Old Borough national school in Swords - Adjournment motion
Date: 24/01/2012
Transcripts of the adjournment matter which I tabled on behalf of the pupils, parents and teachers of the Old Borough national school in Swords, which is a Church of Ireland school covering the parish of Swords, Clonmethan, Kilsallaghan and Donabate.

Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce
Date: 18/01/2012
Press Release from the Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce in which I will be the guest speaker at one of their regular 'Networking Events' on 30th January 2012

Reilly fails North Dublin residents on Monster Sewerage Plant
Date: 18/01/2012
Fianna Fáil Senator Darragh O’Brien has called on James Reilly to deliver on his promise to ensure the Reclaim Fingal Alliance could meet Environment Minister Phil Hogan on proposals to locate a monster sewerage plant in North Dublin.


6 weeks left to Malahide Garda Station downgrade – O’Brien
Date: 18/01/2012
Malahide Garda Station will be downgraded in just over six weeks. From March the station will be closed from 10pm to 6am. Fianna Fáil Senator Darragh O’Brien has said he is extremely disappointed by the lack of response from Fine Gael and Labour Oireachtas members in Dublin North to the announcement.

O’Brien secures ‘review’ commitment on monster sewerage plant for Dublin North
Date: 14/12/2011
Senator Darragh O’Brien has secured a major commitment from the Minister for Public Expenditure to review the proposed sewerage treatment plant which is planned for North Dublin.

As feared Operation Free-Flow is a no-go – O’Brien
Date: 14/12/2011
Fianna Fáil Senator Darragh O’Brien has said he is extremely disappointed by the decision to scrap Operation Free-Flow this year.

Motion on Malahide Garda Station to remain a full time 24hr Garda station
Date: 23/11/2011
Motion by Senator Darragh O'Brien

The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to confirm that Malahide Garda Station will remain as a 24 hour a day full time station serving the areas of Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock and that the opening hours of this station will not be restricted, or that the station will not be merged with Swords.

“Say NO to Monster Sewerage Plant in North Dublin” Public Meeting Monday 28th November
Date: 23/11/2011
DATE: 28TH NOVEMBER 2011
VENUE: Church Hall, St Nicholas of Myra , Kinsealy
TIME: 8.15PM

Government action on jobs wholly inadequate despite €2bn private pension raid – O’Brien
Date: 09/11/2011
Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader & Spokesperson on Finance Senator Darragh O’Brien has described the Government’s actions to tackle unemployment as disjointed and wholly inadequate despite its widely criticised €2bn raid on private sector pensions.

€10m Humanitarian Assistance Scheme welcome but Govt needs to act on flood defences – O’Brien
Date: 09/11/2011
Local authorities cannot delay any longer on remedial works


Dublin North Senator Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the launch of a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme of up to €10 million to help people whose property has been damaged in the recent flooding in Dublin.

Senator O’Brien said: “This is a very welcome scheme and it will provide much needed relief for people who’ve suffered significant losses with damage to carpets, flooring and furniture as well as extensive damage to their homes.

SAY “NO” TO MONSTER WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN
Date: 03/11/2011
Once again the spectre of a massive sewerage plant has raised its head in North County Dublin. The plant proposed by the Department of the Environment and Fingal County Council is planned to serve a population of 700,000. Our area will become the main sewerage treatment centre for all of Dublin and the surrounding counties.

Local credit unions must be kept open - O’Brien
Date: 03/11/2011
Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Finance Senator Darragh O’Brien has raised concerns that the Government’s plans to consolidate the credit union sector could result in the closure of some credit unions in Dublin and across the country.

Suspension of Nine Year Rule for replacement of taxi vehicles welcomed
Date: 21/02/2011
North Dublin TD and Fianna Fáil election candidate Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the announcement by the National Transport Authority that the ‘nine-year rule’ has been suspended.

Fine Gael to slash Child Benefit Payments – O’Brien
Date: 21/02/2011
A Fine Gael government will slash child benefit if elected leaving a Dublin family of four Dublin €252 worse off next year said Dublin North Fianna Fáil TD Darragh O’Brien.

Fine Gael’s Dublin bus plans will transport the capital back to the 1980s
Date: 21/02/2011
“Fine Gael’s proposal to privatise Dublin Bus routes will transport the capital’s bus network back to the 1980s,” said Dublin North Fianna Fáil candidate Darragh O’Brien TD.

€151,000 funding for local council weather repairs
Date: 21/02/2011
Fianna Fail Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government Éamon Ó Cuív TD has allocated additional support for those areas around the country which were badly hit by December and January’s severe weather conditions.

Students will be screwed under FG’s graduate tax
Date: 20/02/2011
Fine Gael’s plan for a graduate tax will screw every student in Ireland and will have a significant impact on the courses they select. The graduate tax is without doubt a return of third level fees in another name.

€2m for Fingal house improvement assistance
Date: 18/02/2011
The announcement of €79.46 in grant support for older people and those with disabilities by Minister for Housing and Local Services, Michael Finneran TD has been welcomed by Dublin North TD Darragh O’Brien.

Fianna Fáil will impose cap on new taxi licences
Date: 18/02/2011
I welcome the party’s decision to make an important and significant announcement on taxi policy today.

Fry Model Railway must be kept at Malahide Castle
Date: 18/02/2011
I am appalled by the news that the world famous Fry Model Railway is facing closure at Malahide Castle.

1 in 3 civil service jobs to go with Fine Gael
Date: 17/02/2011
In its manifesto, Fine Gael pledges a one third reduction in civil servants in central government departments.

Government must take control of commercial rates again
Date: 16/02/2011
In light of the ongoing failure of many local authorities to act in support of the business community I believe the time has come for the Government to again assume control of commercial rates and force those rates down to support businesses and jobs.

Fianna Fáil will increase support for local businesses
Date: 14/02/2011
Fianna Fáil has proposed a range of measures to provide greater support to local businesses and entrepreneurs. We are focussing on cutting business costs and freeing up credit lines to maintain jobs.

Fianna Fáil will protect family homes
Date: 13/02/2011
Fianna Fáil Front Bench Spokesperson Darragh O’Brien has outlined the party’s commitment to helping homeowners and those in mortgage difficulties.

O’Brien in favour of payment to student nurses
Date: 11/02/2011
The decision to review the abolition of clinical placement payments to student nurses has been welcomed by Dublin North TD Darragh O’Brien. Deputy O’Brien has been pressing the Department of Health, the HSE and the Tánaiste on this issue and hopes that the review will lead to the nurses receiving a payment.

Fianna Fáil is the only major party fully committed to building Metro North
Date: 07/02/2011
My Party Leader Micheál Martin stated today in the clearest possible terms that Metro North was an important part of the country’s capital investment programme and must go ahead.

Young apprentices will benefit from Fianna Fáil plans for training
Date: 06/02/2011
Apprentices who have been made redundant are being given the opportunity to complete their training under a €7 million scheme which will fund 1,000 places in the public and private sectors.

Breakthrough in the Aer Lingus dispute
Date: 04/02/2011
I welcome this morning’s breakthrough in the Aer Lingus dispute which has ended disruption for passengers and secured an agreement on working conditions for cabin crew.

O’Brien selected for key front bench position by Micheál Martin
Date: 01/02/2011
Dublin North Fianna Fáil T.D. Darragh O’Brien has been selected by party leader Micheál Martin to form part of his front bench team as Spokesperson on Sport.

No resolution to Aer Lingus dispute
Date: 30/01/2011
There is no possibility of a resolution to the dispute at Aer Lingus while management refuses to budge from its unreasonable position.

Kenny Brussels Public Relations Stunt
Date: 28/01/2011
Today’s visit to Brussels by Enda Kenny is nothing more than another empty public relations stunt designed to present him as a leader without exposing him to a real debate over his policies.

Fingal County Council government investment roads
Date: 25/01/2011
The allocation of €10.6 million to Fingal County Council for vital road improvements is an investment in the community with important economic benefits.

Construction St Oliver Plunkett’s Malahide
Date: 25/01/2011
I can confirm that a decision has been made to proceed with the rebuild and extension at St. Oliver Plunkett’s National School, Malahide.

Suspended Aer Lingus workers reinstated
Date: 25/01/2011
Aer Lingus management should cease the extremely damaging course of action being pursued which is treating staff very badly and severely damaging the airline’s reputation.

Permanent school building Holywell
Date: 25/01/2011

I can confirm that Holywell Educate Together, Swords is to proceed to the planning stage, to provide a permanent school building.

Swords Ambulance service saves lives
Date: 17/01/2011
I am contacting the chief executive of the HSE again in relation to the Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulance Service in Swords. There are now just two weeks left to ensure this vital service is retained and lives continued to be saved.

Support for North Dublin growers
Date: 14/01/2011
Growers in North Dublin can now apply for grant aid from the Department of Agriculture for investment in projects in the horticulture sector.

Irish Rail plans for customer feedback process
Date: 11/01/2011
I welcome the plans by Irish Rail to bring in a new public consultation process regarding changes to its schedules.

Labour Whip ignorant to workings Oireachtas
Date: 07/01/2011
Dublin North TD Darragh O’Brien has today dismissed as absurd the press statement released in Deputy Emmet Stagg’s name this afternoon.

Fingal County Council commercial rates
Date: 30/12/2010
I am calling on local authorities including Fingal County Council to repay the commercial rates paid by businesses in the light of the ongoing disruption to trade arising from water shortages and outages.

Shoppers put local businesses first 2011
Date: 29/12/2010
Local businesses deserve our support over the New Year and throughout 2011.

Plans for 2011 warmer homes scheme
Date: 29/12/2010
The plans for the 2011 Warmer Homes Scheme should be published as a matter of urgency, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources should publish the details for how the programme will be run in 2011 early in New Year.

Families in Debt should seek support
Date: 28/12/2010
Families should not to let debt mount up after Christmas, as practical help is available.

White collar crime law will improve public confidence
Date: 27/12/2010
I welcome the news that legislation dealing with white collar crime has been given the green light.

Strong supports for Tourism in 2011
Date: 17/12/2010
There are strong supports in place to boost growth in the tourism sector during 2011 which will bring enormous benefits to North Dublin and the country.

HSE boss Swords ambulance service retained
Date: 16/12/2010
I have told the chief executive of the HSE that the Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulance Service in Swords can and must be retained for the safety of the growing population.

No bonuses to be paid at AIB
Date: 14/12/2010
As Chairman of the Fianna Fail Finance and Economic policy committee, I welcome the announcement that no bonuses will be paid to staff at AIB.

Online betting duty will safeguard local bookmakers
Date: 08/12/2010
Jobs in bookmakers in North Dublin will be better protected by the Government’s plan to introduce betting duty for online betting.

North Dublin firms could save €200 filling annual acc electronically
Date: 08/12/2010
North Dublin firms will be able to as much as €200 on average by filing their annual accounts online this year, following the introduction of new measures which should save companies around the country up to €29 million.

A Budget for Local Jobs, Growth and Stability
Date: 08/12/2010
I welcome the wide range of pro-enterprise, pro-employment measures contained in Budget 2011, it is a budget for jobs, growth and stability.

Funding for Swords Balbriggan Youth Cafe
Date: 07/12/2010
I can confirm that Rush Hour Youth Café is receiving €93,000 from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

Funding For Community Services For Older People
Date: 06/12/2010
I welcome the allocation of funding to Fingal Home Care Ltd and Malahide Active Retirement Association to support the purchase of safety and security equipment.

Speech on Swords Fire Brigade Ambulance
Date: 17/11/2010
I am pleased to be given this opportunity to speak in support of the counter-motion tabled by the Government. Deputy Seán Power raised a number of points that I might address towards the end of my contribution.

Fine Gael’s Criticism Banking Policy Lacks Credibility
Date: 16/11/2010
Michael Noonan’s criticism of the Government’s efforts to fix then banks is a bit rich given the contradictory approach of his own party according to Fianna Fáil Dublin North TD Darragh O'Brien.

Labour fence Budget adjustments
Date: 14/11/2010
The Labour Party has is once again sitting on the fence in the run up to the Budget according to Dublin North Fianna Fáil TD Darragh O’Brien.

Dail contribution - Property Services Bill
Date: 09/11/2010
I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. To follow on from some of the earlier comments, I agree with Deputy Rabbitte in regard to the property price register, which we should move quickly towards because it gives certainty within the market, in particular to potential buyers.

North Dublin unemployment steady decline
Date: 05/11/2010
I welcome the steady decline in the number of people signing on the live register at centres in Balbriggan and Swords in the last two months.

Progress on Rush school extension
Date: 03/11/2010
I welcome the progress being made on the extension for Rush National School.

Clampdown on Welfare Cheats
Date: 02/11/2010
In response to comments made by the Minister for Social Protection, Eamon Ó Cuív that his Department was pushing beyond the original target of saving more than €533 million by the end of 2010

Creative budget SME sector
Date: 29/10/2010
I am calling on the Ministers to include pro-business initiatives in the upcoming budget to increases confidence in the business community and help jobs growth in the economy.

Green light for Metro North
Date: 28/10/2010
I welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for Metro North, describing it as the most important infrastructural development in the capital.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook
Date: 27/10/2010
Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Increased capacity Northen Line Trains
Date: 22/10/2010
I welcome the confirmation from Irish Rail that almost all commuter trains running on the Northern Line have an increased capacity of eight carriages.

Mixed messages on Gangland Crime
Date: 21/10/2010
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has called for a reduction in the number of prison places. Unfortunately this is sending mixed messages on gangland crime and I am calling on the Labour party to get behind the efforts of the Gardaí to crackdown on crime lords or get out of the debate.

ICT funding for North Dublin Schools
Date: 15/10/2010
Secondary schools across North Dublin are to receive an essential funding boost for high-tech ICT equipment with grants of €1,700 and €6.45 per pupil being provided.

Dail debate - Loan Guarantee for SME’s
Date: 19/10/2010
CONTRIBUTION TO DÁIL DEBATE ON LOAN GUARANTEE SCHEME FOR SME's

Fingal Enterprise Board Funding injection
Date: 15/10/2010
I am delighted to announce that Fingal County Enterprise Board is receiving almost €150,000 in extra funding from the Government in a move that will create 21 jobs locally and provide support and assistance to small businesses.

Gilmore Fantasy Budget - Irish Times Article
Date: 13/10/2010
LABOUR PARTY leader Eamon Gilmore has come under sustained attack from Fianna Fáil for budget proposals described as "fantasy economics".

Gilmore & Burton - A comedy Act
Date: 11/10/2010
With no tax increases and no cuts, Labour response to deficit 'must be magic'

Ireland’s first International Cricket Ground
Date: 08/10/2010
I have secured a major commitment of €450,000 to revamp Malahide Cricket Club, creating a world-class, international-standard cricket ground which will be a major boost to the sport and the economy, locally and nationally.

New Swords Central Post Office
Date: 11/10/2010
I welcome a commitment from An Post that the new Swords Central Post Office, near the Pavilions, is due to open around November 1st.

Contradiction opposition Metro North
Date: 05/10/2010
Fine Gael's deputy leader and Health Spokesperson James Reilly is at odds with his own party leader on the matter of Metro North.

Almost €56k for Malahide Slipway
Date: 05/10/2010
Almost €56,000 is being made available for the repair of the slipway at St. James Terrace in Malahide.

Private Member’s Debate 30 sept
Date: 30/09/2010
Read the unedited transcript and includes comments from opposition members.

New initiative local Sports Clubs
Date: 30/09/2010
I welcome a new telecoms partnership between Shared Access, a leading US telecoms infrastructure provider, and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

5 year integrated plan
Date: 28/09/2010

I welcome the launch of the Government's integrated plan for trade, tourism and investment saying that it will mean more jobs for North Dublin.

Loreto Balbriggan School extension secured
Date: 21/09/2010
I am delighted to announce that the Tánaiste & Minister for Education has given the go-ahead for a major construction project at Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan.

Vital funding to support former SRT Workers
Date: 21/09/2010
I welcome the announcement by the European Commission that Ireland has successfully applied for support through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for workers made redundant at SR Technics.

Hopeful of return of Lottery Funding
Date: 21/09/2010
I am hoping that the Lottery funding for sports clubs and community organisations will return.

Good news for North Dublin businesses
Date: 16/09/2010
There is good news for businesses in North Dublin and around the country as the Government is preparing a loan guarantee scheme for viable small firms.

Swift action over Portmarnock Arrests
Date: 13/09/2010
I commend the Gardaí on their swift and urgent action following the fatal shooting of a man in Portmarnock in North County Dublin and has extended his sympathies to the family of the deceased.

New Management Training Fund
Date: 06/09/2010
A new €1.4 million fund to train managers in the SME sector will help firms realise their potential.

Eircom’s restrictions on bill payments
Date: 31/08/2010
I urge Eircom to come clean on why it is imposing a minimum payment on customers who want to pay their bills in instalments through their local post office.

New guidelines on Public Contracts
Date: 26/08/2010
I welcome new guidelines concerning the awarding of Government contracts which will open the door for SMEs to compete and cut red tape for the sector.

Eircom’s secret plan
Date: 26/08/2010
I have exposed a little known plan by Eircom to impose a minimum payment for bills at Post Offices around the country, a move which I feel as shameful and will have a significant impact on pensioners and those on low incomes.

New Law on ‘Legal Highs’
Date: 25/08/2010
Sellers of so-called ‘legal highs' can now face hefty penalties including a jail term as the new law targeting substances which can cause psychoactive effects has come into force.


Balscadden NS secures new classrooms
Date: 11/08/2010
I have secured a commitment from the Tánaiste & Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan T.D. for the essential building of new classrooms at Scoil Bhionnáin Naofa, Balbriggan.

No change to the motor tax regime
Date: 24/08/2010
There has been no change to the motor tax regime for commercial vehicles and Fine Gael are wrong to suggest otherwise.


Stance on rubbished FG Policy
Date: 15/07/2010
I am calling on my Fine Gael constituency colleague, Deputy O'Reilly, to outline where he stands on Fine Gael's job strate

€12 Billion credit for Businesses
Date: 14/07/2010
Small and medium sized businesses will benefit from €12 billion in credit facilities this year and next year as a result of specific lending plans that the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has approved for AIB and Bank of Ireland.

FG bleak assessment wrong
Date: 08/07/2010
In response to a statement by the party's Enterprise Spokesperson Richard Bruton who was commenting on the latest CSO retail figures, I reject Fine Gael's bleak assessment of the retail sector.


Social Welfare office in Balbriggan
Date: 07/07/2010
I can confirm that the new social welfare office in Balbriggan will open on July 19th next, serving the town and surrounding areas.

Recommendations on Mortgage Arrears
Date: 06/07/2010
I'm delighted to see the detailed recommendations made today in the interim report of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt.


Major job boost for Swords
Date: 05/07/2010
I welcome the decision of Stream Ireland Limited to invest €2.5 million in a new dedicated solution centre in Swords creating 425 high-quality jobs over the next 12 months.

New National Bond Scheme
Date: 01/07/2010
More than €70 million has been invested in the National Solidarity Bond Scheme since it was launched.

Public Anxiety over Dublin Killings
Date: 29/06/2010

The Opposition are trading politically on the public's anxieties following last night's killings in Dublin.

Two new permanent schools for Swords
Date: 28/06/2010
I commend the decision to award the contract for construction of two school buildings in Swords as a major commitment on the part of the Government to education in North Dublin.


O’Donnell & Kenny at odds over regulation
Date: 23/06/2010
The Fine Gael party are at odds over regulation.

500 Airport Jobs boost for North Dublin
Date: 23/06/2010
The announcement that 500 full-time jobs are being created at Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport is a "major boost for North Dublin and the economy.

Back to school allowance
Date: 22/06/2010
I am urging North Dublin families to apply early for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.