Bank bonuses – yet another kick in the teeth for hard-working Lucan & Clondalkin families - Fitzgerald

No Christmas bonus for those in need of a helping hand yet secret culture of bonuses at upper-echelons of public sector and in bailout banks come to fore

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has said that at as the expensive time of Christmas comes about for families, it is “yet another kick in the teeth for hard-working local families to hear that the Christmas bonus will again not be paid to families on social welfare and in need of help – at the same time as news emerges about banks attempting to pay certain staff bonuses and very senior civil servants also being awarded bonuses.”

Speaking on this issue, Senator Fitzgerald said, “Last year Fianna Fail and the Green Party voted to scrap the Christmas bonus – a vital payment offered to individuals in need of a little help to buy essential food and clothes for the holiday period. We were told by Government that this had to be scrapped due to the need for cutbacks. Yet it now emerges that a secret culture of bonuses continues to operate within the top-ranks of the civil service and within the banks.”

Fitzgerald lashes out as carers hit twice by FF/Green Budget

Frances pictured with Clondalkin carers

Fitzgerald criticises Government as it cuts Carers' Allowance and Carers' Tax Relief - in a double whammy of cuts on the "unsung heroes" in Clondlakin and Lucan.

Fine Gael General Election candiate Frances Fitzgerald has slammed the Government for cutting carers in the Budget - not once but twice!

“Budget 2011 is a real "kick in the teeth" for carers in Clondalkin and Lucan. They are hit twice with cuts to both the Carers’ Allowance and the Carer’s Tax Relief,” said Senator Fitzgerald.

Reacting to these cuts, Fitzgerald said, "We all knew tough decisions had to be made in the Budget but it says a lot about the priorities of the Government when they chose to cut essential payments and tax reliefs which support the unsung heroes in our county and our country.”

Young people & local business must be protected from black market alcohol & cigarettes – Fitzgerald

Clondalkin Fine Gael Senator and Health Spokesperson, Frances Fitzgerald has expressed her concern that a leaflet has been dropped to many homes in Clondalkin offering sales of cheap alcohol and cigarettes.

Responding to this worrying development, Senator Fitzgerald said, “This seems to be evidence of the growth of the black market which we have heard so much about in the national media. It is vitally important that all the necessary steps are taken by An Garda Siochana and others to tackle this problem.”

Fitzgerald seeks more Community Employment Schemes for Clondalkin

Clondalkin Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald is urging the Government to introduce more community employment schemes for Clondalkin.

Speaking on the issue, Senator Fitzgerald said, “Community Employment Schemes in Clondalkin are enabling community projects, voluntary groups and local authorities gain much needs skills and assistance. They are also helping people get out of the lengthy dole queues.”

“Now more than ever, we need to see Government increasing the amount of Community Employment Scheme places available in our community. If Fine Gael is returned to Government in the imminent election, this is an issue I will be pursuing vigorously for Clondalkin,” stated Senator Fitzgerald.

New report on elder abuse is a cause for huge concern and needs Government action – Fitzgerald

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has expressed her concern at a new report on elder abuse which documents a significant rise in the number of older people reporting being abused.
Elder abuse can take a variety of forms including financial abuse.
Speaking on this issue in the Senate, Senator Fitzgerald said, “It is upsetting to think that older people in society who worked tirelessly for this country now have to endure financial abuse. I am calling on the Government to put in a place a strategy for tackling elder abuse and empowering older people and their families to tackle it.”

Housing decision on Liscarne is correct & respects the views of residents – Fitzgerald

Clondalkin Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the decision of South Dublin County Council to no longer proceed with their plans to convert local housing at Liscarne Gardens in Clondalkin.
Speaking about this decision, Senator Fitzgerald said, “Finally logic has prevailed and the Council has clearly recognised that this location was not appropriate for this provision. The failure of the local authority to engage in adequate and timely consultation with residents and the broader local community was regrettable and led to great frustration in the local area.”

Mental Health Services in Clondalkin and Lucan Will Not Survive Another Cut – Fitzgerald.

Fine Gael senator for Clondalkin and Lucan, Frances Fitzgerald, has signed an open letter to the Dáil supporting a campaign to protect the mental health budget – often described as the ‘Cinderella’ of the health services – from further cuts in Budget 2011.

"Speaking at the event organised by Amnesty, Senator Fitzgerald voiced her ongoing concerns about mental health services being affected by bad government decisions.

Regulations to protect people renting properties must be enforced – Fitzgerald

Fine Gael obtains new figures showing that of the 19,800 rental properties inspected in 2009, a staggering 4,306 failed to meet minimum legal standards

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has called on the Government to ensure that regulations regarding rental properties are adequately enforced to protect people renting houses and apartments.

Protecting services for people with disabilities must be a priority

Lucan & Clondalkin Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Spokesperson on Health and long-term disability advocate has said that protecting services for people with disabilities must be a priority as the Government prepares its next Budget.

“We have seen the most vulnerable people in our community suffer time and time again from cruel cutbacks introduced by Fianna Fail and the Green Party in Government. People with disabilities and special needs have been asked to shoulder an unfair proportion of the burden. They have been asked to bear cutbacks whilst defunct banks have been bailed out. This cannot continue. It is simply wrong,” said Senator Fitzgerald.

Locals Lodge Appeal on Controversial Clondalkin Project

Local Senator & Cllr Lead the Way in Appealing SIAC Decision

Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald and local residents, including Cllr Tony Delaney, have appealed South Dublin County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a development on Monastery Road to An Bord Pleanala.
Senator Fitzgerald has held a number of public meetings to consult with residents affected by the proposals for the SIAC site which South Dublin County Council last month granted permission for.

“There were almost fifty objections to this planning application when it was first lodged,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

“There is huge concern amongst residents in Clondalkin, particularly those in proximity to the site, about the scale and mass of the proposed development and the implications it will have on traffic flow,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

“Clondalkin village itself must be revitalised and businesses in the village need to supported. At a time when the market is flooded with apartments and retail outlets are struggling to balance their books, any development needs to be a positive. New developments need to add to the character of Clondalkin village and the general feeling amongst residents is that this proposal does not do that,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

Message to women – Cancer Won’t Wait, Everything Else Can

Women invited to fun filled coffee morning of massage, pampering and health awareness

Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown and Newcastle/Rathcoole women are being invited to pamper themselves in the name of Breast Cancer Awareness. This unusual form of coffee morning is being organised by the Marie Keating Foundation and local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald who have oraganised a line up of lifestyle experts to inform, advise and pamper local women. The events which take place throughout Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and Newcastle/Rathcoole are being held to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). Each event will hear from a breast health care nurse, RTE nutritionist Aveen Bannon and Life Coach Brian Colbert.

“The focus of the event is health awareness,” explained Senator Frances Fitzgerald who is using her profile as a local politician to increase awareness of breast cancer, early detection and the importance of attending your mammogram appointments.

“Breast cancer affects one in eight women. It is a startling statistic and this month we are asking women to stand together and show solidarity as we create awareness of this dreadful disease that has affected so many women in our community. The events we have put together promise to be fun as well as educational and the Marie Keating Foundation have even organised taster massages for women who attend. We will also hear from lifestyle experts including Aveen Bannon and Brian Colbert as well as a breast health nurse. The emphasis of these events is on the importance women taking charge of their own health as much as possible,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Lends her Support to Towers Launch Campaign

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald was on hand on Saturday night to support Clondalkin’s Round Towers as they launched their plans for a €700,000 development including a floodlit all weather pitch.

“I was delighted to be part of the launch on last weekend in Round Towers. It’s a really exciting venture that will be prove a fantastic resource for the local community as well as members of the club and young people throughout Clondalkin,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

“The GAA Club has secured €450,000 from the National Lottery and the GAA Leinster Council but will need to raise another €250,000 in order to realise this ambitious proposal,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

Lack of Govt jobs plan is staggering as one third of under-25s unemployed - Fitzgerald

With a third of young people on the dole and 43% of jobless now long-term unemployed, local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald asks where is this Governments job plan?

“Growing long-term unemployment is a major concern. Long-term unemployment has quadrupled in two years, and now represents 43% of all those who are out of work. Even among under-25s, more than one third have been out of work for over a year,” said Frances Fitzgerald.

“Clondalkin has the second highest unemployment rate in County Dublin. It is a real problem for us here locally and an even bigger problem is that nationally no strategy seems to be in place to turn thing around,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald to appeal decision on SIAC site to An Bord Pleanala

SIAC Granted 5 Year Planning Permission

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has announced her intention to appeal the decision by South Dublin County Council to grant five year permission for a mixed use development at the SIAC site on Monastery Road.

The Senator, who has now held two public consultation meetings with residents of Monastery, Floraville, Newlands, Knockmitten and Woodford, says there is huge local opposition to the proposal.

“There were almost 50 objections to this application and I am disappointed that the concerns of local residents have not been met. Permission was granted last week for the development of 317 apartments as well as retail and commercial units at the SIAC site at the top of Monastery Road,” explained Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

Local Woman Crowned Inspiring Mum of the Year Award

Local Senator, Frances Fitzgerald, nominates Rio Hogarty for a coveted People of the Year Award

Last Saturday night saw woman Rio Hogarty honoured for all her years of commitment and hardwork in the local community of Clondalkin as a foster mum. Rio, who was nominated for the award by Fine Gael’s Frances Fitzgerald, was presented with a People of The Year Award live on RTE by TV celebrity personality Lorraine Keane. Rio has opened her door in Liscarne Gardens to over 140 children throughout her years as a foster mum. She has given children opportunities they may never have otherwise gotten and provided them with a safe and caring environment to flourish in. A local community activist and well-known personality throughout Clondalkin, Rio was said to be shocked when she heard that she had been nominated for the award.

“I think Rio was shocked when she heard I had nominated for the award,” said Local Senator Frances Fitzgerald. “But it’s something she truly deserves and I am honoured to have been a part of it all. Rio is just extraordinary. I met her through my work in the local community in Clondalkin and was just bowled away by her. She’ll tell you she is ordinary but her tremendous ability to accept people for who they are, to motivate others to achieve their goals and her infectious positive personality have made her a real inspiration and a real influence in the local community,” said Frances Fitzgerald.

Government Stands By While Ireland suffers 'Brain Drain' - Fitzgerald

Last month a publicity stunt organised by the Union of Students of Ireland was a poignant reminder of the lasting effects of a ‘brain drain’. The body which represents third level students nationwide chose the replica famine ship The Jeanie Johnston as the location for their photo shoot which depicted doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and office staff board the ship in what people are now acknowledging as a ‘brain drain’.

Commenting on the campaign local Senator for Frances Fitzgerald said their stunt ‘certainly captured the public mood and grave reality for families in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and further afield’.

“I meet parents in Lucan and Clondalkin every week who tell me their son or daughter has left Ireland in search of work elsewhere. Over 68,000 graduates are unemployed and month on month we are seeing a growth in the number of young people unemployed. It is estimated that 200,000 people will emigrate from Ireland in the next five years. Highly skilled, highly trained graduates are being forced to put their talents to use in other countries. Australia, New Zealand and Canada are benefiting from our home-grown talents. There they will be joining young apprentices and tradesmen wounded by the toppling of the developer’s house of cards,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

“Parents are watching, powerlessly, as their son or daughter - some of our brightest and our best board planes. This Government is failing them. It is failing to provide them with opportunities and it is failing to provide them with a rescue plan for our economy,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

“Fine Gael has detailed how we can create jobs and how we can get things back on track but so long as this Government continues in power, in spite of the will of the people, we won’t have the chance to enact that plan. It’s time the Government showed us theirs or stepped aside and let the people decide who is best to lead them out of this mess,” concluded Frances Fitzgerald.

Gormley’s latest crazy plan is unworkable, unenforceable & hits struggling tradespeople - Fitzgerald

'Green Party ministers simply out of touch with how real world operates’

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has called on John Gormley to recognise reality and reverse his daft new policy to prevent tradespeople from using commercial vehicles for occasional personal use.

“Tradesmen, sales people and delivery drivers throughout Lucan and Clondalkin were shocked to hear Minister Gormley's latest plan for commercial vehicles. It is an example, if one were needed, of how the Green Party has totally lost touch with the reality of how most people live. John Gormley should take his head out of the sand and realise what he is doing. His plan seems to suggest that Gardaí will be asked to police church car parks, school yards, shopping centres and sports clubs to find commercial vehicles being used outside the workplace - hardly realistic," said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

Lucan and Clondalkin residents cannot afford more electricity price hikes – Fitzgerald

Government must intervene and stop latest proposed price hikes on electricity

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has expressed her absolute shock and condemnation at plans to increase the cost of electricity even further later this year. There are plans to introduce a new levy on electricity in September and also understandable fears that a price review of electricity will amount to even more increases in the short-term.

Speaking on this issue, Senator Fitzgerald said, “Further increases in the price of electricity are simply not on. Families are already struggling to make ends meet as unemployment continues to grow and mortgage rates increase. The Government cannot allow an increase in the price of electricity as the winter and darker evenings approach.”

Fitzgerald calls for urgent payment of Back to School Allowance for eligible Lucan and Clondalkin families

HSE figures show that almost 20% of eligible families in Dublin have yet to receive the Back to School Allowance payment

Lucan and Clondalkin Senator Frances Fitzgerald has urged the HSE and Government to ensure that all families in the locality who qualify for the Back to School Allowance receive their payment promptly.

Senator Fitzgerald made her comments as HSE figures showed that 18% of families eligible for the allowance in Dublin are still awaiting payment despite the fact that the new school year will begin soon.

Additional Info Will Not Ease Residents Concerns – Fitzgerald on SIAC Site

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has stated that the provision of significant additional information from the developers with regards to a planning application for the development of lands at the SIAC site on Clondalkin’s Monastery Road will not ease local residents concerns.

Senator Fitzgerald held a public meeting when details of the application were first announced and has since been working with local residents groups and Councillors Tony Delaney and Therse Ridge to oppose this planned development.