Flooding in Fr. McCullen Park

Once again, the residents of Fr. McCullen Park in Kells were washed out!

 

At the weekend, as the heavens opened, sandbags were needed to protect some of the residents homes from water damage. Thankfully the waters receeded and people could go about their business with out fear of the torrents returning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The big question is why does the council let this happen year after year? They know that the water drains dont have the capacity to deal with heavier than usual downpours?

 

Despite having two labour councillors within spitting distance, one I may add being a resident, nothing seems to have been done in the past 5 years.

3rd Level Fees

So what’s this all about?

Some would have you believe that  the government wants to impose huge fees on those from working class and middle class families attending 3rd Level Education.

The Minister of Education, Batt O’Keefe TD has stated that any new proposals will not affect lower and middle class families and that he only envisages families in excess of €100,000 paying fees.

Another point to remember is that there are over 26,000 pupils attending fee paying secondary schools. If parents can afford to pay for second level, should they not pay for 3rd level and free up funds for those who need the help the most.

I dont think it is sensible to dismiss ideas out of hand with out thinking about them and discussing them in sensible ways.

I will never support a policy that affects those that need help the most. I will be sending in a submission to the Minister for Education regarding this idea and indeed the wider 3rd Level Education sector in general. Give me a shout if you have any ideas. Ph: 085-1021598 or email donnachamaguire@gmail.com

Press Release – New Planning Rules will deliver schools faster

Housing developments must include provision for school places under new laws – Meath West Ógra Fianna Fáil

 

The introduction of new laws will help to ensure that housing developments will have to include provision of schools in their plans, according to Cathaoirleach of Meath West Ógra Fianna Fáil, Donnacha Maguire

 

The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe and Housing Minister Michael Finneran, have just published the Code of Practice on the Provision of Schools and the Planning System.

 

Welcoming the move, Donnacha said: “This will mean that from now on school places will be developed in parallel with demand, reflecting new housing developments and growing urban areas.”

 

“The Code of Practice was agreed between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Education in conjunction with the County Manager’s Association.”

 

“Schools will now be an integral part of urban development and the development of sustainable communities. I understand that planning authorities will now work together with the Department of Education in ensuring the delivery of necessary schools.”

 

“The population continues to grow, particularly in areas like Kells, Navan and Trim and it is vital that the facilities and services match the growth of the population.”

 

“Young people who are starting off planning their homes should be safe in the knowledge that school places will be available when the time comes to send their children to school” concluded Donnacha Maguire

 

***END***

 

For more information, please contact Donnacha Maguire on 085-1021598

Ógra Youth Committee Proposals –

National Youth Committee – Structures

The National Youth Committee should be reduced from a Membership of 28 to that of 14, to include the following:

Cathaoirleach
Leas Cathaoirleach (including External Relations Role)

Leinster AC
Munster AC
C/U AC
Dublin AC
3rd level AC

Policy Director
Campaigns Director
Communications Director
Membership Development Director

3 X AC Nominees
National Youth Officer

We would have an elected membership of 10 with 5 nominees.

The role of External Relations Officer would be merged with that of Leas Cathaoirleach. As the elected representative of Ógra, he / she are in the best position to represent Ógra to other political parties.

The Membership Development Director would take a strategic role in developing new Ógra units in association with the Provincial Councils. He / She would look at ways at maintaining membership during a person’s time in Ógra and also once they leave Ógra.

Provincial / 3rd Level / Regional Councils

A Council would be set up to liaise with and co-ordinate the activities of Ógra FF CDC’s in a Province / Region or for the National 3rd Level Units.

• Members of this Committee would be elected at the National Youth Conference (based upon the current NYC constituencies).
• Secretaries and Chairs of CDC / 3rd level units would also be voting members.
• They would in turn elect a Cathaoirleach and a Runai

Delegate Votes
All CDC’s would be entitled to a minimum of 10 voting delegates with an extra 6 voting delegates available based on the level on membership.

e.g. 0-20 1 Delegate
21-40 2 Delegates
41-60 3 Delegates
61-80 4 Delegates
81-100 5 Delegates
101+ 6 Delegates

All 3rd level Cumainn would be entitled to 8 voting delegates with an extra 4 available based on the level of membership

0-50 1 Delegate
51-120 2 Delegates
121-160 3 Delegates
161+ 4 Delegates

In order for a unit to achieve extra voting delegates, their Rúnaí must furnish membership lists for the preceding Year by November 31st. They can then apply, during the specified period, for the number of delegates that they feel they are entitled to. If the National Youth Officer feels that they have applied for too many, he / she can refer it to the NYC to be adjudicated on.

Remit of Various Bodies

National Youth Committee

• Devise Policy
• Organise National Campaigns
• Represent Ógra
o Internally
o Externally
• Manifesto Development
• Aid Young Candidates

Regional / 3rd Level Councils

• Implement Campaigns
• Facilitate growth and development of new Ógra units
• Recruitment
• Localised Policy Development
• Social Events

Irish Troops in Chad

From todays Irish Times:

The Government yesterday approved the deployment of 400 Irish troops in the African country of Chad, but the Taoiseach told the Dáil than the decision was subject to the force commander being satisfied that logistical problems would be solved.

I think that this is a positive mood. With an Irish Overall Commander, I expect this to be very fruitful mission. Despite all the media huffing and Puffing, it is common knowledge that it is always difficult to get equipment as quickly as possible. As Minister O’Dea has said, it will come though.

Good Luck to our troops!!

Irish Soccer – Is it time for an All-Ireland Team?

With the ever depressing status of the Republic’s team and Norn Iron’s latest successes, is it time to put our sectarian history behind us and play as one Irish Team? If rugby and cricket can do it, why cant soccer?

Budget ‘07

As the budget is fast approaching, what do I want to see in Biffo’s Budget??

PRSI, which is an unfair “tax” needs to be changed. I beleive that we should have the ceiling removed and the rate dropped to 2%.

Increases in the tax bands to match inflation.

Specified funding for our troops in Chad.

Increases in Health and education and increases in the Old Age Pension

Fáilte

Hey Guys & Gals,

This is my first blog ever, so bare with me!! I hope to talk about things that affect the people of Kells and North Meath.

As a Teacher, Education will play a huge part of my ramblings. Politics will alos feature prominently!!