New four times-weekly service from Dublin Airport to Hong Kong will begin next June 

​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the announcement from Cathay Pacific that it is to operate a new route from Dublin Airport to Hong Kong.


Today’s announcement follows news earlier this summer that Qatar Airways are to introduce a daily direct flight from Dublin to Doha.


He said, “A lot of effort has gone in to strengthening Ireland’s trading relationship with China in recent years and is now worth a considerable amount with exports exceeding expectations.


“The new direct flight between Ireland and Hong Kong will undoubtedly enhance and increase commercial links between Ireland and Hong Kong.
 
“A significant number of Irish firms employ thousands of people to operate their base in Hong Kong; this direct service will improve the connectability of both countries.


“Welcoming a new airline operator to Dublin airport provides passengers with a choice to fly to a unique destination and allow other travellers transfer onwards to other Cathay Pacific routes.


“The introduction of these flights will go a huge way towards growing the number of Chinese visitors in Ireland each year.


“According to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), China is one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets. In fact some 100 million Chinese people travel overseas each year, spending about $165 billion.


He concluded, “In this regard, it will be wonderful for Ireland to benefit from today’s announcement.”

​Swords has been shortlisted as a finalist in Retail Excellence Ireland’s Friendliest Town Award at its first attempt. Swords is among five towns shortlisted and the overall winner will be announced in Kilkenny on November 9.
Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland, run these prestigious awards on an annual basis. The awards are designed to drive the improvement of standards in retail operations and town centres throughout the country.
Seven Swords stores put themselves forward to have their customer service judged with aggregate scores being used to assess Swords against towns across the country. The stores in question were Peter Mark, 3 Store and Love Suits which are all on Main Street; Swords Eye Centre in The Plaza just off Main Street and Fields Jewellers, McCabe’s Pharmacy and XTI in the Pavilions Shopping Centre.
Four of the seven stores judged, Love Suits, 3 Store, Peter Mark and McCabe’s Pharmacy, have also been named in the list of the Top 100 Stores in Ireland and go forward in the competition to be named the Best Store in Ireland.
This application was submitted by Fingal County Council on behalf of the stores in Swords with the assistance of Ian Hunter, Centre Director, Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords.
Mayor of Fingal Mary McCamley said: “Swords is a vibrant town with a varied selection of retail stores to choose from. It is great that Swords has done so well at its first attempt and we await with anticipation the results of the overall competition.”
Paul Reid, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “Swords and Fingal continues to grow, with the retail sector playing a key part in the economic sustainability of the County. It is a great achievement for Swords to be shortlisted and is a testament to the customer service of all the retailers in the town of Swords, especially those who have participated in this competition.”
David Fitzsimons, CEO of Retail Excellence, said: “Ireland is renowned the world over for its warm welcome and hospitality to all. This is always particularly evident in retail operations throughout every village, town and city in the country and this is why it is important to mark the significant contribution being made by retailers and city and county councils in driving standards. “

Please see below mail that I have received from Irish Water with details regarding the shuttle bus that will run during the duration of temporary road closure.

"Dear Deputy O’Brien,


Thank you for your recent email in relation to the Rush Wastewater Collection Network Project.


At present approximately 75% of sewage generated in Rush discharges untreated into the Irish Sea. These essential works will ensure that untreated wastewater is not discharged into the Irish Sea in the future. The foul sewer currently in place is sub-standard and under capacity. This sewer surcharges in periods of high rainfall discharging raw sewage onto the road and adjacent waterways. The most recent event was 14 August 2017 after a period of heavy rainfall. The new pipe upgrade will eliminate this problem. The new upgrade will also provide for greater capacity and provide for development for Rush into the future.


The works will be constructed in 7 phases. The first phase of the works will require a Stop/Go single lane closure to be in place. The remaining 6 phase of works are at a much deeper depth and will require 160m of road to closed at a time as works advance through the phases. Pedestrian and cycle access will be available throughout for the duration of the works. A Stop/Go single lane system was considered but unfortunately the road widths do not allow this to be carried out, thus a full road closure is required.


During the works two free shuttle bus services with a capacity to match demand will be operating for the duration of the works. Both buses will run for the duration and schedule of the Dublin Bus Service 7 days a week and will pick up and drop off passengers at all the Dublin Bus stops along the route as requested. There will be no connection to the Night Link Service.


Shuttle 1: The bus to take people to Lusk for connection with their regular Dublin Bus Service and return them to Rush on their return. The bus will operate from the Skerries Road at Rush to Station Road in Lusk also serving Rush/Lusk Train Station on the route.

Shuttle 2: It will run from the works area on the Loughshinney side (this will change depending on the work phase) to Loughshinney cross to link up with the Dublin Bus service.


Irish Water will host a Drop-In Public Information Evening; the project team will be in attendance to answer any additional queries you might have.


Event: Drop-in Public Information Evening (Rush Town Wastewater Collection Network– R128 Road Closure)

Location: Rush Community Centre

Date: 31 August, 2017

Time: 4.00pm and 8.00pm


Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.


Yours sincerely,


Claire Hennessy

Elected Representative Support Desk ​

                 European wide airline announce five new routes at Dublin Airport 
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the announcement from Ryanair that it is to operate five new routes from Dublin Airport, creating new jobs in the local economy in Fingal. 


The additional services include routes to Munich, Stuggart, Naples, Cyprus and Morocco.


He said, “The sustained investment in the airport’s infrastructure over many years is one of the key factors in the expanding employments opportunities. Ryanair’s announcement is good news for passengers and for tourism in Dublin as a whole.


“Increased capacity on routes in and out of Dublin makes us a more attractive location for commercial relocation post-Brexit.


“It is essential that the Government increase its efforts in highlighting the positives of our capital city to bring about more investment and job creation. That is a priority for Fianna Fáil.


“Furthermore, Metro North is absolutely essential for Swords and the surrounding Fingal area, most particularly as Dublin Airport continues to experience strong growth, breaking all previous records.


“As Dublin airport grows and announcements such as Ryanair’s are welcomed, the more obvious the need for the Government to finally get moving on the long delayed Metro North,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.

​Fianna Fáil Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Darragh O’Brien TD has said that the mid-range ballistic missile that was launched by North Korea and which flew over Japan this morning, threatens to destabilise peace between nations.


O’Brien commented, “Two successful intercontinental ballistic missile launches and five nuclear tests to date yet it’s the latest missile launch over mainland Japan that represents its boldest move yet.


“It symbolises a most disturbing breakdown in relations, and follows the UN Security Council’s vote to toughen sanctions on Pyongyang.


“It is clear that the international community must meaningfully respond and remain unified in our condemnation of Pyongyang. We must move to strengthen international economic and diplomatic pressure towards North Korea in an attempt to broker a solution to achieve lasting peace.


“China has a unique responsibility to help leverage a peaceful outcome that avoids any further rise in tension. It is important that we encourage a two tier response of sanction and diplomacy.


“Threats of fire and fury aimed at a country that has the world’s largest standing army and a substantial conventional weapons arsenal, will not aid the necessary avoidance of military counteraction and the need to negotiate a compromise.


He concluded, “The only option “on the table” must be one of common sense, diplomacy and peace.”

​-       New 7.10am Monday to Friday service will begin in two weeks’ time –


Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said that the extension to the 142 Dublin Bus route serving Portmarnock to UCD will support many Fingal students to attend college.


The number 142 bus will also serve Malahide and the city centre via D’Olier St, South Great George’s St and Aungier St.


O’Brien commented, “For many prospective third level students, the decision to pursue further qualification is hinged on the financial constraints associated with attending college.


“This earlier service will allow those with 9am classes to attend on time while continuing to live at home to afford expensive college fees.


“While I emphasis he positive impact an early bus will have for UCD students; those attending Trinity or DIT and the large number in Fingal that commute to the City Centre for work will all potentially benefit too.


“The introduction of this extra, earlier bus service may even allow Fingal residents to consider jobs that they would not have been able to previously.


“I worked tirelessly to see the introduction of this 142 bus route back in 2006-2007 and I am glad that Dublin Bus continues to acknowledge the importance of extending this service.

He concluded, “I will continue to liaise regularly with the management at Dublin Bus on behalf of the residents of Malahide, Portmarknock and Kinsealy to ensure that they are aware of the need to expand services even further."