​                       - Trade tariffs will push up costs for Irish trading companies -

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has warned that any form of customs controls on the island of Ireland will create additional costs for export and import companies here in Ireland and abroad.


His comments come following confirmation from the UK Brexit Secretary David Davis that the British Government is working towards implementing an ‘invisible customs border’ between Ireland and the UK before the completion of Brexit in March 2019.


This would see technology used to monitor the transit of vehicles between Ireland and the UK such as vehicle tagging, number plate recognition and other schemes aimed at monitoring traffic flow across the border.

““Trade between Ireland and Britain currently amounts to over €1 billion per week in goods and services which underlines the importance of the relationship between the two countries. A customs border, no matter how “invisible” will still have an impact on the movement of goods between the EU and UK,” explained the Dublin based TD.


“Even if the border is monitored by technology rather than personnel there will still be additional costs and time delays for import and export companies.

“The Government’s silence on this issue is worrying and I would urge Minister Coveney and his cabinet colleagues not to concede to the proposal put forward by the British Government, so early on in the discussions. 


He added, “Businesses, particularly in the export industry, need swift, decisive and confident leadership from our government and State agencies. Contingency plans for business sectors, up to and including transitional aid measures, affected by the Brexit decision need to be urgently outlined. These plans are critical for Irish business


“The fast, efficient and low-cost movement of a fully liberalised freight and aviation market is essential to the Irish economy and needs to be protected. The Government must emphasise the importance of a special arrangement for Ireland to ensure the smooth transfer of Irish cargo to other countries in the EU via the UK landbridge. 


“Any attempts to impose new tariffs or additional costs for companies exporting or importing will have a major impact on our economy and must be strongly opposed at Government and EU level”.

My colleague Cllr Brian Dennehy and I have received a ntoice from Fingal County Council in relation to an application the council has received from the ESB for permission to temporarily close a road in the Lusk area to facilitate the laying of ESB ducts. 

It is proposed that the road will be closed from 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday 31st July and Tuesday 1st August 2017.

The road in question is:

Rogerstown Lane, (L12801 & L1280)

Alternative routes available for vehicular traffic are as follows:

Motorists travelling west along the R128 (Station Road) wishing to travel along Rogerstown Lane (L12801 & L1280) to access Baleally Lane (L1180), or properties along Baleally Lane. 

The diversion route will be Westbound along the R128 (Station Road), 1st exit at the Remount roundabout, 1st exit at the Dublin Road roundabout onto the R127 (Dublin Rd), continuing
approximately 2km and then taking a left turn onto Baleally Lane.

Motorists travelling in a Northerly direction along the R127 (Dublin Road) wishing to use Baleally Lane and Rogerstown Lane to access the R128 (Station Road), or properties along Rogerstown Lane. The diversion route will be Northbound along the R127 (Dublin Road), 2nd exit at the Dublin Road roundabout, 3rd exit at the Remount Road roundabout onto the R127, continuing approximately 1km and then taking the left onto Rogerstown Lane.

Local access for residents and businesses will be maintained at all times.

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 10.00am on Friday 7th
July 2017.

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the publication of the Constituency Commission report, which has recommended that no change be made the Dublin Fingal constituency which elects 5 representatives in Dáil Eireann.


He commented, “I welcome the publication of the Dáil Boundary Commission report and in particular, the fact that Dublin Fingal remains intact with no changes proposed.


“A number of months ago I made a strong written submission to the Boundary Commission outlining the importance of retaining the Dublin Fingal as one electoral area, and that no areas should be excluded as was done in 2011.


“We have previously experienced changes to how our constituency was drawn. The decision to divide Swords and to exclude Portmarnock, Balgriffin and parts of Baskin from our constituency both proved hugely damaging.


“As this constituency review got under way, there was understandably growing concern among locals that our area may have been subject to change once again. I am very pleased that the people of Dublin Fingal will continue to have their national interests represented by locally based TDs. 


"It is extremely important that our community is represented at national level and I will continue to work on their behalf,” concluded Deputy O’Brien. 

View the full report here www.constituency-commission.ie

​

I welcome the publication of the Dáil Boundary Commission report and particularly the fact that Dublin Fingal remains intact, with no changes proposed.

We have seen in the past how damaging changes can be to our constituency, when Swords was divided and Portmarnock, Balgriffin and parts of Baskin were excluded from our constituency.

There was concern again that our area may be subject to some change. That is why I made a strong written submission to the Boundary Commission outlining my rationale for the importance of Dublin Fingal remaining as one, and that no areas be excluded, as was done in 2011. I have attached my submission to the Boundary Commission below.  

I am very pleased that my views and the views of many other people in Dublin Fingal , who made submissions were taken into account.

In summary the Constituency Commission recommends that the number of members of Dáil Éireann should be 160 and that there should be 39 constituencies of which 13 will be 5 seat, 17 will be 4 seat and 9 will be 3 seat. The recommendations are summarised below.

In the Dublin area the constituencies of Dublin Bay South (4 seat), Dublin Fingal (5 seat), Dublin South-Central (4 seat), Dublin Mid-West (4 seat), Dublin South-West (5 seat) and Dublin West (4 seat) should remain unchanged. 

Adjustments should be made between Dublin Rathdown (3 seat) and Dún Laoghaire (4 seat), and between Dublin North-West (3 seat), Dublin Bay North (5 seat) and Dublin Central which should change from a 3 seat to a 4 seat constituency.

You can view the full report on http://www.constituency-commission.ie/.

                   Solution to Gulf crisis in Qatar relies on measured approach
​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has said that he is deeply concerned at the deteriorating political situation in Qatar.


Commenting on reports he said, “The situation in Qatar remains highly volatile during what appears to be the Gulf region’s worst diplomatic crisis in decades.


“Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have severed diplomatic relations with Qatar. As economic pressure mounts on Qatar, severe disruption to land, sea and air routes to the country continues.


“The fragile situation was further compounded over the weekend when the embargoed State were issued a set of sweeping demands which were imposed by Saudi Arabia and its allies. 


He added, “Up to 1,000 Irish citizens live in the area which is currently preparing to host the 2022 World Cup. Ireland does not have an embassy in Qatar and has limited Consulate support, it is therefore vital that we work closely with our EU colleagues with a presence on the ground to protect our citizens.


"I have previously called for a number of dedicated contacts and for adequate resources to be provided by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade and I reiterate that call.


“The ongoing conflict in Qatar goes to the core of many key challenges in international relations and the often difficult task of grappling to maintain good diplomatic relations in the Middle East.


“Any hope to reach a long-term solution to this gulf crisis is hinged on adopting a measured and realistic approach while encouraging peaceful mediation between the States. The EU must help to play an integral part in advancing that diplomatic solution.



“Tensions in the region have been simmering for some time; however, further inaction stands to heighten the risk of an escalation in the serious dispute.

“As a solution looks likely to take some time, I will continue to raise this issue with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure Irish citizens are protected and that any resources required to support those affected are made readily available,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.

                       New status is massive news for the sport in Fingal 
Local Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the news that Cricket Ireland is to receive full test status following a review carried out by the International Cricket Council.


He commented, “There has been a long tradition of Cricket in Fingal and the sport is played by hundreds of people across the county. The great news for Fingal is that international games are played in Malahide as it is the only international size cricket ground in the Republic of Ireland. I've been delighted over the years to have assisted and supported the expansion and development of this facility. 


“The significance of this announcement for Irish Cricket should not be underestimated. Full test playing status is a game changer for the sport in our community and I believe it will lead to further growth and development in the sport.


“The leadership of Cricket Ireland deserves our thanks and praise for their work to secure this success today. They took the long view, and worked hard, to achieve their aim.

“The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport must now step up and work with Cricket Ireland to support the sport’s growth across the country. There has been no greater time to examine the need to develop a national cricket stadium to allow the sport continue to prosper,” concluded O’Brien.