Sinn Féin motion of no confidence in the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday September 25th.

Sinn Féin motion of no confidence in the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday September 25th.

Speaking ahead of the debate Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady said “Fine Gael’s housing policies are not only failing to tackle the housing crisis, they are actually making things worse. They have been in office for seven years and during that time homelessness has reached unprecedented levels. During their first term of office they slashed investment in social and affordable housing and cut staffing levels in Council housing Departments.

“Their current flagship housing policy, Rebuilding Ireland, has been in place for two years and the crisis shows no sign of abating. The plans underinvestment in social and affordable housing and over reliance on the private sector to meet social and affordable housing need repeats the mistakes of previous Fianna Fáil administrations with the same disastrous results.

“Eoghan Murphy has been Minister for Housing for 15 months. During his tenure, homelessness has increased 25%, child homelessness has increased 34% and pensioner homelessness has increased by 40%. Rents and house prices continue to rise well beyond affordable levels. Tens of thousands of homes lie vacant across the state. Real social housing output in 2018 will actually be lower than in 2017. Not a single affordable home has been delivered by any Government scheme under his watch. And private sector supply is in the main overpriced and unaffordable.

“Meanwhile, the Minister responsible attacks Local Authorities, local councillors, and opposition parties in the Dáil for the failures of his Government. During his months in office, he has opted for spin over substance and, crucially, has not been willing to accept that his policies are failing.

“The true test of a Minister is that, when Government policy is not working, they have the courage to go to cabinet and propose a change of course. Instead, Minister Murphy continues to defend the indefensible. He is so out of touch and out of his depth that he doesn’t even realise that what he is doing is making the crisis worse.

“In light of all of this, Sinn Féin believes that he must go, but so too must Rebuilding Ireland. Our motion of no confidence makes clear that we need a change of Minister and a change of policy. Without both of these things, the housing crisis will continue to get worse.

“It is disappointing that Micheál Martin has so far refused to support our motion. If Fianna Fáil are content to allow a failing housing plan and failing Housing Minister to remain in place, that is a matter for them, but their support for Minister Eoghan Murphy and Rebuilding Ireland will come at a cost; increased homelessness, every greater number of peoples locked out of secure and affordable homes, ever growing social housing waiting lists, and rising government expenditure on subsidising social housing tenants in the private rented sector. Given that this was Fianna Fáil policy from 2007 to 2011, maybe it is not so surprising that they are willing to back Fine Gael on this issue.”Ends

For more information contact: Teachta John Brady 085-8546464

Note: The Motion of No Confidence will read as follows:

This Dáil notes that

Fine Gael have been in office for seven years and during that time homelessness has increased to unprecedented levels, house prices and rents have spiralled out of control, and tens of thousands of households are unable to access secure and affordable homes

Rebuilding Ireland has been in place for two years and has clearly failed to address the causes of our housing crisis. Underinvestment in social and affordable housing and over reliance on the private sector has exacerbated the crisis

Eoghan Murphy has been Minister for Housing for 15 months and, on his watch, homelessness has increased 25%, child homelessness has increased 34%, pensioner homelessness has increased 40%; rents have increased 7% and house prices 6%, and social housing delivery remains glacial, not a single affordable home has been delivered by any central government scheme, private sector output in the main is overpriced and unaffordable, and vacant housing stock remains higher than the norm in comparable countries.

This Dáil

Does not have confidence in Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy and calls for him to be removed from office

Calls on the Government to accept that Rebuilding Ireland has failed and to urgently introduce a new housing plan that will meet social and affordable housing need through an ambitious programme of public housing provision and tackle homelessness through a greater focus on prevention and reduction of the length of time adults and children spend in emergency accommodation.

Community of Donard vow to fight closure of local Post Office

Over 120 people attended a public meeting in Donard organised by Sinn Féin TD John Brady and have vowed to fight to save their local post office. The post office in Donard is one of 159 named by An Post to close in the coming months.

Speaking after the meeting Teachta Brady said “I was delighted to see over 120 people pack the Donard Community Hall. Members of the community and I had organised the meeting to discuss the planned closure of the Donard post office by An Post.”

“It was a very positive meeting and many speakers outlined how important the Post Office is to Donard for social and economic reasons. It is a vital lifeline for the village of Donard and the wide catchment area that it serves.”

Teachta Brady continued “There was unanimous support that we would fight to retain the vital service. The Donard Post Office Action Group was set up and a number of events are planned in the coming weeks. A submission will be made on behalf of the community to the Independent Review body established to deal with the planned closure of the 159 post offices across the State. Members of community will be also encouraged to make submissions before the deadline of 28th September.”

“Over the coming week’s pressure will also be put on the Government and Government TD’s. The Government must act to save these post offices, they can’t be silent bystanders and allow the heart be ripped out of rural Ireland. Is this part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan to develop rural Ireland, by destroying rural communities and increasing rural decline with the removal of local services? ”

Sinn Féin representative for West Wicklow Aidan Kinsella said “If Minister Naughten is serious about reversing rural decline then he must intervene to save these post offices from closure. A plan must be put in place to allow that post office remain in its own premises or for another local business to take it over.”

Teachta Brady concluded “I would encourage all communities facing a post office closure to appeal to An Post through their review mechanism which can be done in writing to review@anpost.ie or Independent Reviewer, An Post GPO, Dublin 1.”

Public meeting to be held in Donard to oppose closure of local post office

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD in conjunction with the local community of Donard have organised a public meeting to discuss the proposed closure of the local post office. The post office in Donard is one of 2 Wicklow post offices out of 159 rural post offices that face closure by An Post.

Teachta Brady said “An Post’s retirement deal is a very worrying development for rural communities and will no doubt lead to further decline of services in rural Ireland. Under An Post’s plans for Wicklow, the post offices in Donard and Coolboy face closure. I have been working alongside the community in Donard since An Post’s plans were first leaked a number of weeks ago. We are not prepared to sit back and allow a vital lifeline in Donard close.”

“As a first step in the campaign to save our rural post offices we have organised a public meeting. It will take place in Donard Community Hall on Thursday 30th August at 8pm,”

“An Post has an integral role in servicing communities, Donard and Coolboy will be seriously impacted as a result. The Government must act to save these post offices, they can’t be silent bystanders and allow the heart be ripped out of rural Ireland. Is this part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan to develop rural Ireland, by destroying rural communities and increasing rural decline with the removal of local services?”

Sinn Féin representative for West Wicklow Aidan Kinsella said “If Minister Naughten is serious about reversing rural decline then he must intervene to save these post offices from closure. A plan must be put in place to allow that post office remain in its own premises or for another local business to take it over.”

“I would encourage all communities facing a post office closure to appeal to An Post through their review mechanism which can be done in writing to review@anpost.ie or Independent Reviewer, An Post GPO, Dublin 1.”

Teachta Brady concluded “Our post office network is a vital piece of social, community as well as business infrastructure which must be protected if rural Ireland is to thrive. I would encourage members of the community to attend the meeting on Thursday evening to discuss the planned closure. A further public meeting is the be held in Coolboy area to make plans to fight the closure of the post office there.”

Statutory planning notice for Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant to be published on 5th September-Brady

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed confirmation that Irish Water is to publish the statutory planning notice for the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is intended to be published on the 5th September in both a local and national newspaper. The application will be subsequently lodged directly to An Bord Pleanala.

Speaking after receiving confirmation from Irish Water Teachta Brady said “The news that we are at a very advanced stage in the planning of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant is great news for Arklow. Following my ongoing engagement with all the agencies responsible for delivering the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, Irish Water has confirmed to me that they intend on publishing the statutory planning notice on the 5th September. The planning notice will be published in a local and national newspaper.”

“This is an important milestone for this critical infrastructural project that has unfortunately held Arklow’s full potential back for 20 years. The plan will involve the construction of the Wastewater Plant on the site of the old Wallboard factory on North Quay, Ferrybank for a planned equivalent population of 36,000. Once the statutory planning notice is published on 5th September, the application will be subsequently lodged directly to An Bord Pleanala. It is intended that the application will be available to the public for inspection from approx. 20th September for a period of 7 weeks.”

Local Sinn Féin councillor Mary McDonald also warmly welcomed the news and said “Since I was first elected as a councillor the sewage treatment plant has been one of my top priorities, I welcome the news which has been a long time coming. There is however some concerns locally regarding plans to carve off sections of the river bank along South Quay. Irish Water has also informed my colleague Teachta Brady that their application doesn’t include these proposals. These plans however may still be included in the proposed Flood Relief Scheme and we are still trying to get clarification.”

Teachta Brady continued “Recently I launched a substantial report into unlocking Arklow’s full potential. The report found that the key for unlocking Arklow's potential is the construction of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. I believe Wicklow County Council should now start granting planning applications that had been previously turned down due to a lack of a sewage treatment plant. Arklow needs housing along with industrial and commercial development; these applications can be conditioned on the actual delivery of the Sewage Treatment Plant.”

Brady concluded “I hope that people engage with the planning process and that any concerns that people may have will be addressed. The delivery of the Sewage plant is top priority to unlock Arklow’s full potential and cater for the needs of the town now and into the future.”

Carillion saga set to end for Coláiste Ráithín as students start school term in new school-Brady

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has expressed delight in the news that after a delay of more than 10 months, the pupils of Coláiste Ráithín will finally get to enter their new school next Tuesday 28 August, when the new school term starts.

Speaking after receiving confirmation that Coláiste Ráithín will finally get to move into their new school next Tuesday Teachta Brady said “This is fantastic news for the pupils, teachers and everyone associated with the school. This not only brings an end to the terrible saga which arose with the collapse of Carillion in January, it also brings an end to the 20 year campaign by Coláiste Ráithín for a new school.

“The handover of the new Coláiste Ráithín and Ravenswell schools on the Old Bray golf course was due to take place last October. This was pushed back to December and then we seen the collapse of Carillion in January and the subsequent collapse of Sammon. This led to 8 months of uncertainty and frustration.”

“I’m further informed that it is hoped that Ravenswell will move into their new school later in September.”

“Whilst this will hopefully bring an end to this saga for the schools, it doesn’t end it for the many subcontractors that remain to be paid. They have done nothing wrong in this saga, but face possible ruin because of the collapse of Sammon. The new contractor, Woodvale needs to engage with the subcontractors. We can’t have a situation where we have these new schools in use by the State, while the builders who built them face bankruptcy or liquidation.”

Brady continued “It has also been confirmed to me that an interim facilities management appointment is now in place for the schools and that discussions are still ongoing regarding the long term facilities management arrangements.”

“Full credit has to go to all involved in the parents association of Coláiste Ráithín, the teachers, staff, students and parents who ensured the pressure was kept on the government and all responsible for ending this disgraceful saga. Particular credit has to go to former school principle Gearóid O’Ciaran. Gearóid led the campaign for a new school for 20 years and ensured pressure was kept on when the plans were derailed in January.”

Teachta Brady concluded “There however needs to be a message in this saga for the government and their use of Public Private Partnerships. There needs to be an immediate review by government of the effectiveness of PPP’s for capital projects such as schools.”

Need for upgrade of N81 pressed upon Minister for Transport during visit to West Wicklow

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has described the Minister for Transport Shane Ross’s visit to West Wicklow as ‘Useful’ and that he hoped the Minister took something from his visit to look at the safety concerns along the N81. The Minister also met with locals and heard their concerns.

Teachta Brady said “I welcome the Ministers visit to Blessington on Monday to look at the many safety issues along the N81. The visit was arranged as part of the ongoing campaign to have the decision to reverse the cut of funding for the N81 upgrade.”

“The Minister met with a number of public representatives and locals. All pressed upon the Minister how critical the upgrade of the N81 is for road safety and the growth of West Wicklow.”

Teachta Brady continued “The Minister was very noncommittal; he said that the €271m needed for the upgrade wasn’t easily found. I pointed out that you can’t put a price on a life and that too many lives had been lost on the N81. ”

West Wicklow Sinn Féin representative Aidan Kinsella said “The N81 needs to be made a political priority. In Wicklow we have four Government TD’s, two of which are Ministers. When Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil sign off on their agreed budget for 2019, they need to substantially increase funding for Transport Infrastructure Ireland to allow this critical project to proceed.”

Teachta Brady concluded “The safety, growth and economic development of West Wicklow can’t be put on the long finger. We have been told that it will be 2027 at the earliest before the project is relooked at. Hopefully the Minister learned something from his visit to West Wicklow and that he seen firsthand how important the upgrade is.”

Government must act immediately to acquire Luggala Estate lands

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on the State to acquire the 4,000 acres of uplands surrounding the Luggala Estate to ensure that the area continues to be open to the public for recreational use.

Teachta Brady said "I believe that its in both the national and public's interest that the State acquire the Luggala Estate that is on the market for the last year.The Luggala Estate is bordered on three sides by the Wicklow National Park. Over the last number of weeks up to 10 signs have appeared along the roadside stating that the Luggala Estate lands are "private property". This has again raised serious concerns that public access on the lands of the estate will be curtailed if a private sale of the land occurs, so there is now a sense of urgency that the Government act immediately to acquire the lands."

"The Luggala Estate has been on the market with a quoted price tag of €28 million since last year, when it first came on the market I called on the Government to purchase the estate. The National Parks and Wildlife Service also recommended that the State purchase 4,000 of the estate. I believe that a the upland within the estate could be negotiated for a greatly reduced amount."

Teachta Brady concluded "The Luggala Estate has been widely used by the public and has some fantastic walking routes, including one to Lough Dan. The Government and Minister Madigan must act immediately before this jewel that would be a fantastic addition to the Wicklow National Park is lost."