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.

I was contacted this morning by a number of parents regarding the delays caused by the road works at the Salesians. I contacted KCC on this issue. The delays were caused by a contractor carrying out a road opening. I expressed on your behalf, given the junior and leaving cert exams were starting that this was unfair and was giving further unnecessary stress to students and parents.

The council agree and have just confirmed to me that they spoke to the contractor and that no further related works will be carried out before 5pm to make sure that there is no more unnecessary delays or stress to students.

Fianna Fail’s Bill on Mortgages, entitled ‘Central Bank Variable Rate Mortgages Bill 2016’, passed by the Dail this week, puts fairness of mortgage rates top of the Central Bank’s agenda, according to Kildare North Deputy Frank O Rourke,  after speaking in the Dail on the Bill during the week.

‘As I said in my Dail contribution on the Bill, customers on typical variable rate mortgages are paying approximately €1,500 per year more than new bank customers and €6,000 more per year than people with a tracker mortgage for the same amount.’

‘‘Indeed, some mortgage holders in this jurisdiction are paying up to nearly €4,000 a year more in interest than customers with comparable mortgages in Northern Ireland and other European countries. This is simply unfair.’

‘These high variable interest rates mortgages are a key issue in my constituency. The issue has been raised at my clinics in Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, Clane, Prosperous, Naas and Kilcock over the past year. A mortgage is the single biggest financial commitment for many families, and people on these variable mortgages have felt the least benefit from the current low interest rate environment in Europe. Our Bill is designed to provide some relief to these families.’

‘Our Bill gives the Central Bank the authority to put a cap on interest rates if banks are found objectively to be charging unreasonable variable mortgage rates. In our view, this policy initiative will go a long way to relieving this variable mortgage rate problem,’ stated Deputy O’Rourke.

‘The current approach adopted by the banks is simply unfair. The Fianna Fail Bill, which will mark a significant change in the relationship between banks and their customers, will put fairness at the heart of mortgage rate policy. It will give mortgage holders more protection against rip-off bank practices.  Any financial benefit that families receive from reduced variable mortgage rates, will be much needed for other financial commitments that families have. Indeed, it will mean that there will be more money available for spending in the local economy, rather than artificially improving bank profits,’ concluded  Deputy O’Rourke.

It was a lovely afternoon at the festival in Leixlip today. I was delighted to meet with so many people and to enjoy there company. It was great to see such a big crowd and everyone enjoying all the different activities. Well done to all involved in organising the festival. Great atmosphere in Leixlip.