It was great to attend the USI briefing today and listen to the issues that the students are encountering. There is a few key issues which I was delighted to discuss with them in detail and will work with the USI on bringing forward solutions to resolve the issues. I look forward to my follow up meeting with the USI as arranged today.

I will be attending Fianna Fáil’s motion under private members business this evening on Arts, Culture and Heritage. This underlines Fianna Fáil’s commitment in this area as it is extremely important. I get updated regularly by Celbridge sculpture Jarlath Daly and others on this important topic. The government needs to appoint a Minister for Arts. To quote Jarlath Daly “A country without its culture is like a country without its soul”

I was delighted to have facilitated and organised today’s Dail visit for Cadamstown School. It was great to meet the students and engage with them. They really enjoyed it and in particular the homework pass…!!!

It was great to attend today’s IFA briefing in the Alexander Hotel. I was delighted to meet with members of the IFA’s Executive and discuss the difficulties and problems that they are encountering in Kildare and nationally. Farming is very important to the Irish economy and Fianna Fáil will be doing all we can to have their issues addressed positively and actioned as quickly as possible.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke says the Government needs to move to clarify the growing uncertainty surrounding the costs of the new pay by weight system for disposal of waste.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “Many families right across Kildare were left reeling this week after they received information on the bin charges that they are expected to pay in the year ahead. The increase in costs arises as a result of a decision taken by former Minister for Environment Alan Kelly when he introduced new regulations last January.
“At the time Alan Kelly insisted that the new system would result in savings for 87% of people. This proposal seemed sensible at the time. However now it transpires that the prediction made by Minister Kelly was not based on realistic research. In one instance, a family who paid €324 last year for waste disposal services are now facing a bill of up to €600 for the year ahead. This is a massive increase in costs which families simply cannot afford.

“There is a feeling that the waste disposal companies are using the change in regulations as an excuse to fleece customers. There seems to be little to no justification for the massive increase in bin charges. We need full transparency by these companies, they must clearly outline where their customers money is going.

“Fianna Fáil has called on Minister Coveney to suspend the new charges regime until we get clarity as to why families are experiencing a massive increase in their bills when former Minister Kelly stated that the opposite would occur. There is little point implementing a system that is destined to fail from day one.”

Intel hosted a great evening this evening giving out awards and sponsorship to the grand total of €30K. I was delighted to be in attendance and the prize winners were thrilled and delighted. Each winner got an award and a cheque for €5K which will have such a positive impact for the successful community groups and individuals which are doing such great work in Celbridge, Leixlip & Maynooth.

Well done and thanks to intel and in particular Lisa Harlow, Leonard Hobbs and all the Intel team for hosting a brilliant evening and making such a positive contribution to the community.

Please see the updates below regarding back to school allowances and CAO applications:

1. Back to school forms: if you are not in receipt of “Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance” and think you may qualify. I have forms available in my constituency office if you call in.

I was delighted to work on this positive project for the Celbridge Tidy Towns. They have been looking to have this roundabout landscaped and upgraded for some time. I took on this project on behalf of the Tidy Towns some time ago and it is great to see all the works fully completed now. It looks fantastic on one of the main approach roads into Celbridge.

The landscaping looks really well with the train tracks laid on theroundabout which is really nice given Hazelhatch train station is so close. I hope it brings positive results from the national judging.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Tidy Towns on other projects which are in hand at present.  I want to thank the management and staff of Kildare County Council for supporting this project and Cllr Michael Coleman for his assistance.

It was great to see so many businesses and community groups exhibiting at both enterprise towns today. I was delighted to be in attendance at both and it was great to meet so many people there.

It’s very important at every opportunity that we support local businesses and community groups. There is a great choice and variety for all as was displayed today.
Well done to all involved in making both events such a success. In particular Bank of Ireland who sponsored enterprise town. Celbridge GAA and the Glenroyal Hotel for hosting the event.

I had the opportunity to contribute to the Dáil motion on the cost of motor insurance in Ireland, highlighting the spiralling costs for Irish motorists.

Full details in the video attached.