Latest News

Martin Heydon’s Speech - Fair Care 25/02/2010

They say your health is your wealth, which is probably just as well. Given the state of the country today it is probably the only form of wealth many of our citizens have left! But when that most important form of wealth we possess is in need of medical attention, it would be reassuring to know that the Irish Health System is there for us, to mend, care, cure and comfort us, or our loved ones at such a vulnerable time in our lives. And when I say us, I mean all of us, every man, every woman,... 

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Fears Emerge Over Future of Kildare Courthouse

Serious concerns are emerging in Kildare Town about the future of the local courthouse. Rumours have been circulating that the historic building may face imminent closure as a result of cutbacks. Cllr. Tony O’Donnell says that there is a very real prospect that the regular sittings may soon become history. “Rumours have been circulating locally that the town’s historic courthouse may soon close. I have written to the Courts Service about the matter, and their response does not... 

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O’Donnell: Kildare Town Local Area Plan is Essential

A new Local Area Plan for Kildare Town must be a priority, according to Councillor Tony O’Donnell. The town’s current plan was approved in 2002, and is now overdue for a review. Cllr. O’Donnell requested an update from the Council at February’s Kildare Area Committee. “The current development plan for Kildare Town was prepared for a very different time. “In 2002, there was a huge focus on residential development and expansion. In the meantime, this development... 

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Athgarvan Footpath Must be a Priority: O’Donnell

Speaking at a meeting of KCC’s Kildare Area Committee, local FG Councillor, Tony O’Donnell, has once again called for the provision of a footpath from Mountain View to Athgarvan NS as a matter of priority. In response to a motion from Cllr. O’Donnell, the area engineer reported that the cost of the works would run to €250,000 before the cost of any land acquisition. Cllr. O’Donnell had previously used October’s Area Meeting to make the provision of the path a priority... 

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Athy

Recent events should make water harvesting a priority in Kildare – Daly

Speaking at the recent meeting of Athy Town Council, Cllr Richard Daly said that the recent lack of domestic water within the county must accelerate the need for dramatic measures to promote water harvesting. “In the wake of the water shortage we all are asking what went wrong when up to recently we were assured that, particularly in Athy, water supply would be adequate.  But as time advances so many of our sources are becoming unreliable.  In Athy we will this year we have some €300,000 set... 

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Daly congratulates KFM radio for excellent community broadcasting

The very essence of community radio has been displayed at its best by kfm radio during this weather condition according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael. “Throughout the county I am hearing compliments on the excellent service being provided by Kildare’s local radio station kfm during this cold spell.  Even regular listeners to other stations have switched over to our local station to avail of the traffic and community updates. Community radio is about building up communities and developing... 

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Daly praises Kildare Road Users Group and Road Safety officer

  The fact that there are over thirty less deaths on Ireland’s roads must be welcomed according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael “In 2005 we had nearly 400 deaths on our roads annually which was more than one per day.  Thankfully this has been dropping to a current level of 240 which is 20 per month or two thirds of the 2005 figure.  This figure is still not acceptable but it is a dramatic improvement on previous years. Kildare is fortunate that it has a full time Road Safety officer who... 

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Opening of M9 resembling Lannigan’s Ball – Daly

  “Lannigan’s Ball could be the theme song for the opening of the N9” according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael who says that the organisation of the event leaves a lot to be desired. “Area councillors were rushed to a meeting this week to be told that it was intended to open the most major project in the county within days. The unbelievable lack of organisation could only be compared to the lyrics of Lannigan’s Ball where “she stepped out and I stepped in again” as we had just recently... 

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Cllr Daly raises the Athy Flooding Issue at Barrow Drainage Board

At the recent meeting of the Barrow Drainage Board Cllrs RichardDaly   was very vocal in requesting assistance in the drainage of the tributary to the Barrow which could assist in alleviating the flooding which recently has several residents in Corran Ard under water Cllr Daly said “I met with the engineers at the Barrow Drainage meeting and received assurances from them that the issue of the draining of the river that flows through Corran Ard will receive priority treatment. Kildare County Council... 

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Athy RAPID secures €94K for local projects

Chairperson of Athy RAPID AIT, Cllr Richard Daly is delighted to announce that it has secured in excess of €94,000 for local community projects from the Dormant Accounts funding. “Youth activities , Arts groups and community development programmes are all included in the €94,911 which has been sanctioned for Athy.  I would like to pay special tribute to Helen Dowling the RAPID co-ordinator who assisted all of the groups in compiling their applications. By supporting organisations like those... 

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Heydon – Budget misses Job Creation Opportunities

Kildare Unemployed figures almost treble in 2 years Fine Gael’s Athy Area Councillor Martin Heydon has strongly criticised the Government for a complete lack of a comprehensive jobs strategy in the recent budget.“This budget needed to be about one thing above all else – job protection and sustainable job creation” Heydon claimed.  This was after recent live register figures for November 2009 show the numbers signing on in Co. Kildare have almost trebled in the 2 years from November 2007. ... 

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Public Service to work for another month for nothing – Daly

A drop in income of 8% is the equivalent of working for a month for nothing according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael. “This is not the first time that the public service has been hit by a similar cut.  Only last year the public service were hit by a similar slash in their income which now means that public service are faced with working for two months for nothing.”said Cllr Daly “Will the lending and mortgage agencies now readjust repayments to allow two months without repayments?  Will... 

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Little Choice for Mental Health students in Athy – Daly

Speaking at Athy Town Council Cllr Richard Daly criticised the continuing attacks on the most vulnerable in our society as the “Choices” programme for people with mental health issues in Athy is discontinued. “There still seems to be no shortage of funding for ministerial expenses while the most vulnerable in our community have had their basic course axed.  Once more this is a very vulnerable group in society paying for the misdemeanours of the government.  Billions are available for bailouts... 

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Daly nominated by Athy as a candidate for Fine Gael Convention

At the monthly Athy Fine Gael Branch meeting Cllr Richard Daly was nominated as a candidate for the forthcoming convention for South Kildare. “I am very honoured to be chosen by Athy branch” said cllr Daly “ I am aware that a General Election could still be a long time away but it is important that the party select a candidate early. Having been a candidate in the last General election I am familiar with the constituency and the issues affecting the people of South Kildare.  Fine Gael have... 

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Daly to highlight Safety aspects of unfinished estates

To highlight the unfinished condition of many of the estates in the Athy electoral district Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael has commissioned Health and Safety audits to be carried out in a number of the estates in the area “I have had professional Health and Safety audits carried on a number of estates within my district and am shocked by some of the results.  Some estates have been left with protruding manholes and gullies because final road surfaces were never completes.  There are instances... 

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Daly calls on County Council members to oppose closure of ward in St. Vincent’s , Athy

Speaking on the motion which he had put forward to Kildare County Council meeting opposing the closure of St. Camilus’ Ward in St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy, Cllr Richard Daly called on all of the councillors for support “We sit here around this chamber wondering how we can make Kildare a better place to live while at the south of the county 26 elderly people have long term hospital beds removed.  When events like this happen this is not a county or a country that we can be proud of.  Yes,... 

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Return of Ploughing to Athy a Vote of Confidence in the Area - Heydon

The decision of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) to host the 2010 National Ploughing Championships in Athy for a second consecutive year has been welcomed by local Fine Gael councillor and farmer Martin Heydon.   Speaking after a busy 3 days at the event Cllr Heydon said “this decision shows that the hard work by many involved around Athy over the last few weeks and months has really paid off.  Our area will once again get the opportunity to benefit from the increased business in the... 

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Heydon welcomes Increased Focus on Organ Donation - Calls for National Register to be Established

“An increased awareness of the importance of organ donation caused by last weeks Liveline discussion is to be welcomed”, thats according to Kildare Fine Gael Councillor Martin Heydon.   “The airing of this topic on liveline and the subseqent tragic death of Frank Deasy has made everyone aware of the importance of organ donation” Heydon stated. This topic is particularly important to the South Kildare Councillor who himself lost a Kidney 10 years ago, following a sporting... 

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Farm Families need Access to Credit - Banking Solution must provide this

The current proposals on NAMA do not go far enough to ensure that the Banks, once bailed out by the tax payers, are obliged to get credit moving again to small business around the country.   Speaking in advance of this weeks National ploughing championships in Athy, local farmer and Fine Gael councillor Martin Heydon stresses the pressures that farmers are under.  “Things are bad enough at present with low yields, historically low prices and bad weather but the lack of available credit is... 

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Governments TDs take us for a spin on rural transport – Daly

  Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael described as “disingenuous” the behaviour of Kildare’s government TDs who last week “took a trip” on rural Transport buses while at the same time their government is proposing the axing of this service. “ It is really the general public who were being taken for a spin” claimed Cllr Daly when we see on one hand the Fianna Fail TDs telling us the value of the rural transport scheme while at the same time they will vote with their party when the time comes... 

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Improved Result for Athy in Tidy Towns – Daly

Speaking after the announcement of the 2009 Tidy Town Results, cllr Richard Daly said that great credit was due to Athy for having increased their  result by 9 points on last year. “I am personally pleased that my native hometown of Emly in Co. Tipperary is the overall winner of this year’s competition but particularly want to congratulate Athy for a marked improvement in its’ overall result. In 2008 Athy achieved a score of 253 and this year the total has gone up a remarkable 9 points to... 

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Daly strongly opposes the impending closure of ward at St. Vincents, Athy.

  Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael has strongly criticised the proposed closure of a 26 bed ward for elderly patients at St. Vincents Hospital, Athy. “I am strongly opposed to the diminution of the facilities offered to elderly patients at St. Vincent’s.  The hospital has served the town and the county’s elderly population very well over the years and the reduction of service is to the most vulnerable sector of our community.   How it could even be contemplated seems incredible. Many patients... 

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Daly congratulates Athy’s Charmaine Kenny on becoming Rose of Tralee

Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael congratulated Athy born Charmaine Kenny on winning this year’s Rose of Tralee competition. “Athy is very fortunate to have one of it’s own taking the position of Rose of Tralee for the coming year.  Charmaine who is the daughter of Leon and Marian wooed audience and viewers with her academic and energetic pursuits and was a great ambassador for the town.  Although she was nominated as the London Rose, Athy is very proud to claim her as their own. The Rose of... 

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Daly congratulates Eric Donovan on becoming Captain of Irish Boxing Squad

Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael last night congratulated his former pupil Eric Donovan on becoming captain of the Irish Amateur Boxing squad which will compete in the World boxing Championship in Milan next month. “Both Eric and David Oliver Joyce from St Michael’s Club in Athy will be on the team representing Ireland in the World Championship and it is a very proud moment for the town and the club.  Eric has consistently delivered excellent performances for the club and I am delighted with the... 

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An Bord Snip presents a major threat to education – Daly

Some of the proposed economies by An Bord Snip could have a devastating effect on the Irish Education system according to Fine Gael Councillor Richard Daly. “The amalgamation of small schools, the increase in the pupil teacher ratio, the reduction in SNA numbers, the increase in the school transport charges, etc., are an attack on our most vulnerable – our children and our future. Undoubtedly the financial circumstances which the Fianna Fail led governments have led us into have resulted in our... 

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Daly to prioritise Southern Distributor Road at Council level

Following his election to Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council, Cllr Richard Daly has said that his major focus will be in trying to advance the Southern Distributor route for Athy. “Athy’s progress is being strongly hampered by the continuous traffic congestion which affects both the business and social life of the town.  For decades the town has been divided by different routes but during the last council all attention is now focused on the Southern Distributor road and I will be adding... 

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There has been shameful neglect of many of our citizens in times of plenty - Daly

Following his visit to the constituency during the election campaign Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael says that there has been a shameful neglect of many of our citizens From my visits throughout Athy and surrounding areas I am saddened by the number of constituents who have been neglected in our community.  Each day I have come across people who have been waiting interminably for basic services which have failed to be delivered. Hardly a day has passed when I have not come across a person waiting... 

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Economy

O’Donnell: Budget means we’re all working a month for the taxman

Tuesday’s budget means that ordinary families and ordinary workers will have to pick up the tab for the Government’s mistakes, according to local Fine Gael candidate Tony O’Donnell. The budget sees big increases on the taxes paid on ordinary incomes, while not addressing the structural deficit in the public finances. “Mr Lenihan took his seat to muted applause after delivering a budget filled with pain, but short on hope or vision. He had two levers at his disposal: reform of the public... 

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Transport

Daly praises Kildare Road Users Group and Road Safety officer

  The fact that there are over thirty less deaths on Ireland’s roads must be welcomed according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael “In 2005 we had nearly 400 deaths on our roads annually which was more than one per day.  Thankfully this has been dropping to a current level of 240 which is 20 per month or two thirds of the 2005 figure.  This figure is still not acceptable but it is a dramatic improvement on previous years. Kildare is fortunate that it has a full time Road Safety officer who... 

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Education and Sport

Athy RAPID secures €94K for local projects

Chairperson of Athy RAPID AIT, Cllr Richard Daly is delighted to announce that it has secured in excess of €94,000 for local community projects from the Dormant Accounts funding. “Youth activities , Arts groups and community development programmes are all included in the €94,911 which has been sanctioned for Athy.  I would like to pay special tribute to Helen Dowling the RAPID co-ordinator who assisted all of the groups in compiling their applications. By supporting organisations like those... 

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Health

Martin Heydon’s Speech - Fair Care 25/02/2010

They say your health is your wealth, which is probably just as well. Given the state of the country today it is probably the only form of wealth many of our citizens have left! But when that most... 

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Kildare Patients to See Drop in Drug Prices - O’Donnell

Kildare patients may see a drop in prescription drug prices from this week, according to local Fine Gael councillor Tony O’Donnell. Thanks to an initiative from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare... 

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Little Choice for Mental Health students in Athy – Daly

Speaking at Athy Town Council Cllr Richard Daly criticised the continuing attacks on the most vulnerable in our society as the “Choices” programme for people with mental health issues in Athy is discontinued. “There... 

[Read more...]

Daly calls on County Council members to oppose closure of ward in St. Vincent’s , Athy

Speaking on the motion which he had put forward to Kildare County Council meeting opposing the closure of St. Camilus’ Ward in St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy, Cllr Richard Daly called on all of the councillors... 

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Heydon welcomes Increased Focus on Organ Donation - Calls for National Register to be Established

“An increased awareness of the importance of organ donation caused by last weeks Liveline discussion is to be welcomed”, thats according to Kildare Fine Gael Councillor Martin Heydon.   “The... 

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Daly strongly opposes the impending closure of ward at St. Vincents, Athy.

  Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael has strongly criticised the proposed closure of a 26 bed ward for elderly patients at St. Vincents Hospital, Athy. “I am strongly opposed to the diminution of the facilities... 

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HSE Drugs Row will Hit Kildare Hard

The HSE’s inability to come to terms with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union will hit Kildare hard, according to local councillor Tony O’Donnell. The HSE is seeking €133 million in cuts in... 

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FF\Green opposition to Crumlin Motion a Disgrace

Government TDs last night voted against a Fine Gael motion on funding for Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin. The motion called for the Government to reverse a €9.1 million cut in funding. This cut... 

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Future of Rathangan dental clinic threatened - Stafford

“Future of Rathangan Dental Clinic to be decided on a month-to-month basis” so says Fine Gael local election candidate Mark Stafford. He confirms that he received a number of queries from worried parents... 

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Dumping at St. Evins Park, Monasterevin

Residents in St. Evins Park, Monasterevin are calling for immediate action from Kildare County Council to deal with illegal dumping on land adjoining the estate, which is in the ownership of the Council,... 

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Water Quality in Rathangan

“Fine Gael will continue to press Kildare County Council for a better water supply to Rathangan and surrounding areas” says Mark Stafford Fine Gael Candidate in forthcoming local elections.  Addressing... 

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Health motion & speech by Tony O’Donnell to FG’s 75th Ard Fheis

Health Session - Motion 5 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government for targeting the vulnerable and cutting frontline services, rather than achieving savings through other means, such as addressing... 

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RAPID Chairperson welcomes new Primary Care Team in Athy

RAPID Chairperson welcomes new Primary Care Team in Athy Chairperson of Athy RAPID, Cllr Richard Daly described “as a major step forward in local health care for the region” the launch of the Athy... 

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O’Donnell tells FG Conference: “We will protect the elderly”

Addressing this weekend’s Fine Gael National Conference, local election candidate Tony O’Donnell stated that the Government’s attempts to withdraw the medical card for those over 70 amounted to... 

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Fine Gael Totally Supports The Right To A Medical Card For All Over-70s!

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