Fitzgerald Opens New Extension for Holy Family NS, Rathcoole

Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald has officially opened the new extension for Holy Family NS, Rathcoole. The event was attended by Bishop Eamonn Walsh and local parish priest Fr. Enda who blessed the new school, teachers, parents and locals from the community and Principal Colm Byrne.

Speaking at the opening Fitzgerald stated she was “delighted to join with the teachers, staff, parents and most importantly pupils on this joyous celebration.

“I also wish to pay tribute to your former principal Martin Hoban who kick-started and worked hard to secure this extension. We are celebrating this fantastic new extension....a wonderful, colourful, state-of-the-art addition to your school which includes additional classrooms, a library, computer room and special educational rooms. In the planning of this extension, it was ensured that all our children’s needs are catered for in the best possible manner.

“It was quite a number of years since the process for this new school building began. In this time, there were a lot of issues to overcome until you finally moved in at the end of last year, and I know that the school community has displayed plenty of patience and perseverance in that time. I am delighted that your efforts have now come to fruition. As Tánaiste and local TD I am proud of the fact that the Government I serve on was able to work with you to make this building an actuality.

“Today we are not just celebrating a new school building; we are celebrating Holy Family National School, which has developed enormously since its beginning in 1857. Although the school has been relocated several times over the years, it continues to grow and expand, illustrated with this new extension. The idea of a school is much greater than the building that houses it. It includes the school's history, tradition, staff and past and present pupils.

“This year’s many commemoration events for 1916, gave us all an important opportunity to reflect on our society. Thinking back to the wording of the proclamation, it declared that the Irish Republic would “cherish all the children of the nation equally.” It is significant and crucial then that children and school communities have been central to the commemoration events through the various programs run both locally and nationally.

She concluded, “I have the deepest respect and appreciation for all those who work with our nation’s children, to teach them, to enhance their learning, to support their all-round welfare and development. To all the teachers of this school, under the leadership of Colm, I say well done and keep up the good work.”

Fitzgerald welcomes over €750,000 for sports clubs in Dublin Mid-West

•  All-weather pitch for Lucan United FC
  
• New clubhouse for Round Towers GAA club, Clondalkin
• Extension to gym for St. Patrick’s GAA club, Palmerstown
• Pitch developments for Lucan Sarsfields GAA club
• Athletics track upgrade for Lucan Harriers
• Funding also for Clondalkin Cricket Club, Bawnogue Boxing Club & Commercials GAA club, Rathcoole

  

Frances Fitzgerald, local TD for and Minister for Justice & Equality, has today warmly welcomed the allocation by Government of over €750,000 in Sports Capital funding to sports clubs in Dublin Mid West.

Minister Fitzgerald stated: “I am delighted to announce the Government has approved Government funding of over €750,000 for eight clubs in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and Rathcoole who has all applied for Sports Capital funding.

“I had actively supported our local clubs in their funding applications, including meeting with my colleague Minister for Sports Michael Ring.”

Palmerstown Pink Walk - October 18th

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice & Equality, is encouraging locals to sign up for a fun and worthwhile event to raise money for cancer research - the Palmerstown Pink Walk!

She said: "I am pleased to invite everyone to this excellent event raising funds for the Marie Keating Foundation’s important cancer research and awareness work. This fun and active fundraiser is open to walkers of all ages and will start and finish at Palmerstown Community Centre on Saturday, October 18th at 11 a.m.

Minister Fitzgerald welcomes opening of new Rathcoole Cleantech Facility

-    New facility highlights success of investing in R&D

-    8 jobs to be created in the coming years

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice & Equality, has warmly welcomed the opening of the SME Brockley Group’s new “cleantech” facility in Rathcoole, which will create 8 jobs in the area in the coming years.

Fitzgerald launches sensory garden at Newcastle Creche

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, last week opened the new “sensory garden” at Grian na n-Og Creche in Newcastle.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Fitzgerald said she was “delighted to be able to cut the ribbon on this wonderful new facility, which will challenge the children in Grian na n-Og to explore their senses and develop important skills.

Rathcoole painter’s masterpiece displayed in Aviva at rugby legend’s last home match

Rathcoole painter Leo Clancy’s epic depiction of Brian O’Driscoll was given pride of place in the Aviva Stadium during the 6 Nations Ireland v. Italy rugby international last Saturday.

On the occasion of the rugby legend’s last home match in the green jersey, Leo Clancy of Rathcoole had his masterpiece displayed in the foyer of the stadium, following a request to the IRFU from his local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.

Fitzgerald invites local businesses to breakfast event with Minister Bruton

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, is hosting a business breakfast in Finnstown House Hotel, Lucan on the 30th of January. The morning, in conjunction with Dublin Mid-West Fine Gael, will hear from Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton who will discuss job creation and opportunities for businesses in 2014.

The event will take place in Finnstown House Hotel, Lucan at 8 a.m. on Thursday 30th January, with registration starting at 7.30 and a light breakfast being served. TO REGISTER CALL 4577712 or email frances.fitzgerald@oir.ie.

New playgrounds “welcome news for local children and families,” says Minister Fitzgerald

 Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, has welcomed confirmation that South Dublin Council plans to build new playgrounds in Knockmitten and Rathcoole in 2014.

“Community playgrounds are vital assets for families, providing a suitable, safe focal point for children to improve many developmental skills," she said.

Fitzgerald welcomes Citywest jobs announcement

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has today (23^rd January) welcomed the announcement that global pharmaceutical company Aspen is expanding Citywest base, bringing its total workforce in Ireland to 100 within12 months.

Applications for Sports Capital Grants now open

Applications for the Sports Capital Grant 2014 opened on the 17th of January. I encourage any sporting organisation with eligible projects to apply, and my office is happy to provide any advice or guidance.

The Sports Capital Programme is the main method of delivering funding from the Government to develop sports facilities and purchase sports equipment for clubs and sporting organisations across Ireland.

Good training for parents can benefit ADHD children: Fitzgerald

The findings of a new study show that parents with ADHD kids can significantly improve the wellbeing of their children through specialised training programmes, local T.D. and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said this week.

Speaking at the launch of the study – which assesses the effectiveness of a parent and child training programme known as Incredible Years – Minister Fitzgerald said that “the evidence shows that learning new techniques in high quality parenting can have any number of positive outcomes for children with ADHD, such as a lower cost of intervention and reduced need for medication.

Schools to Adopt Stronger Anti- Bullying Proceedures

Delete CyberBullying Event in Lucan

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has this week welcomed the announcement of new anti-bullying procedures for schools. Her colleague, Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn, has introduced provisions for anti-bullying policies across all 4,000 primary and secondary schools as well as education and prevention strategies for cyber-bullying to be implemented.

“Since taking office as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, my Department has published reports highlighting the devastating effects bullying has on young people. According to my research, nearly a quarter of 9- 17 year olds report being bullied. We have also had a few tragic cases of cyber-bullying that have received national attention. Given that the last anti-bullying guidelines were issued to schools in 1993, there was a real need to address bullying with more effective and up to date procedures.

 

“Last year I worked with my colleague, Minister Ruairí Quinn, on the ‘Action Plan on Bullying’ which identified the trends and steps needed to halt bullying and abusive behaviour amongst the school community. I am also glad that prevention is to be included in all anti-bullying procedures implemented by schools. It is important that schools have a positive culture around discussing bullying so students feel that they can reach out to teachers if they are in difficulty,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Buzzed About New BUMBLEance

 

This week, Minister Frances Fitzgerald TD, helped launch the Saoirse Foundation’s BUMBLEance. The BUMBLEance, an ambulance designed to look like a bumble bee, aims to transport seriously ill children to their medical appointments in a stress-free way.

“It is great to see the Saoirse Foundation looking at medical treatment from the child’s point of view. Seriously ill children are already facing a lot of unfamiliar places and people through their treatment process. The BUMBLEance will help bring children to their appointments and treatments in a caring and fun way. The BUMBLEance has TV, iPad, games, books, films and music and all medical equipment is concealed. I am sure that this will make a profound difference to children’s experience of hospitals at a difficult time for them and their families,” said Fitzgerald.

 

Minister with Lucan Ambulance driver Fred Doyle

The ambulance, which is run by the Saoirse Foundation in conjunction with Lifeline Ambulances, is free to children who have long term and life threatening illnesses. The Saoirse Foundation was set up by Tony and Mary Heffernan whose daughter died following a battle with Batten’s Disease in order to support other families who were dealing with rare illnesses. It is hoped that the Foundation will be able to roll the ambulance service out so to each province with a separate service for Dublin.

“Tony and Mary Heffernan turned a personal tragedy into positive action with this child centred service that aims to uplift and support sick children when they are at their most vulnerable. Anyone interested in the service can log on to

www.bumbleance.com for more information. I look forward to seeing children enjoying the BUMBLEance for many years to come,” concluded Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Hails Calliaghstown Decision a Victory for Rural Rathcoole

Local T.D and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the upholding of her and Cllr. Tony Delaney’s objections to An Bord Pleanala with respect to a controversial planning application for a cemetery in Calliaghstown, Rathcoole. Frances Fitzgerald backed local residents concerns and successfully objected to the proposal for this cemetery when planning permission was first sought. The Council upheld the concerns of locals and refused permission for the project but the developers later appealed their decision to An Bord Pleanala. Fitzgerald and Delaney again made detailed submissions on the proposal and highlighted the huge concern locally. Their concerns were taken into account by An Bord Pleanala who this week have refused permission for the cemetery in what Fitzgerald has described as a victory for the people of Rathcoole.

“This is a victory for the people of rural Rathcoole. The scenic surrounds of Rathcoole are, unfortunately, often the setting for inappropriate planning applications. Together with residents in Rathcoole Village and Windmill Hill we are currently fighting plans for a waste processing facility at Behans Quarry and the people of Calliaghstown and I have been fighting against this proposed cemetery for a number of years. It is great to at last have closure on this issue and I hope that we will have as successful a result in our An Bord Pleanala case on Behan’s Quarry,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

 

Fitzgerald, along with her Fine Gael Colleagues Tony Delaney and Emer Higgins, has made a detailed submission on a planning decision at the nearby Behan’s Quarry.

“A cemetery at this location would have been very concerning for the area and had the potential to have detrimental consequences on this water supply. The cemetery was to be situated on a hill above the water supply and in a very strong limestone area. This had the potential for huge consequences on the local water supply.”

 

Minister Fitzgerald also highlighted the issue of traffic congestion, explaining that the roads locally are not suitable.

 

“The Council, in their refusal of this application, acknowledged that a development on the site would pose a serious threat to road safety in the area. As the roads are narrow around Calliaghstown, cars would have to give way and there were concerns that this could cause accidents, considering the increase in traffic volume,” explained Fitzgerald.

Former Olympic Athlete, Eamon Coghlan & Minister Fitzgerald Launch Rathcoole Olympics

The London Olympics are facing a serious challenge this year, as preparations begin for the Rathcoole Olympics. Former Olympic Athlete Eamonn Coughlan, and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, this week launched the concept which aims to transform the village of Rathcoole into an Olympic haven for the weekend of 22th and 23rd of June.

“I was delighted to launch this fantastic initiative and who better to join me in the Park to kick things off than former Olympic athlete Senator Eamonn Coghaln,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald launches Show Me I.D - Be Age OK Awareness Week

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, has today launched the ‘Show me I.D- Be Age OK’ . The aim of the campaign is to prevent the sale of age restricted products to underage minors. As part of the initiative, resource materials and a staff training programme are available on www.showmeid.ie which aims to advise retailers how to avoid the underage sale of tobacco products.

Speaking at the event, Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the campaign saying “It is an extremely valuable step in preventing the sale of age restricted products to children. It is important to assist those at the front line, the retailers, by giving them easy access to support materials and information. I am very pleased that all trade associations involved have been able to do this with the Show Me I.D- Be Age OK campaign”.

Budget to benefit families throughout Lucan and Clodalkin who bought at peak

Minister Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the new measures announced in the Budget for home owners who purchased during the peal of the property boom.

“As part of the Budget, Minister Noonan, announced an increase in Mortgage Interest Relief to 30% for people who bought between 2004-2008. Families and homeowners who are affected by this change will see a real benefit through such a significant savings in their household budget. I have met so many young families and couples who are under severe financial pressure and in negative equity. I am delighted that we have taken this measure to ease the pressure on those people throughout Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole who are possibly the biggest victims of the economic collapse,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Investment in Sports Facilities in Lucan, Clondalkin and Rathcoole

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has welcomed the investment of over €40,000 in sports projects throughout Lucan, Clondalkin and Rathcoole. The funding is part of a targeted capital grant scheme which is aimed to boost participation in sport.

“I am delighted that Corkagh Park, Griffeen Valley Park, Hermitage Park and Rathcoole Park have all been selected to receive grants of over €10,000 each for fitness equipment for their local sports projects,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister Secures Continuation of Rathcoole School Bus

The first day back to school was disrupted for many children in the wider Rathcoole area when their school bus failed to turn up to collect them. Children were left waiting on the side of the road in Redgap, Newcastle and Saggart for their coach which never arrived.

Local Fine Gael T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, was asked to intervene on behalf of the children and their parents to bring the matter to a speedy resolution.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Dublin Bus Confirmation of New 68 and 69 Bus Routes

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed confirmation of the new schedules of the 68 and 69 bus routes.
‘I was very concerned that residents in Newcastle, Saggart and Rathcoole were going to have their bus services curtailed. After meeting with Dublin Bus management in February, I was delighted that they reconsidered their initial proposal of running the 68 and 69 buses to the Red Cow only. This could have had a huge impact on commuters who would have to take two buses. As well as the extra expense, there were also concerns that the villages would become isolated from the City Centre’ said Fitzgerald.