-    Government must adopt new revised standards to Pyrite Remediation Scheme   -
Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said that the proposed changes to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, announced by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) will do little to support hundreds of families in Fingal that continue to be left in limbo.
As part of its revised Reactive Pyrite Standard, the NSAI has changed the building categories that pyrite is classed under. The new revised version of the Irish standard has proposed changes in standards to category B, where pyrite is present but has not resulted in "significant levels" damage.


Commenting on today’s announcement, Deputy O’Brien said, “I am pleased to see revisions proposed to improve a scheme that has failed so many; however, we now need to examine how these standards will apply in real, practical terms.


“It has never been more apparent that the whole issue of pyrite should be revised to overhaul a remediation scheme that is wholly unfit for purpose and continuing to leave thousands behind.


“There are an estimated 72,000 homeowners nationwide affected by pyrite. Too many of these are finding it increasingly difficult or impossible to sell their pyrite infected properties due to the reluctance of banks to issue mortgages to prospective buyers.


“It was hoped that as a part of today’s report, these long over-due changes to standards for pyrite affected property would provide home owners and buyers more certainty.


He added, “Sadly, unless the property industry and other key stakeholders such as the banks, insurance companies fully cooperate then these changes cannot have a significant impact.


“Owning a home with pyrite puts huge pressure on families and causes stress for so many. In fact, it affects every aspect of a homeowner’s life. These families do not know if they will ever be adequately supported to remedy a situation that has been taken entirely out of their hands.


“I have been raising these same concerns for some years now and the importance of a comprehensive review of the pyrite scheme so that every homeowner affected in Fingal is supported once and for all, has never been more critical.”

My colleague Cllr Brian Dennehy and I have received a notice Fingal County Council regarding an application Fingal County Council has received from the East Coast Motorcycling Club for permission to temporarily close roads in the Skerries area for the purpose of holding a motorcycle race.

It is proposed that the roads will be closed from 1.00pm to 7.00pm on Saturday 9th September 2017 and from 10.00am to 6.30pm on Sunday 10th September 2017.

The roads in question are:
1. Portion of the R127 from Kennedy’s Corner in a north easterly direction to School House Corner.
2. Portion of St Monica’s Road, from Black Hill to Balcunnin.
3. Portion of the Killalane Road, from Kearney’s Tree to Man-O-War Corner.
4. Portion of Palmerstown Road, from Kennedy’s Corner to Man-O War Corner.

Alternative routes available for vehicular traffic are as follows:
• The main diversion route for vehicles travelling between Lusk and Skerries is via the R128 Lusk to Rush and Rush to Skerries.
• Access to Killalane and Milverton Road will be restricted to local access only for the duration of the closure.

Diversion signage and marshals will be in place for the duration of the closure.

Any person may lodge an objection in writing with the Senior Executive Officer, Balbriggan/Swords Operations Unit, Fingal County Council, to arrive no later than 4.00pm
on Friday 18th August 2017. 

As soon as I receive any further information I will be back in touch. In the meantime in if you have any queries in relation to this or any other issue please do not hesitate to contact me.

            - 2 weeks on from undemocratic election the severe civil unrest continues -
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has said that the deepening crisis in Venezuela is not just an example of the failings of a socialist revolution but a crisis of new proportions.


In some of the latest developments in recent days, Venezulea’s Chief State Prosecutor for over a decade, Luisa Ortega was ousted from her position by current president Nicolás Maduro. Luisa is a vocal critic of the regime and strongly denounces what she deems serious violations of basic human rights under his increasingly authoritarian rule.


Commenting on the status quo, O’Brien said, “For some years now, leaders around the world have decried the erosion of Venezuela's democracy, particularly under the strict rule of Maduro.


“But this is not only an escalating political crisis; this is a crisis that is causing starvation, chronic disease and migration.
“More than 120 people, mostly adolescents, have been killed in the daily anti-government protests over the past three months alone. How many more must die for the international community to take concerted action?


He added, “As Maduro's autocratic government moves swiftly to consolidate power he has precipitated an economic collapse, corruption and a rigorous campaign to deny civil liberties.


“Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan’s are fleeing to neighbouring Latin American countries in a bid to gain safety and asylum. Nearby countries such as Columbia are likely to face a migrant crisis while struggling with its own abject poverty following years of civil war.


“This is a worsening situation that requires swift and decisive action to ease repression; we can no longer ignore the current instability and humanitarian crisis.


“The Maduro regime must be put under significant pressure to allow humanitarian aid into the country. Food, medicine and other critical supplies must no longer be blocked from entering the country.


“We must exert pressure to push for a reasonable solution through dialogue and incentive to provide relief for the millions of people suffering at the hands of a dictator.


“International economic and diplomatic pressure must play an effective role in stabilising the humanitarian plight of an entire nation,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.

Please see below mail my colleague Cllr Brian Dennehy and I have received Fingal County Council regarding the proposed temporary closure of the R128 Rush to Skerries Road (between Kilbush Lane and Palmer Road) from the 4th of September until the 24th of November to allow works as part of the Rush Waste Water Collection project. 

Following significant submissions regarding the proposed closure the council will hold two public meetings in the next week for the residents of Rush and surrounding areas to address people’s concerns.

​I will keep you informed of the times, dates and venues for these meetings when they are announced.

"​Dear Deputy / Councillor,
 
Just a short note to update you all on the recent advertisement regarding a proposed Temporary Road Closure on R128 from September to November 2017 to facilitate Jons Civil Engineering Ltd, working on behalf of Irish Water.
 
Following on from last week when a significant number of submissions were received on foot of our advertisement, a meeting was held this afternoon with representatives of Irish Water & Jons C. E. 
 
The various issues raised were discussed, and we are advised that Irish Water propose to hold two public meetings within the next week for the residents of Rush and surrounding area to address people’s concerns. Times, dates and venues are not yet confirmed. 
 
We will keep you updated on any progress during the next few days, and as soon as we have further details on the meetings we will circulate them to you.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Ann Murphy,
Balbriggan / Swords Operations. "

​Local Fianna Fáil TD and Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed expansion plans announced by leading Irish motor retailer, Joe Duffy, which include the development of two construction projects at Airside Business Park, Swords.


Commenting on the announcement, Deputy O’Brien said, “At a time when investment and job creation are essential to the growth and sustainability of Ireland’s economy, the expansion of an indigenous company in our area is hugely welcomed.


“The highly professional and reputable company currently employ over 400 people and as the company looks to grow its business this level of increased investment will lead to quality job creation in Swords and the surrounding areas.


“This positive announcement once again shines a spotlight on the Government's failure to deliver on its commitment to develop Metro North. The much needed and long delayed project which is designed to serve our Airport, our capital town of Swords and beyond, taking in the Airside Retail Park itself, will be required now more than ever.


“No further fudges, delays or reviews are acceptable. 


He concluded, “Enticing existing enterprises to expand in Fingal, particularly indigenous business is vitally important and ensuring that companies such as Joe Duffy Motors, are supported to maintain jobs.”