Govt must ensure that social housing promises are kept

Govt must ensure that social housing promises are kept

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway Eugene Murphy says the Housing Minister Simon Coveney must live up to his commitments on social housing projects.  Earlier this week it was announced that 53 homes would be built in The Walk in Roscommon town.

Deputy Murphy commented, “There are hundreds of people across Roscommon and Galway on a waiting list for social housing.  Many of these have been on the list for years.  Despite this building almost ground to a halt while little effort has been made to refurbish voids and make them fit for purpose.

“While the announcement of these new homes is welcome, the Government cannot become complacent about the speed in which these units need to be completed.  The last Minister announced a series of housing plans but failed to deliver on any of them.  We cannot afford to sit back waiting for the work to be done.

“I, along with my Fianna Fáil colleagues will be continuing to press Minister Coveney and his officials on the progress of this development.  Roscommon has been left to flounder for too long, and now that it has been selected for a project I am determined to ensure that it progresses without delay.  This is an important investment for the town and we need to establish a deadline for the construction of these houses so that many of the families who have been languishing on the housing list for years are given safe and secure accommodation”.

Murphy keeps in tune with Local Radio

Murphy keeps in tune with powerful medium of Local Radio

Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon/ Galway Eugene Murphy was delighted to take part in the unveiling of a plaque to celebrate 100 years of radio broadcasting in Dublin last week.

The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and RTE Radio have been working together on the plaque, which is positioned on the outside wall of the Grand Central on O’Connell Street.

Deputy Murphy who formerly worked as a broadcaster in local radio for over twenty years said that radio and particularly local radio was a powerful medium in connecting with the public.

“Figures show that some 83% of Irish adults tune in daily and listen for almost four hours a day so the quality and reach of Irish radio is very powerful. Having worked in local radio myself for over twenty years I also understand the unique relationship the Irish public also has with their local radio station so I was delighted to attend the plaque unveiling ceremony in Dublin last week. It marks 100 years of Irish radio but it is also the 25th anniversary of Independent radio in Ireland,” said Deputy Murphy. 

Funding issue of Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon County Hospital

Murphy calls on Minister for Health to clarify funding issue of

Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon County Hospital

Fianna Fail Deputy for Roscommon/ Galway, Eugene Murphy has called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to clarify the funding situation in relation to the development of a Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon University Hospital.

Members of the Roscommon Hospital Action Committee have requested an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health Simon Harris and Deputy Murphy has already raised the issue with Minister Harris and has pledged to try to expedite a meeting with the Minister on behalf of the Roscommon group.

“Over €7 million was approved for the rehabilitation unit at Roscommon Hospital in May of 2015 and the funds were to be included in the 2016/2021 capital programme however that funding now seems to be postponed and urgent clarification is needed in relation to the matter. This ten bedded unit would service the midlands and west of Ireland and the development of the unit was one of the main projects proposed for the campus following on from the closure of the A&E services. I have spoken to Minister Harris in relation to the rehabilitation unit and he has informed me that the Unit is not off the agenda and I would be hopeful that funding would resume soon,” said Deputy Murphy.

Free range of insulation solutions

Murphy advises homeowners of free range of insulation solutions
from Midland Warmer Homes Scheme

Fianna Fail Deputy for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has advised homeowners throughout the region that they may be eligible for the Midland Warmer Homes Scheme which can provide a range of insulation solutions free of charge.

The Warmer Homes Scheme which is run in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) scheme is available to people who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance or Family Income Supplement or Job seeker allowance (for more than 6 months and with a child under the age of 7), or One Parent Family Payment.

“The other criteria as listed by SEAI are that the person must own their house and the house must have been built before 2006.For the applicant to receive works, they must not have received works under the SEAI scheme previously.

If all the criteria are meet, works such as attic insulation and ventilation, cavity wall insulation and ventilation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, cold water storage jackets, pipe lagging, energy advice and BER's can be installed in the applicant's home free of charge,” explained Deputy Murphy.

The Midlands Warmer Home Scheme are delivering a Better Energy Homes Scheme to home owners/Landlords/Tenants (excluding council houses), who have not previously availed of any grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), for houses built before 2006.

“A lot of people throughout counties Roscommon and Galway may not be aware of this scheme so I am anxious to bring it to their attention as there are  arrange of insulation solutions which can be availed of completely free of charge,” said Deputy Murphy.

For more information contact the Midlands Warmer Home scheme on 090 648 8292 or email info@midlandwarmerhomes.ie

New jobs initiative for Ballinasloe area

Murphy pressing for new jobs initiative for Ballinasloe area 

Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon/ Galway Eugene Murphy is currently working on a potential new jobs initiative for the Ballinasloe region which would involve a joint approach by the LCDC enterprise wings of Roscommon and Galway County Councils.

Deputy Murphy has been in contact with officials in both Galway and Roscommon County Councils in relation to the possibility of establishing a joint initiative between the enterprise wings of both Local Authorities with a view to assisting start-ups and new businesses in the Ballinasloe region.

“The project is at an early and delicate stage but I would be hopeful that links can be established between both Roscommon and Galway Local authorities with a view to bringing a renewed focus on Ballinasloe town and region. I am anxious not to be entering into any false hope for people but I can very hopeful that we can get a joint initiative established between the county councils which will bring some new opportunities for the Ballinasloe area,” said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fail TD pointed out that upwards of 3,000 jobs had been lost to the Ballinasloe region in recent years including job losses with St Bridget’s, Dubarry, AT Cross and the Rendering Plant while the recent decision by Glan Agua to announce 60 new jobs for Loughrea had been a big loss for the Ballinasloe area.

Deputy Murphy welcomed the announcement of 60 new jobs for the Loughrea area with waste water company Glan Agua but he has posed the question whether more could have been done to secure those jobs in the Ballinasloe area.

Waste water company Glan Agua and civil engineering company MEIC are to create 60 jobs in Loughrea over the next five years.

Both companies are subsidiaries of Mota-Engil which is expanding its operations in the Republic through the two companies and creating a UK and Ireland headquarters.The companies are owned by the Mota-Engil Group, a firm in the construction.

“Naturally I would welcome any new jobs announcement west of the Shannon but in this situation the expansion of Glan Agua is a gain for Loughrea but a loss for Ballinasloe. Redeployment is not always a suitable option for people and can cause inconvenience and I would query whether enough was actually done to explore the option of expanding the existing and creating the extra jobs in Ballinasloe.

Ballinasloe has suffered major economic setbacks in recent years and the town could have really benefited from an expansion and creation of extra jobs at the existing plant in the town,” said Deputy Murphy.

Shannon gates to be opened to prevent summer flooding

Murphy calls for Shannon gates to be opened to prevent summer flooding 

Fianna Fail Deputy for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has called for the gates at Parteen and Melick on the River Shannon system to be opened in a bid to alleviate the threat of summer flooding as water levels in the Clonown and Athlone area have risen significantly in recent weeks.

Deputy Murphy who is the Fianna Fail Junior spokesperson on the OPW and flood relief in the west has called on the Minister of State for Flood Relief Sean Canney to instruct the ESB to open the Shannon gates at Parteen and to also open a number of gates in Melick.

 “I understand that there are nine gates still closed in the Melick area at this time of year and if a number of those gates were opened along with the gates at Parteen it would go some way towards helping to alleviate the threat of any summer flooding. The water levels in the Clonown and Athlone area has risen by nine or ten inches in recent weeks and the people of Clonown cannot face the misery of flooding once again as they have been under siege in relation to flood waters in recent times and they are extremely anxious that unless some action is taken immediately they may be facing into the threat of summer flooding,” concluded Deputy Murphy. 

Government need to face up to the reality of flash flooding

Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has said that the ongoing threat of flash flooding is a reality which the Government needs to address and the Castleplunkett area has suffered considerably in this regard in recent times with people left stranded in their homes and roads cut off for long periods of time. Deputy Murphy was speaking following his attendance at a special meeting in relation to flooding in the Castleplunkett area which has held on Wednesday night in Kilmurray Hall.

“The sense of anxiety and fear amongst the people of the Castleplunkett area was palpable at the recent public meeting as so many fear the return of flash flooding which has already caused such devastation in the area. The Castleplunkett to Ballintubber road was closed for long periods and the road is still in a deplorable condition while many people were stranded in their homes and in some cases even the fire brigade could not gain access to homes- this is a nightmare situation for the people of Castleplunkett but there are things which can be done to help prevent such future devastation. The Government does not seem to be at the point of accepting that flash flooding is now a reality and new flood defence systems need to be introduced in County Roscommon as a matter of urgency,” said Deputy Murphy. 

The Fianna Fail Deputy said that he was currently in the process of organising a trip to the Cumbria area of England to witness at first hand the successful flood defence mechanisms which are in place in that region while Deputy Murphy said that he is planning to bring a Cumbrian based expert on flood defence systems to County Roscommon to install a model of a flood defence system in a local house. 

“The Government has to step up to the mark in relation to the reality of flash flooding and adequate flood defence measures need to be introduced to County Roscommon to ensure that the people of Castleplunkett and indeed other affected areas of the county do not face such a nightmare situation in the future,” concluded Deputy Murphy. 

Controlled and illicit drug abuse a reality

Controlled and illicit drug abuse a reality in towns and villages across Roscommon/Galway- Murphy

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway, Eugene Murphy has said the devastating effects of the abuse of drugs is not just an issue which affects inner city Dublin as the abuse of both controlled and illicit drugs is very much a reality in towns and villages throughout the constituency of Roscommon/Galway.

Speaking in the Dáil on the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016, Deputy Murphy said: “This Bill has been long overdue and will go some way towards tackling the scourge of problem drug use throughout the country. Problem drug use can have a seismic rippling knock on effect as it is not just the individual drug user who suffers but there is a devastating impact on the drug user’s family and wider society in terms of vandalism, violence and public order. Drug use can sever family ties and cut through the very heart of the family unit leaving children without fathers and mothers and seeing them taken into care and being thrown into the chaos of the ‘system’ and very often the vicious cycle of drug abuse continues on to the next generation. Communities and towns and villages  throughout the country are also now finding themselves under siege from the illicit sale of prescription drugs and these so called Z drugs which are highly addictive and in some cases can be fatal,” said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fail TD noted that there is also a growing crisis with poly-drug use and with the abuse of a particularly strong, synthetic form of cannabis that can create anxiety, depression and psychosis. He noted that early intervention was vital in an attempt to tackle problem drug and get drugs users, their families and those at risk of drug use the support they need.“ I would like to see more support for Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforces- it can unfortunately be all too easy for former drug users to relapse and fall prey to their devastating addictions so strong aftercare structures are vital and I would also like to see more intervention and drug awareness programmes being introduced in schools to children at a young age as well as establishing family support programmes for the children of drug users in an attempt to break the vicious cycle and shine some glimmer of hope on what can be the dark, lonely and threatening reality of a life ruled by the chaos of a drug addiction,” said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fail TD also spoke in relation to the abuse of another controlled drug namely the growing epidemic of alcohol abuse. 

“The estimated cost of excessive alcohol consumption is 3.7 billion a year due to health, crime/public order and other costs,” said Deputy Murphy. The Fianna Fail TD also said he was alarmed at the findings of the recent survey from the Galway Healthy Cities Alcohol Forum of 500 adults which found that 55% of those surveyed in Galway city were hazardous drinkers.

“The survey also found that one in four people of those surveyed in Galway city have experienced one or more harms as a result of someone else’s drinking while 74% were in favour of a ban on alcohol advertising that appeals to young people and some 62% agree that there should be a minimum price for alcohol below which it cannot be sold,” said Deputy Murphy.

High speed Broadband connections to rural Ireland

Ownership debate of broadband infrastructure irrelevant as priority should be rolling out high speed connections to rural Ireland

- Nearly half of all business have paltry broadband speeds -

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has said the ownership of the State sponsored broadband infrastructure under the National Broadband Plan is irrelevant as the priority should be focusing on bringing high speed broadband to rural towns and villages which are being left behind.

“In my opinion the debate about whether the National Broadband Plan should be in public or private ownership is really irrelevant as the business people and individuals I have spoken to in rural towns, communities and villages throughout Roscommon/Galway don’t really care who is providing it just as long as they get the necessary high speed broadband to allow them compete at a level playing field. The latest figures for Irish broadband download speeds should serve as a severe wake up call for the Government.

Comreg’s Data Report for Q1 2016 in the Irish Communications Market cites a severe broadband coverage deficit and a substandard service for existing broadband users. This report makes for stark reading. Comreg’s report reveals that around half of all businesses and over a quarter of homes have broadband download speeds of less than 10Mbps.  In other countries, these speeds would not even meet the criteria to be classified as broadband, nor should they here.

“The Government’s national broadband plan (NBP) envisages speeds of at least 30Mbps. It is highly questionable if this can be considered “high-speed broadband” and represents second rate ambition which will be quickly overtaken by technological advances,” said Deputy Murphy.

“A number of my constituents who run their own businesses actually find it quicker to sit in their car outside their premises on their mobile phone to send emails or conduct business because it’s quicker than sitting waiting on their computer in the office- that’s how bad the broadband speeds are in some parts of Counties Roscommon and Galway and that unfortunately is the reality of trying to do business in rural Ireland,” said Deputy Murphy.

“The Government needs to wake up to the fact that the NBP is in tatters.  Speeds are questionable and deadlines have been pushed out.  Over 750,000 premises will have to wait until 2022 - some 6 years from now - for broadband to reach their homes and businesses.

“We need to see the plan upgraded and fast-tracked.  Fibre optic links must be the goal. State of the art fibre broadband will bridge the digital divide, bringing homes into the 21st century and opening up a global market for local entrepreneurs.  Ireland cannot afford to be left behind and the Government must prioritise fibre broadband to allow us to compete at the highest level,” concluded Deputy Murphy.

Seven closed Garda stations still in State ownership - Murphy

Eugene Murphy TD calls for Tarmonbarry to be reopened under Garda Station review

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway Eugene Murphy has called on the Minister for Justice to ensure that Tarmonbarry Garda Station is included in the review, which will examine the reopening of Garda Stations in certain areas. Deputy Murphy has received clarification from Sean Canney TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that Tarmonbarry Garda station is still under state ownership and its future use is under consideration. Tarmonbarry is one of seven stations in the constituency which were closed since 2012.

  

Deputy Murphy recently queried the ownership status of the seven closed Garda stations in County Roscommon namely Ballintubber, Ballyforan, Ballymoe, Cootehall, Knockcroghery, Loughglynn and Tarmonbarry.

“Minister Canney has informed me that all seven Garda stations which were previously closed in County Roscommon are still under State ownership. Loughglynn Garda station has been retained for State use by the HSE while Cootehall Garda station has been assigned for community use. The future use of the remaining stations Ballintubber, Ballyforan, Ballymoe, Knockcroghery and Tarmonbarry are still under consideration.

“Under the terms of the Programme for Government, a new pilot scheme will be launched to reopen six Garda stations.  I am calling on the Minister for Justice to ensure that Tarmonbarry station is considered for this pilot programme.  This station’s location on the main N5 road, right beside the Shannon ensures accessibility and would enable officers to serve the town itself and the surrounding areas,” said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fail Deputy has also called for the closed Garda stations in County Roscommon which are still in state ownership to be assigned to local communities to help improve or provide additional community based services which could help enhance local towns and villages.

Deputy Murphy continued: “Garda resources across Galway-Roscommon were raided under Fine Gael and Labour.  The number of officers on the ground has fallen by almost 10% since 2010, from 237 to 215. Fear levels have increased, particularly in areas which have seen their stations close.  A strong Garda presence is an extremely important tool in the fight against crime, and these communities have lost a vital resource.  Many people are now choosing not to report minor crimes as it involves travelling to another town where there is a Garda station.

“Fianna Fáil fought for improved Garda numbers and resources during its negotiations with Fine Gael and is pleased to have secured a commitment in the Programme for Government to increase Garda numbers to 15,000 and investment in CCTV at key locations along the road network. This will make a real difference to families, towns and villages in Roscommon and Galway and around the country and we will continue to pursue measures to tackle crime and protect our communities”.