- Rail network needed to support large number of commuters -
- Deadline for submissions is fast approaching - Dublin Fingal Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said rail users should make submissions to the National Transport Authority’s consultation process on the future of rail services in Ireland. The National Transport Authority is currently seeking views from the public regarding how our rail network should develop over the coming years. Deputy O’Brien is encouraging people to have their say in this consultation. “The number of people living in Fingal is now close to 300,000; an increase of 8pc in the past five years and over 20,000 more than 2011. More and more people are choosing to live in the North County while working in the city as both house prices and rent continue to rise. Despite this dramatic spike in commuter population, little is being done to improve transport services in the area. "As the Government stall on the development of Metro North, Rail services in Fingal are vital pieces of infrastructure that provide transport links which enable local people to commute to work and offer cost-effective, reliable ways for tourists to visit our county. “As our country grapples with a housing crisis, we need to ensure that our rail network is fit for purpose, and we should prioritise its maintenance and expansion in feeder towns such as Donabate, Malahide and Portmarnock,” argued Deputy O’Brien. “Those who use the rail services in the North County must now show their support for the retention and expansion of routes by engaging with the review. "We must highlight other challenges such as parking at our stations, flexible timetables, and better off peak services both bus and rail. We also need more park and ride facilities across the constituency given the high demand on commuter rail services. “The deadline for submissions for the consultation process is next Wednesday, 18th January. I am encouraging all rail users, businesses and those involved in the tourism sector to outline the importance of this vital service to the county and ensure that the frequency of services do not come under threat”, concluded O’Brien. -Boundary Commission Report on the review of Dáil constituencies due in the coming months -
Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said there must be no geographical change to the Dublin Fingal constituency. In his submission made in relation to the preparation of the Dail Constituency Boundary commission report, which is due to be completed in the coming months, Deputy O’Brien says Dublin Fingal is a 5 seat constituency and it should remain as such. “As a resident, constituent and TD for the Dublin Fingal constituency, I strongly believe that there should be no geographical change to the constituency. The constituency follows the historical and natural boundaries of what was the Dublin North Dail constituency and in my view that should remain unchanged," he added. “While the population figures as per the recent Census puts the overall constituency marginally over the average threshold for a 5 seater, it remains within the permitted population/representation variation. It is therefore hugely important that there are five elected representatives to serve the people living in the large number of distinct towns and villages in Fingal. “It is the view of all of constituents that I have interacted with on this matter, that Dublin Fingal should remain unaltered both geographically and in terms of seat numbers,” concluded O’Brien. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has condemned the Jerusalem truck attack which has killed four Israeli soldiers and left more than a dozen people injured.
“This is an appalling attack and I want to take this opportunity to offer my deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives. My thoughts are with those who are injured and affected by this brutality,” said Deputy O’Brien. “While it remains unclear as to who is responsible for the attack or the motive behind it, violence of this nature is never justified and will only serve to undermine those seeking to bring peace and stability to the region. “Such attacks are an affront to peace and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.” - Mortgages Special Courts Bill must be published and enacted immediately -
Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said that urgent action is needed from the Minister for Justice and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald TD to ensure that Circuit Courts are correctly implementing EU and Irish law with regard to home repossessions. Deputy O’Brien’s comments follows the suggestion from the Master of the High Court, Edmund Honohan that County Registrars ‘should not be dealing with repossession orders’ as they do not have the necessary legal training or the legal discretion to apply EU law. “The Minister for Justice has a responsibility to ensure that when home repossession cases are being looked at by the courts, that those making the decision have the legal capacity to make such decisions. “These decisions pose huge distress for the families involved. The Registrar plays a very important role in the process by adjudicating on whether the mortgage contract was fairly applied. Their determination can ultimately decide whether a home can be repossessed or not. “The Chief Justice must ensure that she has confidence in all decisions being arrived at in the Circuit Courts with regard to the administration of justice and the application of EU laws. “The 2016 Programme for Government committed to establish a new court which would sensitively handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency cases. “The Mortgages Special Courts Bill was scheduled to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny by November 2016, yet it is now the beginning of 2017 and the bill hasn’t even been published, let alone reviewed by the Oireachtas Committee. “Any further delays in publishing this Bill are unacceptable. The establishment of a special court to deal with mortgage repossessions must be brought forward and enacted as a matter of urgency to assist those throughout our community in Fingal facing repossession of their home. “This Government’s is failing to address the rising number of home repossessions in a fair and targeted way. Our party remains committed to finding a solution for distressed homeowners who are facing repossession.” |
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November 2023
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