FF pressure secures commitment to adopt roadmap on ODA contribution
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed a commitment given by Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, to develop a strategy towards achieving the UN target on Overseas Development Assistance.


Each year, Ireland as one of the 35 OECD member countries is expected to contribute a minimum net amount of 0.7% of its GNP.


O’Brien commented, “Ireland has a long and proud reputation among low income and marginalised countries. Our assistance in supporting these countries in terms of long term development and in responding to humanitarian crises is well known and well regarded.


“We have a moral obligation to support the world’s poorest people and contribute our share towards the UN’s target for international aid spending.


“In recent years rather than move closer to achieving this target Ireland has fallen further behind. Despite the fact this Government has committed to reaching a 0.7% target, the reality is that we remain very far off.


“The current ODA/GNP percentage is in the region of 0.3%, considerably less than 0.59% which was reached in 2008 when my party was in Government.


“I have been consistent in calling for a roadmap to be established that will set out how Ireland will reach its commitment of 0.7% ODA/GNP target. I am glad that the Government have finally committed to this.


“In order to allow our INGO’s to plan ahead and expand opportunity, a multi-annual funding framework must be outlined as part of this strategy.


“It is therefore crucial that the Government work in tandem with the INGO sector and parties across the political spectrum to ensure that we meet this target in an achievable and realistic timeframe.


“Ireland acted as a co-facilitator in the intergovernmental negotiations on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to forge new international commitments in a range of areas. My primary concern is that for new ones to be credible existing commitments must be met and a strategy is undoubtedly needed to achieve that.


He concluded, “Consequently, this strategy is important not only for low income countries that rely on Irish ODA, but also for protecting our long standing reputation among major world donors.”

​Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority are preparing an infrastructure scheme for the Sutton to Malahide Cycleway and invite Fingal residents to enter submissions and observations of the plans.
The proposed route continues northwards from the existing Sutton to Sandycove cycle lane via Sutton Cross to Baldoyle and Portmarnock to Malahide.
The deadline for the submission is October 31 and these can be made online at: https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse
Submissions and observations can also be made in writing to:
Paul Keane
Executive Engineer

​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the release of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa from Egyptian prison late last night.


Commenting on his release O’Brien said, “I and my colleagues in Fianna Fáil are relieved and delighted to learn of Ibrahim’s release from prison.


“As part of a cross-party delegation, I had the opportunity to visit Ibrahim in prison some months ago and I am glad that this long, challenging and arduous journey for Ibrahim and his family has finally come to an end.


“Ibrahim’s family, friends and particularly his sisters tirelessly campaigned for his release and we must now ensure that Ibrahim is returned to Ireland as soon as feasibly possible so he can be reunited with his loved ones.


“I very much commend the work of the Ambassador and his team in the Embassy in Cairo, together with the magnificent efforts of our diplomatic staff here in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.


He concluded, “I look forward to his return to Dublin in the coming days.”

             Countless announcements yet no action by the same party that
​                                          scrapped shovel ready plans 
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal, Darragh O’Brien has said that the latest announcement to develop the long- promised Metro North is yet another example of a Government that is focused on spin over delivery.


It is now believed that construction work on Metro North will begin in 2021 and be operational by 2027.


O’Brien said, “The transport link to the airport and on to Swords, which was originally launched by Fianna Fáil and scrapped by Fine Gael in 2012 is absolutely essential for our ever-growing city and county particularly as the traffic gridlock continues to increase.


“Fine Gael and Labour let down the people in this region when they broke their firm promise to deliver on the Metro during the last election. At that time Metro North had a comprehensive business analysis, planning permission and a Railway Order, with a capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour; Metro North was ready to begin development.


“Even after announcing a scaled back version which included changes to the proposed route, it is yet to go through the planning process.


“Despite being announced time and time again, there has been absolutely no action over the past five years to deliver on the Metro North project. It's hypocritical to re announce a project with no map for delivery.



“If this Government was serious about the Metro North project, there would be more action and a lesser interest in public relations.It is time now to get on with building the transport link.

“Sadly, the people of North Dublin have little faith in the repeated broken promises offered by Government in relation to public transport.


“It is difficult to see how the latest announcement is nothing more than another one for the list,” added O’Brien.

        Swords Tidy Towns Committee clean up at annual litter awards
​Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has praised the efforts of each of the Tidy Towns committees, residents, businesses and community groups across North County Dublin that participated in this year’s Cleaner Communities Awards.


Earlier this week, Swords Tidy Towns Committee was named Overall Winner over the competition at a ceremony held in the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport.
 
Skerries Tidy Town Committee and Rush Committee Centre also won awards.


Commenting on the news O'Brien said, “The annual Fingal Cleaner Communities Competition which is supported by Fingal County Council engenders a wonderful community spirit while helping to maintain the stunning landscape in the north county.


“The exceptional standard of participants in this year’s competition contribute to the on-going co-ordinated effort to keep Fingal clean and charming for not only local residents but for those visiting the area.


"It's important too to acknowledge the invaluable contribution that all of the Tidy Towns committee's in Dublin Fingal make to our locality. Without their voluntary support, the environment in Fingal could not be in the same good condition.


“Everyone who took part should be immensely proud,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.