Local Fianna Fail TD Frank O Rourke has been informed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) that it is hoped to seek tenders for the proposed new Bus Service linking Naas, Clane, Rathcoffey, Maynooth, Blanchardstown and Blanchardstown Hospital.

‘In April of this year, the NTA confirmed to me following my representations, that they would consider this bus service. I am delighted now, following further representations, that the NTA will seek tenders for this new service early in 2017.’

‘Linking Naas, Clane, Rathcoffey, Maynooth and Blanchardstown has been one of the missing public transport services. Naas, Maynooth and Blanchardstown are all key employment towns. All three towns are key retail centres, Maynooth has a University and all three towns have hospitals. It will also open up these towns for the rent to room schemes for students studying in NUI Maynooth. ‘

‘Linking these towns and their services will provide an important service for the people in the North Kildare area, improve the commercial activity in the towns and ensure that more services and educational opportunities are available for all.’

‘Since getting elected, I have being campaigning for improved public transport services for commuters in North Kildare. We have made progress on the Bus Service for Kilcock commuters, plans are in place for a Park and Ride at Kilcock and additional services planned for Leixlip bus commuters, address the fare structure anomaly for Kilcock rail commuters  and provide better public transport services for Clane and Prosperous commuters, in particular linking these towns to St Stephens Green and UCD.’

‘As I outlined to the NTA, once we achieve a regular, reliable and inclusive public transport service, we will attract more people to use it and thereby make it more efficient. I intend to keep making representations until we make further progress on public transport services,’ concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

I have met the the NTA and Dublin Bus in recent days again to get improvements on the 66 & 67 Dublin Bus Service.

On the 66 Service I’m pursuing an improved frequency and in particular along the Glen Easton Road as this is an issue which comes up at my weekly clinics in Leixlip.

On the 67 Service I’m pursuing an earlier Sunday morning service with a more regular frequency of this Sunday service along with a later 67X from Dublin on the weekdays to accommodate all those public transport users that work until 6pm each evening. I hope to have positive updates on these issues very soon.

These are some of the key service improvements that I’m pursuing for some time with the relevant stakeholders on behalf of the public that are currently using the 66, 66X, 67 & 67X. If the service is in place the public will use it on a daily basis to do their commute.

I was delighted after making representations to the NTA and Dublin Bus that we seen an improved service during this year on the 67 and the 67X which was extremely welcome. I will continue to work on your behalf with the NTA and Dublin Bus on the outstanding issues which you have raised with me at my weekly clinics in Celbridge, Leixlip and Maynooth. Please keep in contact with me as your feedback on public transport and in particular the Dublin Bus Service is very important to me so I can represent you accurately.

Fantastic night last night (27th) at the Kilcock Golf Club fashion show fundraiser. What a massive crowd, it was truly amazing. We had great fun and also showcased the fabulous clothing from the local Ladies and Mens boutiques. Style and fashion in BIG supply with all our local “supermodels”. Well done to the committee for arranging a super event enjoyed by everyone. Big thanks to all the businesses that supported the show in so many different ways. It was brilliant to meet and interview the famous Martha Fitzpatrick (Charlotte) from Fair City who was very enjoyable and great fun, thank you Martha. A BIG thanks to my co host Helen Fox for her fun and professionalism on the night. Thanks to Kilcock Golf Club for my “surprise” gift.
It was so good and enjoyable I would do it all again………

I welcome Kildare County Council’s proposal to upgrade Leixlip Fire Station, along with the Fire Station in Newbridge, following on from a tender published by the Council to seek a contractor to complete the necessary works.

This is an issue I raised as both a County Councillor, and now as a TD, and is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety of the surrounding residents.

On 19th October,  I had the opportunity to speak in the Dáil about the recent Budget. Topics I touched on included, Infrastructure (incorporating public transport), Broadband, The National Treatment Fund, Old Age Pension & Medical Cards, Child Benefit, Motor Insurance and the Food Sector.

More information in the video attached.

Great fun today at the rehearsals for the Kilcock Golf Club Fashion Show Fundraiser which is taking place on Thursday night, the 27th of October at 8pm in the Glenroyal Hotel. Tickets can be purchased from Eileen O’Toole or any of the committee members. It’s going to be a great night with all local “models” showcasing the current fashion from local businesses. I’m delighted to be the MC for the night with Helen Fox nee Swift as known from TV3. Look forward to seeing you all on the night….!!!!

I was delighted to welcome the students and teachers from Primrose Hill N.S to Leinster House today. We had a great chat and discussion on a number of topics and in particular around public transport which they all used to travel into Leinster House today. Thank you all very much for the lovely book which you presented to me on the “Plinth”. I look forward to reading it. Hope you all enjoyed the visit and I look forward to visiting your school soon to continue the discussion.