​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Darragh O’Brien has expressed his condolences following the death of the former Israeli Prime Minister, President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres.


Speaking on the passing of Mr Peres, Deputy O’Brien said, “On behalf of my party colleagues, I wish to express our condolences to the family and friends of Shimon Peres and to the people of Israel.


“As a leadership figure since before the establishment of the state of Israel, he was a prominent presence in the politics and life of the country for seven decades. 


Respected by Israelis as one of the country's founding generation, he was a figure who came to believe in and strongly advocate the cause of peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. He was one of the key architects of the Oslo peace accords for which he was jointly awarded the Nobel peace prize. He continued to advocate for a two state solution in the region right up until his withdrawal from public life.


“While the situation in the Middle East remains precarious, Mr Peres did much to advance peace in the region and has left a lasting legacy and an undeniable mark on global history.”

​Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal, Darragh O’Brien has congratulated the Tidy Towns Committee in Skerries and all involved in winning overall national Tidy Town in this year’s competition.


Skerries in North County Dublin has been named the 2016 Tidiest Town after more than 850 towns and villages across Ireland entered the contest.


Speaking following this morning’s announcement Deputy O’Brien said, “Skerries is a magnificient town, and today’s win is an enormous source of pride for all in Dublin Fingal.


“The volunteers that secured the top honours are a credit to our entire community. Their tireless and yearlong commitment and enthusiasm for the betterment of our locality, is encouraging. It is a further reminder of the importance of community spirit.


“In efforts towards preparation for the competition, strong links have been formed between various civic and voluntary groups in the Skerries area since the establishment of the Tidy Towns committee.” added O’Brien.


“I must also praise our local business owners; there are stacks of great restaurants and lots of vibrant shops on our historical streets which are helped to be maintained by the good work of Fingal County Council.


“The continued and collective contribution of so many secured this national accolade and recognition.”

Portmarnock Bridge will be open to traffic this Thursday. See below update which I have just received from Fingal County Council.

"Works have progressed at a satisfactory rate and the current position is that the Bridge will be open to traffic on Thursday morning.
 
There is a possibility that this may be brought forward, if so I will issue a further update.
 
Discussions are taking place with Dublin Bus to ensure original routes will be in place.
 
A stop/go system will be necessary to allow outstanding works to be completed.
 
It is not yet clear for how long this will be required. 

Stephen Peppard / Fingal County Council."

​Fianna Fail TD in Dublin Fingal, Darragh O’Brien has said the staff and management at the Oberstown youth detention facility must be at the core of the forthcoming review process.


In light of concerns and recent controversy a review of operations was ordered this week by the Board at the facility and will be carried out by two external experts.


Speaking on the decision, Deputy O’Brien said, “This review provides a critical opportunity to observe the standard of services that are being provided at the national facility. There have been a number of very violent incidents in the last year that have left both staff and children traumatised.


“The committed staff that are working in a challenging environment at Oberstown must be engaged with meaningfully to determine how best to make improvements. Their concerns regarding health and safety must be heard, strongly considered and an appropriate solution reached.


“HIQA’s report of the facility back in June proved a damning read and the significant deficits in staffing, psychiatric services and safety must now be adequately addressed,” added the Fianna Fail TD.


“I expect that this review will answer the very serious and important questions, which have been raised by staff over recent weeks. In the interest of all involved, the primary focus of this review must remain on moving forward to establish better quality practices.

Please see below the most recent update that I ​and Cllr. Eoghan O'Brien have received from Fingal County Council regarding the Portmarnock bridge closure on the R106.

Works continued over the weekend. The new Bridge Deck was put in place (see photo) and Bord Gais have been on site since yesterday.

The Shuttle Bus service will continue this week, it was also left in place yesterday.

Traffic continues to be managed in accordance with the agreed Plan.

It is expected that the Bridge will reopen to traffic before the weekend and all efforts are being made to bring this timeline forward.

There will be a further update tomorrow.

Stephen Peppard
Fingal County Council