New Public Services Cards (PSCs)

I can sympathise with anyone who finds themselves in the position of needing social welfare support.  Many people have said to me that they intensely dislike having to receive same and feel terrible to have to do so.  However, I always tell them that they deserve support, who knows when any of us will find ourselves or loved ones in the same position.  The purpose of this new services card is to ensure that every penny goes to those who genuinely need it and deserve it. Continue reading »

Alcatraz masterplan for Spike Island to be unveiled.

The green shoots of hope are beginning to push through all the doom and gloom I think with a few small positives happening.  Locally, Council has plans for a new scheme to attract tourists which will hopefully create jobs in the near future.  A  masterplan to redevelop SpikeIsland into an attraction comparable to Alcatrazwill be unveiled this week.In July 2010, SpikeIsland, located off the Corkcoast, was handed over to Cork County Council on behalf of the Department of Justice by then minister for social protection Éamon O Cuiv. Continue reading »

Staffing Allocations at post-primary level

I understand that the Department of Education & Skills will shortly publish a circular outlining the staffing allocations for all post-primary schools and since I received quite a few representations in relation to such matters I set out some information which has come to hand.

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Children’s Referendum to be held this year.

The Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that the Children’s Referendum will be held this year. The Minister said the Referendum will be a stand-alone one and will be dealt with in isolation. It will not be considered in tandem with other constitutional issues ensuring the issue is afforded the attention it deserves.

Political Funding

There has been some comment in relation to this matter and again more recently in the media.  I asked for clarification in relation to the Party’s situation.  (I as a Public Representative have and am more than willing to comply with the leglislation in relation to my own position and as you know we (all councillors) have to complete an Ethics declaration and Declaration of donations (if any) each year.)   Fine Gael meets and continues to meet all its legal obligations and is happy to do so.
The Party fully backs Minister Hogan’s proposals for reform in this area. (This is the critical part)
Fine Gael did not receive political donations above the limit set down for declaration.
In a typical year, corporate donations make up less than five per-cent of self-generated funding. This may increase in an election year.The Party’s primary sources of self-generated income are its annual draw, and member contributions. Combined, these account for in the region of 90 per-cent of self generated income.
All expenditure from State funding (Leaders’ Allowance & Party Fund/Oireachtas Grant) is vouched and fully audited.

Luncheon in Bunnyconnelan, Myrtleville 8th March hosted by The Greater Chernobyl Cause

This morning we had the pleasure of meeting up with Fiona Corcoran Founder of the Greater Chernobyl Cause (021)4323276 and her friends in Bunnyconnelan (thanks for the coffee guys, so relaxing with terrific view).  On March the 8th The Greater Chernobyl Cause will mark International Women’s day by hosting a luncheon at Bunnyconnelan.  (see www.greaterchernobylcause.ie) Continue reading »

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to facilitate start-up of small businesses.

Coming from a small business background myself I fully appreciate and admire anyone who has the guts and nerve and self belief to start up a business.  What with the pressures of costs, taxes, marketing, red tape and tough financial markets it is a miracle that such people continue to have the persistence to keep going at huge personal stress to their families and themselves.  I believe creative thinking and these small enterprises will hugely help us out of our current difficulties.  I salute each and every one of you.  The new LEOs which are being set up to facilitate start-up of small businesses will, I hope, cut red tape and be pro active in helping such businesses to ‘arrive and thrive’ Continue reading »

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Due to some recent comment in the media in relation to carbon monoxide alarms, people are become more aware of the necessity of having such alarms (myself included). Current legislation does not require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings.  A review of the section of the building regulations that deals with heating appliances is currently underway.  A group was established at national level in September 2011 to review this section, Part J, of the building regulations and draft regulations are expected to be available for public consultation in 2012.  Ill keep you all informed but do put the purchase of such items on your to do list today!

Council Policy on verge cutting & Hedge/Ditch maintenance on Public Roads

I regularly walk around Maryborough Hill/Moneygourney/Clarkes Hill (trying to keep fit) I notice many overgrown hedges /ditches and generally these are a nuisance to pedestrians and impinge on footpaths and roadways.  I thought I would set out the council’s policy having asked the Area Eng. to particularly examine this section today. Continue reading »

HOUSEHOLD CHARGE

Household Charge

I, and I presume other councillors, have received representations querying the legality of the Household Charge.  These claims are spurious.Non-payment may result in a court appearance and fine of up to 2,500.  I sought clarification not alone from the FG Party but independently from Barristers to provide assurance to those people who contacted me in relation to the matter.  I understand that people are resisting the notion of such a charge and I would urge them to refer to the reason this charge was introduced in the first instance (deal done with Troika by previous government) and the long term future strategy for funding of local government whereby people will see the benefits locally and have more control of where these monies are being spent. Continue reading »