, it’s an embarrassment and very frustrating when you are working with homeless families and people struggling to keep the roof over their heads. In Wicklow we have over 3566 families on the housing waiting list and since Christmas over 70 families have presented themselves as homeless to the council in Wicklow. At this current rate it will take over 70 years to clear the current social housing list which already has families waiting for over 12 years to get a house.”

“The Government spends nearly half a billion subsidising the private market every year, in Wicklow that figure is over €30 million. Many families are being made homeless because the private market can get higher rents than either Rent Supplement or the Rental Accommodation Schemes (RAS) are giving. We have had over homeless families here in Wicklow since Christmas and many of them are still in emergency accommodation, but this government will only build 50 homes in the County this year. This is simply not good enough.”

Brady continued “We need to be moving back to building thousands of social housing units every year. Until then we are not doing nearly enough to tackle the crisis. Building 30 houses in Dunlavin and 20 in Rathdrum are welcome but fall well short of what’s needed to try tackle the crisis.”

“Instead over the next three years the government intends to plough a further 1.2 billion euro into subsidising private landlords while it builds a meager 1700 homes through local authorities. The councils are best placed to tackle this crisis and housing shortage and should be at the forefront of the solution.

“The government must refocus on funding the construction and refurbishment of council homes. The homes that are needed will not be found on the private market, where developers operating as landlords are making handsome sums in extortionate rents due to the shortage of rental properties.

Cllr Brady concluded “Sinn Féin has called for this refocus for a long time as well as an immediate 1 billion investment of additional fund from the Strategic Investment Fund which would build at least 5400 homes. We also need rent controls now to stop the flow of renters into emergency accommodation right now. Social housing construction through local authorities is the only solution to our housing crisis."

Brady commends work of Bray Summerfest volunteers

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray has commended the work of the volunteers of Bray Summerfest and expressed delight that the widely popular Bray Airshow and Funfair will go ahead this year, he hopes that other elements of the festival will also be added to ensure the Bray continues to be portrayed in a positive light and open to tourists.

Cllr Brady said "The Summerfest is an excellent festival that attracts tens of thousands of people to Bray on an annual basis, bringing much needed revenue to the town. There is a real need to ensure that it continues, after several weeks of uncertainty I welcome the fact that the Funfair will return this summer and also the Airshow that attracts up to 80,000 spectators, that will be the highlight of the summer in Bray. I also hope that other elements of the festival such as the music on the bandstand will also return this year".

"I've meet with the executive of Summerfest a number of times and have put forward a funding proposal to ensure that Summerfest can continue to do the great work this year and next year in promoting Bray as it has done for many years. I will continue to work with the committee and i hope that the funding proposal i put forward can be used in a positive fashion to deal with any uncertainty that the future may hold for the festival".

Cllr Brady concluded "I believe that this festival can and will continue to go from strength to strength and i look forward to working with the committee and I'm prepared to get involved with Summerfest as a volunteer".

Brady congratulates St. Kilian's Young Social Innovators

The Cathlaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray Councillor John Brady has congratulated the students of St.Kilians Community School who are taking part in the Young Social Innovators Initiative and have been shortlisted to present to YSI Judging Panels on 6th May for consideration for the Young Social Innovators of the Year 2015 title. The Transition year students have been doing a project on Homelessness and this week went to the Dáil to present over 2000 postcards that got signed as part of the project.

Speaking after accompanying the group to the Dáil the Cathlaoirleach John Brady said “I want to commend all the students from St.Kilians Community School on the work they have done on homelessness as part of the Young Social Innovators Initiative, I also want to praise their teacher Ms. Brophy. As part of their project on Homelessness they carried out extensive research, study and practical initiatives. One of those initiatives was to design and print thousands of postcards calling on the government to tackle the issue of homelessness. I was delighted to arrange and accompany the students to go into the Dáil to hand over the postcards.”

“In the Dáil they met with Mary Lou McDonald and Wicklow TD Anne Ferris and gave a presentation on their project, they are now writing to the Minister Alan Kelly requesting a meeting on the issue of homelessness. They have been shortlisted to present to YSI judging panels on 6th May for consideration for the Young Social Innovators of the year 2015 title. I wish them all the best on the 6th and I know that the work that the students have done has been rewarding and educational for them all and I know it has made a big impact on them.”

Brady will continue to find solutions to Bray Summerfest Impasse

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray, John Brady has said the Bray Summerfest is an important event for the people and economy of Bray that needs to continue. He stated that he will persevere to find a path to ensure the Summerfest can forge ahead with their plans and that the concerns of local residents and Councillors regarding duration, openness and transparency are addressed.

Cllr Brady said "Over the last number of weeks there has been concern and unfortunately some misinformation regarding the Summerfest following a decision that was taken by the local authority in Bray to reduce the number of days the funfair is permitted to use the publicly owned lands on the seafront. I fully support and commend the volunteers who have done and will continue to do fantastic work to promote Bray in a festival that is estimated by them to be worth up to €8m to the local economy. A proposal was put forward by Cllr Matthews to reduce the number of days for the funfair from 23 to 15 and to ensure there is full openness and transparency regarding the tendering of the seafront land and the use of substantial amounts of funding from the council. This was on foot of requests from local residents and a petition containing over 1200 signatures. The majority of Councillors supported that proposal."

"The decision to reduce the funfair does not effect the duration of the Summerfest and is only due to come into effect next year in 2016 giving over 12 months to address issues such as funding. There is no reason why the Summerfest cant continue this year as it has done in the past. On foot of requests for openness and transparency from Councillors surrounding the use of public funding and the seafront i have requested as Cathaoirleach information from the committee that hopefully will be forthcoming in the near future. I am certainly not questioning anyone involved in the executive of Summerfest regarding funding, but there needs to be full accountability. Over the last 10 years well over €600,000 in funding has come from the local authority and from payments directly to the Summerfest committee from the funfair operators for the use of the Seafront. To protect the good names of all involved in the committee and for the use of public finances a full open and transparent system needs to be put in place and i make no apologies in seeking that."

Cllr Brady concluded "I have meet with members of the executive of the Summerfest twice over the last couple of weeks. I believe there is the basis of a good resolution to this current impasse that will ensure the good work of the festival continues, the concerns of the local residents are addressed and there is full openness and transparency surrounding the tendering process for the use of the Seafront by commercial interests and the publication of full audited accounts. I look forward to hosting representatives from the Summerfest when they address the next meeting of the council and to working with them and others in finding a solution to continue to promote Bray in a positive fashion."

Refurbishment work in Ballywaltrim Playground completed

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray, John Brady has welcomed the completion of the refurbishment and upgrade works on the playground in Ballywaltrim, Bray.

Speaking after visiting the site Councillor Bray said "Its great to see the children from the community in Ballywaltrim and further afield playing and enjoying the newly refurbished playground. The work on the playground is substantially completed. This is a huge investment in the Ballywaltrim area and we now have a brilliant top quality playground which is a great asset to the entire community".

"There are still some other works to be carried out including the installation of public lighting and some planting. I've also asked the council to paint the railings around the original playground to freshen it up."

Brady continued "I've also been in contact with the Gardaí to ensure the CCTV is trained on the playground and that there are more foot patrols in the area to ensure there is no antisocial behavior. This upgrade has come about following lobbying from the community and members of the Ballywaltrim Community Playground Committee and a huge investment by the local authority and it needs to be protected for the community."

Cllr Brady concluded "I'm delighted to have played my part along with many others in delivering this upgrade and i look forward to ensuring the other playgrounds across Wicklow are upgraded and that communities campaigning for them are successful also." Ends

Wicklow County Council agree to fly the Rainbow Flag during the Wicklow Pride Festival

Sinn Féin Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has expressed delight that his proposal to fly the Rainbow flag from the Wicklow County Council Buildings in Wicklow Town to coincide with the Wicklow Pride Festival that takes place in the County in June and July.

Speaking after the decision to fly the flag Councillor Brady said “I’m delighted that a decision was taken by the protocol committee of the Council to support my proposal to fly the Rainbow Flag from the County Buildings to coincide with the Wicklow Pride Festival that takes place from 29th June to 4th July. I believe it’s an important decision and makes a powerful statement that the council is committed to working to do all that it can to tackle hate crime and discrimination and supports inclusiveness and diversity.”

Cllr Brady went onto say “The rainbow flag was popularised as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and diversity by San Franciscan artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The different colours symbolize diversity in the gay community, and the flag is used predominantly at gay pride events worldwide.”

Cllr Brady concluded “It would be great if the Municipal District offices around the County would follow suit and fly the flag also. It would make a strong statement that Wicklow stands for equality, something I as a republican strive for and the reason why Sinn Féin are calling for a yes vote in the marriage equality referendum.” Ends

Wicklow County Councillors censor discussion on threat to Roundwood Health Center

Sinn Féin County Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has expressed dismay at his fellow Councillors on Wicklow council who voted to censor any discussion or debate on the threat to the Health Center in Roundwood which is potentially facing closure by the HSE. Brady raised the issue at Mondays County Council meeting and stated that he had been contacted by members of staff who have informed him of their redeployment and the closure of the essential service in Roundwood.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Brady said "At Mondays council meeting i raised serious concerns about the future of the Health Center in Roundwood. I have been contacted by members of staff from the facility who have informed me that from the end of April all the nurses that cover Roundwood, Barndarrig, Rathnew, Ashford and Wicklow Town will be based in the new HSE primary health care center on the Port access road in Wicklow and that the facility in Roundwood will close. Unfortunately a decision was taken by the majority of Councillors to censor any discussion on the issue and stick their heads in the sand."

Brady continued "The facility which has provided a critical service to the entire population of Roundwood and surrounding areas for many years. The closure of the facility would mean that people would need to travel to the primary health center on the Port Access road in Wicklow Town.This is made very difficult due to the lack of public transport and the distance from Roundwood."

"A number of Councillors spoke to say that senior management in HSE have said there is no threat to the Health Center, but there is a review of the services underway and any discussion at council level would be pointless. I think those Councillors are naive and probably have little experience of the dealings of the HSE. I have unfortunately many years experience of dealing with the HSE and how they operate. They try impose changes or cuts to services without consultation and by keeping people in the dark. If their plans are rumbled they say their is a review ongoing. This is the same language they used with Wicklow District Hospital, the A&E in Loughlinstown and the Orchard Welfare Home in Bray. All ultimately closed."

Cllr Brady concluded "I would sooner listen to the word of the nurses who have been told that they are being redeployed at the end of the month, rather than the management who are trying to buy time for themselves and stop any public backlash. By sticking their heads in the sand and censoring discussion on the issue at council level the Wicklow Councillors are effectively facilitating the HSE in its attempt to close the center in Roundwood. Sinn Féin nor i will not sit back and allow this to happen and we intend on fighting any attempt to close the facility in Roundwood."

Wicklow County Council supports Sinn Féin motion calling for action to halt family home repossessions

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillors had an emergency motion dealing with house repossessions by the banks passed at Monday’s meeting of Wicklow County Council. The motion was tabled in light of the growing number of house repossession cases before the court service in Wicklow and the alarming number of evictions.

Proposing the motion Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry O'Neill said “There are an alarming number of cases before the courts in Wicklow for house repossessions. Recently the banks had over 80 cases listed on the same day. I know many people who are in danger of being made homeless or who have had their homes repossessed by the banks. The motion i proposed condemns the banks and calls on the Government to immediately intervene and bring forward legislation to protect the family home.”

Cllr John Brady who seconded the motion continued “Unfortunately Fine Gael and Labour through the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2013 have facilitated the repossession of family homes by lenders. Over 30,034 letters relating to repossessions and the voluntary surrender of homes, including family homes were issued last year by the main financial lenders. In Wicklow alone there are currently 255 active bills for repossession lodged by banks, of which over 80 were listed recently in the courts in the County.”

Brady continued “Recently the Central Bank provided a county-by-county breakdown of mortgage arrears figures. The average level of mortgage distress nationally, measured by mortgage accounts in arrears of 90 days or more, is 11.2%. In Wicklow its estimated there are over 11,500 mortgages in arrears and slightly ahead of the nationally average. This means one mortgage in six in Wicklow is in arrears. Many of these are unsustainable as currently configured. That is the stark reality, yet banks, Ministers and Government bury their head in the sand and pretend the type of low-paid precarious jobs they have been creating will solve the problem. It won’t. The lack of leadership on this issue is astounding.”

“It is painfully obvious that this government has not done enough to help those struggling with arrears. MABS and other support agencies are inundated with calls and many, many families continue to suffer in silence. Sinn Féin, amongst others, have consistently called for an independent body with the power to enforce legally binding judgements on banks and on mortgage holders. The fact that banks continue to have a veto is simply unacceptable, as is their willingness to revert to threats of repossession.”

Cllr Brady went onto say “The Irish people bailed out the banks to the tune of €64billion, the government has now given the same banks the effective go-ahead to evict families from their homes. This is a false economy as when made homeless those families will have to turn to the State for housing assistance.”

Cllr O'Neill concluded “I’m delighted the Sinn Féin motion which calls for immediate action from the government was supported by the council. We have a serious homelessness problem in Wicklow and we certainly don’t need people being evicted from their homes by the banks adding to it. The government need to put immediate measures in place to tackle the crisis.”

Wicklow Sinn Féin announce details of their Easter 1916 Commemorations

Wicklow Sinn Féin announce details of their Easter 1916 Commemorations.

Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has announced the County Wicklow Easter commemoration will assemble at bray town hall on Easter Monday 6th April at 12pm. It will be lead by the rising phoenix republican flute band to bray Daly station and then to St. Peters cemetery in little bray. There will also be a number of wreath laying ceremonies across the county.

Giving details of the commemorations Sinn Féin Councillor and general election candidate John Brady said "This year marks the 99th anniversary of the 1916 rising. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising it is important more so than ever to honour the sacrifices Irish men and women made for the limited freedoms we enjoy today. However it is not just enough to remember them, it’s important that we rededicate ourselves to the Republic which was declared on the steps of the GPO on Easter Monday morning 1916.”

Cllr Brady continued “The commemoration will be lead by the Rising Phoenix Republican Flute Band and will proceed to Bray Daly station and a wreath will be laid in memory of Edward Daly after whom the train station was renamed in 1966 for the 50th anniversary of the Rising. Daly's battalion, stationed in the Four Courts and areas to the west and north of the centre of Dublin, saw the most intense fighting of the rising. He surrendered his battalion on 29 April. He was executed by firing squad on 4 May 1916, at the age of 25. We will then march to St. Peters Cemetery in Little Bray and wreaths will be laid on the graves of volunteers who fought in 1916 and the struggle for Irish Independence.”

“The main oration will be given by Fermanagh Republican Sean Lynch MLA. In April 1986 Lynch was seriously wounded and fellow Republican Séamus McElwaine was shot dead when the SAS opened fire on them. He was subsequently elected as an MLA in 2011.”

Cllr Brady concluded "Easter is an important time for Irish Republicans and we would ask that as many people as possible join the Wicklow Sinn Féin County Easter Commemoration. There will be wreath laying ceremonies over the course of the weekend in Kilcoole, Baltinglass, Carnew, Arklow, Tinahely, Knockananna and Wicklow Town. We would also ask that people would wear an Easter lily as a token of remembrance to all those who died for Irish freedom.”

Brady Welcomes refurbishment of Ballywaltrim Playground

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray, John Brady has welcomed the commencement of refurbishment and upgrade works on the playground in Ballywaltrim, Bray.

Speaking after visiting the site Councillor Bray said "After a lengthy campaign the work on refurbishing and upgrading the playground in Ballywaltrim has finally commenced. The work is due to take up to three weeks to complete at a cost of over €110,000. The equipment in the playground will be added to with top of the range new equipment which will cater for children up to 15 years old as well as children with disabilities. This is a huge investment in the Ballywaltrim area and when completed we will have a brilliant top quality playground which will be a great asset to the entire community".

Cllr Brady went onto say "I want to commend the members of the Ballywaltrim Playground committee, Stephen Fox from the council and other members of the public for keeping the pressure on the council to ensure this badly needed upgrade happened. I have been consistently pushing for an upgrade and I'm delighted that it's finally happening after a long campaign".

"A number of safety and security issues will also be addressed in conjunction with the work on replacing the equipment, this includes the installation of badly needed public lighting in the playground. Once the work is completed it will be great community asset in the Ballywaltrim area. The children of the area have been consulted about the type of equipment to be installed,so I know they will be eagerly awaiting the completion of the work" concluded Brady.

Brady urges the public to make submissions to the council on provision of a Full Time Fire Service

Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has urged members of the public and any anyone who wants a Full Time Fire Service in North Wicklow to make submissions on a report that has been drafted on the issue. The report is currently on public display and submissions need to be returned to the council before March 28th.

Councillor Brady said "The report on the provision of a Full Time Fire Service for Bray and North Wicklow was prepared by Mr. Aidan Dempsey, Wicklow Chief Fire Officer, and presented to the council in December. The report is currently on public display in the offices of Bray and Greystones Municipal District Councils and in Bray and Greystones Libraries. The closing date for submissions is Friday 28th March and I urge as many people as possible to look at the report and make submissions. The report can also be found on the County Council website, www.wicklow.ie".

Brady who has campaigned for a Full Time Fire Service continued "The report outlines issues relating to the provision of a Full-time fire service in Bray and North Wicklow. I have always believed there is a need for a Full-time service in Bray and that is backed up by the unfortunate number of fatalities the community of a Bray has experienced due to fires, many of which I believe could have been saved if we had a Full- time service. A lack of funding has always been one of the biggest issues in implementing this service".

Cllr Brady continued "Unfortunately the report is in my opinion a flawed one as it didn't take into account all the risks within the town and therefore given a risk designation which is lower than it should be. The large number of nursing homes located within Bray appears to have been overlooked as a risk. The report also failed to take into account the planned expansion of the town with the development of up to 7500 housing units proposed on the Old Fassaroe lands and planning granted for 1200 units on the Old Bray Golf Club lands. The increase in population would greatly increase the risks within the town and the report is not future proofed. If these factors were included it would strengthen the case for funding from the Government".

"It's important that as any people as possible read this report and make submissions on it to the council before the 28th March. These submissions will help shape the report, but more importantly will help shape the response to it from both the elected councillors and government". Ends

Disgraced Wicklow County Manager to retire in April

Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has said that the retirement of the Wicklow County Manager Eddie Sheehy provides the County an opportunity to rebuild the Councils reputation and start portraying a positive image of it again. Brady has also called for an inquiry into Sheehy's controversial 14 years in Wicklow which led to him being described as the most disgraced civil servants in Ireland.

Speaking after getting the news of the County Managers retirement Councillor John Brady who had previously called on Sheehy to go as County Manager and had tabled two separate motions of no confidence in him, said "Whilst I welcome the fact that the disgraced Eddie Sheehy is to go as the Wicklow County Manger in April, it's unfortunate that he has managed to stay in office for so long, having brought Wicklow County Council into disrepute on so many occasions. It's also unfortunate that he will probably walk away with a golden handshake and a big fat pension, also the possibility of entering the retirement home for County Managers, Irish Water."

"In Sheehy's 14 years at the helm of Wicklow County council he brought the council to national prominence for all the wrong reasons. Not only were many councillors and TDs before the courts due to him, in 2007 Sheehy attempted to remove three councillors from the council and they had to go to the Supreme Court in 2010 to stop Sheehy removing them."

"There were many controversies under Sheehy's watch, however the worst came in 2007 when two firefighters died tackling a blaze in Bray. Wicklow County Council eventually pleaded guilty to breaches of health and safety and was fined, however Sheehy's arrest as part of the investigation and his refusal to say that he or the Council fully cooperated with the investigation led to serious questions being asked. The Council offices were also raided by the Gardaí as part of the investigation, the first time any local authority offices were raided by police in the history of the state."

Cllr Brady continued "Eddie Sheehy had two motions of no confidence tabled against him, one in 2010 and the second in 2013. In my opinion Sheehy should have been gone from Wicklow County Council a long time ago, he has been described as the most disgraced civil servant in Ireland. I believe there should be an inquiry into his 14 years in Wicklow and how the County was managed by him."

Brady concluded by saying "Eddie Sheehy leaving gives us an ideal chance to start fresh and to rebuild the councils reputation. I look forward to working with the new County Manager once they are appointed. It's essential that they work for the betterment of the County and listens to the views of all 32 members of the Council and not just the select few in the inner sanctum."

Brady expresses outrage as elderly couple tied up as their house is burgled

The Cathlaoireach of the Municipal District of Bray, John Brady has expressed total outrage and horror at a burglary in the town were an elderly couple in their 80s were tied up and robbed in their home in Bray, Co Wicklow on Monday night. Three men broke into the couple’s home at Briarwood, Vevay Road in Bray at about 8.30pm.

The Cathlaoireach said "I am totally shocked at the horrific incident which happened on Monday evening last at about 8.30pm. Three men tied up the couple, who are in their 80s, and ransacked the house before leaving with a small quantity of jewellery. This has to be a new low and I appeal to anyone with any information to bring it to the Gardaí."

"Unfortunately burglaries are on the increase in most areas in Wicklow. In 2014 there was an increase of 8% from 838 to 905, in the Wicklow Division. Out of the three subdivisions, Baltinglass was the only one to see a decrease of 18% from 194 to 176 burglaries. In Bray there was an increase of 1% from 413 to 417, in the Wicklow subdivision there was a huge increase of 35% from 231 burglaries to 312. Unfortunately 2015 has seen the figures continue to spike" Cllr Brady went onto say.

Cllr Brady continued "Unfortunately the Garda recruitment ban that was implemented in 2009 has badly depleted the force and inevitably that has had an impact on policing in Wicklow. Thankfully recruitment has started again and there are currently 200 recruits undergoing training in Templemore. I hope that Wicklow will get a number of these new Gardaí to help try tackle the spike in burglaries that we are experiencing."

"I wish the two elderly residents who had to endure such a horrific experience a speedy recovery and I hope the culprits who carried out this horrendous burglary are apprehended and brought to justice. I encourage people to be vigilant and keep a watchful eye out for any suspicious activity and report it to the Gardaí." Ends

Councillor John Brady unanimously chosen as the Sinn Fein candidate for Wicklow/East Carlow in the forthcoming General Election

At a selection convention on Monday evening in the Glenview Hotel, Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady was selected unopposed to run in the forthcoming General Election for Sinn Féin in the Wicklow/East Carlow constituency.

Speaking after the convention Councillor John Brady said:

"I am delighted to have been selected as the party candidate for the forthcoming General Election for the constituency of Wicklow/East Carlow. It's a massive honour to run again for the party, in the 2011 General Election we narrowly missed out on taking a seat and I'm delighted that the party in Wicklow has unanimously chosen me to be their candidate in the forthcoming election. Wicklow needs strong and effective political representation and I hope to build on the fantastic success the party had in Wicklow at the last local elections and win a Dáil seat this time round."

"Wicklow/East Carlow has a lot to offer and has huge potential. However it is being held back by poor political representation from the Government parties and a failure of Government TDs. In 2011 four Government TDs were returned to the Dáil, in the forthcoming elections I know there will be a lot of changes and the Government parties will be held to account for their austerity policies that have hurt so many families and communities across Wicklow and East Carlow."

Brady continued "Citizens and communities across the State have suffered massively as a result of the policies implemented by the Fine Gael/Labour government. This government promised a fair recovery but has instead presided over deepening inequality and unfairness. We in Sinn Fein want to put money back into people’s pockets and we will work to create jobs for everyone. We hope to stem the tide of youth emigration and create a climate of fair work for fair pay.

"I will be a strong advocate for low and middle income workers and the unemployed. I have a track record of robustly challenging unfair Government policies and standing up for ordinary citizens. I will also champion rural development and challenge rural decline and the closure of vital services."

"Sinn Féin is committed to a fair recovery, progressive taxation, investment in public services prioritising health, housing and childcare and championing decent work and pay. We will defend public services and prioritise the delivery of social housing. We have also given a hard and fast commitment to abolish the property tax and water charges - measures that will benefit every single household across the constituency, from Arklow to Ashford and Ballyknockan to Bray" he concluded. Ends

Council to carry out safety improvements at dangerous junction following another traffic accident

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray, John Brady has welcomed a commitment from Wicklow County Council to improve safety at the junction between Adelaide Road and Florence Road in Bray. The junction is very dangerous and a number of serious road traffic accidents have recently taken place there, the latest on Saturday night last.

Councillor Brady said "Over the last number of months I've been raising concerns at council level about the junction between Adelaide Road and Florence Road in Bray. This follows a number of serious road traffic accidents at this location, the latest of which happened on Saturday night last when there was a two car crash at the junction, resulting in one man being hospitalised and treated for his injuries. The council has now thankfully agreed to carry out a number of improvements at the junction to improve safety".

Following discussions on Monday Councillor Brady said "Hopefully this week work is to be carried out improving the signage and road markings at this junction. I have also been given a commitment that the public lighting is also to be improved and a speed table will also be installed in the near future. I welcome that the council has acted on this issue and is addressing the dangerous junction".

Cllr Brady concluded "Only last week I raised serious concerns about this junction with the Gardaí and they shared my concerns. Unfortunately another accident has taken place over the weekend and i wish the driver a speedy recovery, but thankfully the council has committed to improving the junction and the work is to be carried out imminently". Ends

Brady welcomes plans to celebrate and remember Fran O'Toole from the Miami Showband on his 40th anniversary

The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Bray Councillor John Brady has welcomed plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bray man Fran O'Toole from the Miami Showband. At Tuesdays Municipal District meeting a presentation from local man Peter Carroll who is a family friend of the O'Toole’s was given and he outlined a number of proposals to remember and pay tribute to Fran O'Toole in his home town of Bray. Fran was murdered on 31st July 1975 along with two other members of the Miami Showband.

Speaking after the council meeting the Cathaoirleach Councillor Brady said "At Tuesday’s council meeting local man Peter Carroll gave an excellent presentation on the Miami Showband and local man Fran O'Toole whose 40th anniversary takes place on 31st July. Haven spoken to Peter over the last number of months I felt his proposals were long overdue and invited him to give the presentation at the council meeting. In the late 60's and early 70's the Miami Showband were huge and described as the 'Irish Beatles' The Miami Showband massacre took place 31 July 1975, near Newry, in South Armagh, while the band was travelling home to Dublin after a gig in Banbridge, County Down."

"Unfortunately nothing has ever been done in Bray to acknowledge, pay tribute or remember Fran who was the lead singer with the band at the time of his death. The band had a massive following and played in packed out venues right across Ireland, the UK and the United States. The band united people through music both north and south of the border and gave people a glimmer of hope at a bleak time in our history. The Miami regularly played in Fran’s hometown of Bray in the Arcadia Ballroom. People would travel from far and wide and on occasions thousands would have to be turned away as the Arcadia was packed to capacity.”

Cllr Brady continued “There are a number of plans been worked on by Peter Carroll with the support of the O'Toole family and many of Fran’s showband friends and colleagues. There was broad agreement at the meeting from all the members for the need to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fran, these plans are to be progressed by Peter and the council has pledged to financially support some of the proposals.”

Brady continued “People right across Ireland were shocked at the murder of Fran and his colleagues Brian McCoy and Tony Geraghty. Bray came to a complete stand still for his funeral, which people say was the largest ever to be held in the town. It’s only right that we remember Fran, his music and the legacy he left. I look forward to the events that are been planned and will continue to work with Peter to ensure they are successful as they can be.”

Wicklow County Council to establish a cross party committee to plan for the 1916 Centenary commemoration

Wicklow County Council is to establish a cross party committee to put in place plans to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 rising. The issue of commemorating 1916 was raised by Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady who questioned the funding available and what plans are in place in Wicklow for 2016. He stated Wicklow volunteers played a key role in the build up to 1916 with many participating in the fighting during Easter week. Councillor Brady's proposal of a cross party 1916 committee was unanimously agreed to.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Brady said "Wicklow played a key role in the build up to 1916 and a number of volunteers from Wicklow actively participated in the fighting during Easter week when the Republic was declared. There is less that eleven months now before 2016 comes and the centenary commemoration events start. At the meeting on Monday i stated that it was important that every County across Ireland puts in place detailed plans to commemorate 1916, the men and women who set about declaring the Republic and that Wicklow should be no different."

"In January the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys announced that €1 million was being made available to local authorities for commemorative events in the state. At the meeting i stated that Wicklow needs to put in place a programme of events to commemorate the men and women of 1916 and that key to this would be education as to the true meaning of the Republic that was declared. Wicklow could get up to €32,000 in funding so its vital to get working on a programme of events straight away. I proposed at the meeting that a cross party 1916 committee be established to engage the public and put in place a programme that is dignified, respectful and educational."

Cllr Brady concluded "It was unanimously agreed that the cross party committee would be established and i look forward to its establishment and participating in it to ensure that the memory and legacy of the men and women who participated in 1916 and its buildup are remembered in a dignified manner here in Wicklow."

Sinn Féin to hold protest at Irish Water closed meeting in Wicklow County Council

Wicklow Sinn Féin are to hold a protest outside Wicklow County Council on Monday 2nd February from 12noon, to coincide with Irish Water officials meeting behind closed doors with some Councillors.The six Sinn Féin County Councillors are to boycott the meetings and have urged all other Wicklow Councillors to do likewise because of Irish Waters refusal to meet in an open forum.

Speaking ahead Monday’s meeting and planned protest Cllr. Brady said "Unfortunately after numerous requests for representatives from Irish Water to attend and answer questions from Councillors at a full council meeting, they have responded by refusing to meet in a public forum, but have said they will hold a number of clinic type meetings behind closed doors with Councillors on February 2. Sinn Féin are to hold a protest outside the meeting to show our opposition to the process of secrecy that Irish Water are putting in place to meet with the democratically elected representatives of the Wicklow people".

“The Sinn Féin team of six Wicklow County Councillors have decided to boycott the meeting with Irish Water. It’s planned that councillors from the five municipal districts will be given 45 minutes per district to put questions to the officials from Irish Water on February 2, they will be held behind closed doors in secret at the council buildings. Sinn Féin will boycott the meetings and we have called on all the other councillors to do likewise”.

Cllr Brady concluded “Irish Water is toxic. It should be scrapped along with the government’s water charges. The planned meetings are an attempt to manipulate councillors into accepting an organisation that has no public credibility. In November Wicklow County Council supported and passed a Sinn Féin motion calling on the government to scrap water charges, halt water metering and to abolish Irish Water. Boycotting the private meeting on Monday will send a strong message to both the Government and Irish water that it’s not business as usual and that an alternative open process of meeting councillors will have to be put in place. We will be handing the Irish Water officials a letter outlining our objections at the protest which starts at 12noon. We are asking other councillors not to attend the meetings and for the public to attend the protest".

850 Low income families and elderly people in Bray start to feel the effects of Wicklow County Council Budget

850 low income families and elderly people in the Bray area are starting to feel the effect of the Wicklow County Council budget that was adopted by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and some Independent councillors last November. In passing the budget the councillors voted to scrap the Waste Subsidy Scheme that Bray Town Council had in place. The scheme which had been in place for a number of years at a cost of €40,000 gave a subsidy to the most vulnerable in society to help cover the high costs of refuse collection.

Cllr Brady commented "Over the last couple of weeks I've been inundated by constituents contacting me about the Waste Subsidy Scheme that Bray Town Council had in place since the privatisation of the domestic refuse collection service in Wicklow. Many were very upset after being informed by the Municipal District in Bray that the scheme has now been abolished due to the passing of the County Council budget by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and some Independents."

"The Waste Subsidy Scheme was put in place after the privatisation of the refuse service to help some of the most vulnerable in society to pay for the collection of their refuse. This scheme is needed now more than ever due to the exorbitant charges for the collection of refuse by the private operators. Unfortunately with the passing of the budget in Wicklow this scheme has now been stopped and many elderly and vulnerable people now find themselves in situations were they simply cant afford to put their bins out for collection."

Cllr Brady went onto say "This is just another cut that will hurt the most vulnerable in our society, these people are already struggling to cope due to Water Charges and the Property Tax which have been introduced by Fine Gael and Labour and supported by Fianna Fáil. People are getting hit at a national level and also at a local level and it exposes the myth of a recovery wide open. There is no recovery for the most vulnerable in our society and this latest cut is further evidence of that." Ends

Wicklow patients are suffering due to the Government generated Health Crisis

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady raised the issue of the crisis in the Health Service during a suspension of standing orders which he requested at this week’s County Council meeting. Last week seen 601 patients lying on hospital trolleys, many of whom are from Wicklow whilst the Health Service catering for Wicklow residents continues to be downgraded.

Speaking after the meeting the Sinn Féin Councillor said "After being contacted by Wicklow residents who had loved ones lying on trolleys in St Vincent's and Nass General Hospitals last week, I felt it was important to raise the current national emergency facing Irish hospitals at council level so action could be taken. Last week 601 patients were lying on trolleys, the largest ever recorded figure. Fine Gael and Labour had promised to bring this practice to an end. James Reilly as Minister for Health in 2013 said that never again would the country see more than 569 people waiting on trolleys in a single day. The sad reality is that this government seem to treat hospitals with the same disdain as they've treated all other vital services and funding that they've slashed as part of their austerity drive”.

Councillor Brady continued “Unfortunately Wicklow has been served appallingly by successive governments when it comes to the provision of vital health services. Unlike many other Counties we never had our own County Hospital, so we essentially have had to rely on neighboring counties. What services we did have in the County have been eroded by successive Governments. Fianna Fáil and the Greens closed down Wicklow District Hospital in 2010 along with 20 beds. They also closed the Orchard Welfare home in Bray with 39 beds and St. Bridget’s ward in St. Columcilles with 23 beds”.

“Fine Gael and Labour closed down the A&E in St. Columcille’s Hospital, adding additional pressure on the already overwhelmed St. Vincent’s Hospital and we have the continued threat to Crooksling, which is in Saggart, but serves the West Wicklow area”.

Cllr Brady went onto say “At the council meeting a motion was passed calling on the Government to immediately reopen St. Bridget’s ward in St. Columcilles to alleviate some of the pressure on the health service. I've also asked for a senior official from the HSE to attend the next council meeting to give an update on the provision of health services within Wicklow and outline what progress has been made if in in relation to the promised new Wicklow District Hospital in Wicklow Town”.

“Prior to the last general election Labour candidates promised us that a new hospital would be built to replace the then recently closed Wicklow District Hospital, they claimed a site had even been identified. Labour are now unfortunately in government and now they need to deliver. There is a national crisis in the health service and patients in Wicklow are suffering, reinstating closed wards and reopening facilities they have shut down will be a starting point in ending the crisis. I await a report that’s been requested and the opportunity to questions a senior Health Service manager at the next council meeting” Concluded Cllr Brady.