Brady cautiously welcomes the news that work on Coláiste Raithin and Ravenswell schools in Bray is to restart

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has given a cautious welcome to the news on Monday, that arrangements have been put in place for the appointment of a replacement contractor, to facilitate the completion of Coláiste Raithin and Ravenswell schools in Bray.

Speaking after the announcement from the Dutch Infrastructural Fund (DIF) was made Teachta Brady said “I cautiously welcome the news that a new contractor has been appointed to complete the work on Coláiste Raithin and Ravenswell schools in Bray. It is anticipated that the contractor will be mobilised in the coming days and will be on site in the coming weeks. Work on the schools is expected to be completed by the end of August.”

“With so many completion dates coming and going, the Minister for Education Richard Bruton must now give solid assurances that this time frame will be met and that the State will step in immediately to ensure that this is the case.”

Teachta Brady continued “Furthermore the Minister must ensure that the many sub contractors directly affected by the collapse of Carillion and Sammon must be protected and that the money they are owed is forthcoming. I’m aware that a sizable number of local contractors are owed sizable sums of money and now find themselves in difficulties as a result of this mess.”

“There needs to be a full review of the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s), particularly for critical infrastructural projects such as schools. Capital projects such as these should be funded directly by Government; it’s a crazy situation when you have the Dutch Infrastructural Fund and the Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi controlling if and when our children get into their new schools.

Teachta Brady concluded “Finally I want to commend all the pupils, teachers and parents for keeping the pressure on to ensure that progress was made in completing the schools, I’ve no doubt that without it, it would have dragged on considerably longer. Myself and I’m sure the schools will keep that pressure on to ensure that this time-frame is adhered to and that they can finally get into their fantastic new schools in September.”

Pearse Doherty TD to help launch Unlocking Arklow’s Potential plan

‘Unlocking Arklow’s potential’ is the title given to a plan developed by Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow John Brady which will be launched next month as part of an initiative to help boost the fortunes and opportunity potential in the greater Arklow and South Wicklow Area. Speaking from Leinster house recently Teachta Brady said he hopes the plan will kick start a debate on the potential to transform Arklow’s fortunes. Teachta Brady said:

'After a lengthy consultation process I’m delighted to bring forward this plan. It is a plan of action to put Arklow back on the road to economic recovery. Traditionally, Arklow has often been overlooked by the establishment political parties. Unemployment and retail vacancy rates are higher in Arklow than anywhere else in Wicklow. Youth unemployment figures are particularly problematic as an infrastructural deficit has stifled both economic and residential development. Arklow requires strategic focused attention.’

Teachta Brady said that crucial to the success of any plan is the involvement of various stakeholders including local businesses, state agencies but most importantly the local community:

‘Extensive consultation has been carried out in compiling the report and this input was insightful and hugely beneficial in forming the basis of the report’s recommendations which are intended to tackle the challenges presented in Arklow with workable solutions. It is hoped that this report will be used as a discussion document that will put a political focus on Arklow.’

‘I am delighted that my colleague Teachta Pearse Doherty, Sinn Fein spokesperson for finance will attend the launch of the plan in Arklow next month. The meeting is open to all members of the public and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to add their voice and ideas to unlocking Arklow’s potential.’

Sinn Fein TDs John Brady and Pearse Doherty will launch the plan in The Arklow Bay Hotel on Wednesday 4th July at 8pm. All welcome to attend.

Strong delegation meets Minister for Transport to push for funding for the N81 upgrade scheme

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has described as constructive the meeting with the Minister for Transport Shane Ross on funding for the N81 upgrade scheme. Strong arguments were made to the Minister, representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Road Safety Authority for the scheme to progress without delay. A petition containing thousands of signatures was also presented to the Minister.

Speaking after the meeting Teachta Brady said “I’m delighted that the long awaited meeting with the Minister for Transport Shane Ross has finally taken place. A strong delegation of representatives from West Wicklow met with the Minister, representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Road Safety Authority in the Dáil on Wednesday.”

“Bitter disappointment was expressed by all present that funding for the critical N81 upgrade scheme was pulled and the project wasn’t included in the Governments Capital Investment Plan. I put forward the safety issues and outlined that the N81 is one of the most dangerous roads in the State. I also showed how the development of West Wicklow is being stifled by the failure to progress the scheme.”

“The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District Vincent Blake, members of the action group along with representatives from Blessington and Hollywood Fourms put forward strong arguments also.”

Teachta Brady continued “The Minister listened to the arguments and has committed to getting an up to date safety report along with getting estimated current costings for the scheme. He is also going to meet with representatives in West Wicklow in July. It is intended to show him and his officials some of the many problems along the N81.

The Sinn Féin representative for West Wicklow Aidan Kinsella concluded “A petition containing thousands of signatures was also handed over to the Minister. Whist the meeting was constructive, we need action now from the Minister and the Fianna Fáil party. The funding for road construction has been cut by nearly €1b since 2007 Fianna Fáil must now ensure that they prioritise funding for the N81 in the upcoming budget discussions with thei colleagues in Fine Gael.” Ends