Harris raises North Wicklow water Supply Crisis in Dail

Posted May 22nd, 2013

Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris, has this afternoon (Wednesday) secured the opportunity to raise in the Dail the on-going crisis with the water supply in many houses in North Wicklow with the Minister for the Environment.

‘Whilst I am well aware that the responsibility for water supply rests with local authorities due to the serious disruption to such supply in Kilpedder, Delgany, Kilmacanogue, Glen of the Downs & Enniskerry, I wanted to raise this directly with the Minister for the Environment and ask that his department intervene to ensure that a full sense of urgency is applied by the local authorities to find a solution as quickly as possible.

‘This issue is the responsibility of Dublin City Council as the water is supplied from their Vartry Reservoir. Due to algal problems at Vartry, the capacity and output has been reduced by 50%. This has caused the current difficulties. The minister has now undertaken to have his department officials liaise with Dublin City Council and Wicklow County Council to ensure that absolutely everything possible is being done to resolve this matter. In addition to this he has also assured me that DCC now have crews working on the problem on a full-time basis with a view to increasing output as quickly as possible.

‘This situation is extremely upsetting for many residents and I want to assure them that I will be continuing to pursue this matter on a daily basis with the local authority and the departmentI am also working very closely with local Councillors to offer any and all assistance and I know that they are doing everything they can in relation to this matter.’ concluded Deputy Harris

Important Update on N11 Flooding – Harris

Posted April 16th, 2013

Deputy Harris secures update in Dail on actions being taken to resolve flooding problems on the N11.

Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris has today (Tuesday) secured a Dail debate on the on-going flooding issues on the N11/M11.

After the recent spate of flooding Deputy Harris undertook to raise this matter on the floor of the Dail to finally seek answers for Wicklow commuters as to why this major roadway has been flooded twice already this year.

Speaking in the Dail this evening Deputy Harris said, ‘We are only in the fourth month of 2013 and already Wicklow commuters have had to endure traffic chaos and road closures on the N11/M11. They and I have had enough and are extremely frustrated by the lack of answers and indeed the buck passing form one agency and indeed local authority to another.

‘This is a major road leading to our capital city. It is an essential route on an almost daily basis for thousands upon thousands of people commuting to work and going about their business. Equally in terms of encouraging investment into county Wicklow, we cannot afford to have these flooding issues remain without solution.

‘Legitimate questions are now being asked by commuters and residents in terms of whether there is an engineering problem with this road or is there simply a lack of proper maintenance and to be quite frank whether this is a problem with Wicklow County Council or Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council or the National Roads Authority or all three. We need leadership and coordination. We need heads banged together and a workable solution.

‘This evening in the Dail the Minister for Transport has informed me that a CCTV survey of the motorway drainage is being undertaken and a series of site surveys are underway to assess the condition of the motorway drainage and to investigate the performance of the local road and land drainage network to the west of the M11.

‘I welcome this news that action is being taken and will be vigorously pursuing this.’

ENDS

Harris tables special Dáil debate on N11/M11 flooding debacle

Posted April 5th, 2013

Major aerial road shut for second time this year due to flooding – Wicklow TD to seek answers and accountability in Dáil debate

Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris has written to the Ceann Comhairle tabling a special Topical Debate in the Dáil arising from the closure of the N11/M11 twice so far in 2013 due to flooding.

Speaking on this issue, Deputy Harris said, “It is utterly unacceptable that this major road route is closed in parts and that commuters from right throughout Wicklow are left in chaotic traffic for hours and hours on end when their is heavy rain. Surely in the 21st Century we can engineer and maintain roads to withstand heavy rain. This is not a small road, it is one of our country’s most major roadways and to see it unable to cope with rain and to be flooded twice in three months is ridiculous.”

“Since the latest flooding incident resulting in the closure of the road around the Bray exits, there has been significant “buck passing” going on. The NRA have implied that local authorities failed to maintain it adequately. Others have commented on the fact that there may be an engineering problem in and around the part of the road in question. Wicklow residents dont want buck-passing. They want answers and they want action,” stated Deputy Harris.

“I have now tabled a Dáil debate on the issue and have written to the Ceann Comhairle seeking time to consider the matter on the floor of the Dáil so that the Minister for Transport can bring together all the relevant agencies – the NRA and the local authorities – and secure answers, updates and assurances on this important issue. I will continue to pursue this until progress is made,” concluded Deputy Harris.

ENDS

Sports Capital Grant Funding for Wicklow

Posted December 4th, 2012

Dear Constituent,

For the first time in four years sports Capital funding has been provided for Community and Sports groups to develop and improve their facilities. Below is a list of the Wicklow recipient groups which have been approved for funding. I have no doubt that this funding will be hugely beneficial to many communities across our county. Simon

Wicklow Annamoe Community Development Association Limited €40,000
Wicklow Arklow Amateur Boxing Club €40,000
Wicklow Aughrim RFC €3,500
Wicklow Avondale GAA Club €55,000
Wicklow Ballymanus GFC €70,000
Wicklow Ballywaltrim Recreational Park Management Committee €16,000
Wicklow Baltinglass GAA Club €50,149
Wicklow Blessington GAA Club €30,000
Wicklow Bray Bowling Club €77,000
Wicklow Bray Town Council, Ballywaltrim €190,000
Wicklow Co Wicklow Lawn Tennis Club €3,000
Wicklow Cobra Gymnastics Club €10,000
Wicklow Coolkenno Sports Field Ltd. €20,000
Wicklow Dunlavin GAA Club €30,000
Wicklow Greystones Rugby Football Club €47,000
Wicklow Kilcoole Camogie Club €2,000
Wicklow Knockananna G.A.A Club €45,000
Wicklow Lakers Social and Recreation Club Ltd €25,000
Wicklow Our Lady Of Fatima Boxing Club Wicklow €4,000
Wicklow Rathdrum Gymnastics Club €13,000
Wicklow St Patricks GAA Club, Wicklow €50,000
Wicklow St Pats Schoolboy and Schoolgirls Soccer club Avoca €15,000
Wicklow St. Patricks GAA Club, Kilcoole €17,500
Wicklow Tiglin Teen Challenge €24,000
Wicklow Wicklow Rugby Football Club €37,000
Wicklow Woodbrook Garden County Archers €15,000

Harris congratulates Wicklow Towns on performance in Tidy Towns

Posted September 11th, 2012

Wicklow Fine Gael TD Simon Harris commended the efforts of Tidy Towns committees around County Wicklow.

Aughrim continued last year’s success by winning another gold medal in its category in the Tidy Towns 2012 Competition.

Stratford on Slaney was highly commended and Wicklow Town commended in the regional awards, while Glenealy was recognised with the Endeavour Award for having made significant improvements on last year’s performance.

Welcoming the results, Deputy Harris said, ‘The awards are richly deserved and reflect the work that has gone into towns around Wicklow. The Tidy Towns competition is a great example of what can be done by local communities to improve the towns they live in. It is fantastic for getting the community interested and involved in their surroundings and the results have demonstrated the great work done throughout Wicklow over the last year.’

‘I would like to extend my congratulations to all those involved in the Tidy Towns efforts around Wicklow and I look forward to working with the committees for the 2013 competition.’

September Newsletter

Posted September 16th, 2011

Dear constituent,

As the new Dáil term has just begun and we face into a very busy period – Presidential election, by-election, two referenda, a budget to list just a few items – I wanted to send you this update to keep in touch. I will endeavour to keep you up to date on the goings on in the Dáil through my website,

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Kind Regards,

Simon

SIMON HARRIS TD

Public Access to the Dáil

I have written to the Ceann Comhairle asking him to end the restrictive practice where members of the public who want to visit the Oireachtas must be ‘signed in’ by a member of the Oireachtas. In practice, this means many people never get to visit the Dáil as they must first approach their TD and ask them to facilitate a tour.

While I very much enjoy having visitors and groups in the Dáil, I believe that public confidence in the Oireachtas will be immeasurably strengthened if the general public is free to view Dáil and Seanad debates in Leinster House. We should take the lead from other national parliaments and allow anybody with an interest in public debate to sit in the Visitor’s Gallery, rather than restrict entrance to individuals and groups who have booked to visit through their public representative. This is an important part of strengthening Irish democracy and increasing the openness and transparency of Leinster House.

I am pleased to have received a response from the Ceann Comhairle on this matter, who told me he too shares a desire for members of the public to be allowed greater access to Leinster House, and has raised this matter with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.

National Conference on the Prevention of Suicide

I was honoured to be asked to Chair a national conference on suicide prevention at the Mansion House this week to mark World Suicide Prevention Week. In Ireland, one person attempts to take their life every 40 minutes. This is a startling statistic that really highlights the need for societal and political action.

I have seen through my clinics the pressure so many families and individuals are facing in Wicklow and right around the country. I would urge anyone struggling with depression or other mental health issues to talk to someone, be it a friend or family member, a medical professional, or a support group. Suicide or Survive, a support group based in Arklow, can be contacted on 1890 577 577.”

In this Dáil session, I will be further pursuing this important issue.

Major improvement works to take place at the La Touche Hotel, Greystones

This week I have secured commitments from NAMA, which is now responsible for maintaining the former iconic Greystones landmark, to significantly improve the appearance and safety of the site.As a national representative, I have been in regular contact with NAMA on this issue since my election to Dáil Éireann through designated Oireachtas channels. The current state of the La Touche site is a disgrace and is very upsetting for many people in Greystones.

Following my discussions with NAMA, it has been agreed that significant works will occur at the site in the near future. All existing window hoardings are to be removed and replaced. In addition to this all external balconies to the front and rear of the original hotel building are to be repaired and repainted. All external boundary walls are to be painted, while all external signage, lights and satellite dishes are to be removed.

I welcome the positive commitment by NAMA to engage constructively on this issue. These proposals are very welcome and constitute far more than a mere paint job. All external hoarding around the site is to be removed and replaced with 2.4 meter high railings, while all growth will be removed from the hotel’s gutters, which will also be repaired fully, in addition to landscaping works being carried out around the site,” continued

Remembering September 11^th

On September 11^th, I attended a commeroration in the RDS Concert Hall with the US Ambassador, the President and the Taoiseach to mark the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. The event highlighted the strong links between our two countries and heard directly from Irish-Americans involved in the emergency efforts in New York on that awful day.

Public Accounts Committee

At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee yesterday, I probed the issue of social welfare fraud with the Secretary General of the Department of Social Protection. It is vital that the Department ensure that its resources are directed at those who need them and that fraud is not tolerated.

Next week, the Committee will meet with FAS and with the Revenue Commissioners. I look forward to contributing to this meeting and will provide an update from it on my website.

Chemicals in Wicklow Water Supply

I was troubled by recent reports that there are high levels of a type of chemical known as trihalomethanes (THMs) in Wicklow’s water supply. A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed l3C/span>

On September 11^th, I attended a commeroration in the RDS Concert Hall with the US Ambassador, the President and the Taoiseach to mark the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. The event highlighted the strong links between our two countries and heard directly from Irish-Americans involved in the emergency efforts in New York on that awful day.

Public Accounts Committee

At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee yesterday, I probed the issue of social welfare fraud with the Secretary General of the Department of Social Protection. It is vital that the Department ensure that its resources are directed at those who need them and that fraud is not tolerated.

Next week, the Committee will meet with FAS and with the Revenue Commissioners. I look forward to contributing to this meeting and will provide an update from it on my website.

Chemicals in Wicklow Water Supply

I was troubled by recent reports that there are high levels of a type of chemical known as trihalomethanes (THMs) in Wicklow’s water supply. A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed levels of THMs exceeding the World Health Organisation Limits in locations across Wicklow.

I have written to Mr Dara Lynott, the Acting General Director of the EPA requesting a meeting, and asking for urgent clarification about a number of concerns, including the impact these THM levels will have on the quality and safety of the public water supply, the steps that will be taken to reduce THM levels and the planned timeline for action on this issue.

Extending the Role of the Children’s Ombudsman

I have called on the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, to extend the role of the Children’s Ombudsman to include the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).  “The NCSE is a statutory body established in 2004 charged with sanctioning and overseeing the provision of special needs education within our schools.

As an organisation, the NCSE makes extremely important decisions on the supports offered to children with special needs. It is wholly inappropriate that the body responsible for this crucial, and at times highly sensitive, area would not be covered under the remit of the Ombudsman for Children. No State agency should be insulated from the healthy scrutiny of an Ombudsman, particularly not an organisation dealing with children with special needs.

Examining the Guidelines for the Irish Exemption

I am concerned about how the current criteria for the Irish exemption interact with children with specific learning disabilities, and I have raised this with the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn. There is an anomaly where students with Asperger’s Syndrome are sometimes excluded from the exemption as the current awarding criteria are very specific, and the assessment must be based on the students’ proficiency in English.

Many students have to work extremely hard both at home and at school to improve their English, but the time and effort put into that achievement by the student, their parents and their teachers cannot be taken into consideration when determining whether to grant them an exemption from Irish. We must make sure that are education system continues to work with students and their families rather than against them, and I have written to Minister Quinn flagging this issue for his attention.

Policing Matters in County Wicklow

I remain an active member of the County Wicklow Policing Committee, and attended their most recent meeting earlier this week. A number of constituents contacted me about concerned over the number of Garda cars available to cover the Greystones and Delgany area and the Newtownmountkennedy area. I raised this matter with the Chief Superintendent, Tom Conway, at the meeting, and have received confirmation there are still four cars covering this area: two marked squad cars, and two unmarked cars. I look forward to attending the Arklow Policing Committee Meeting in the coming week.

Culture Night in Wicklow

National Culture Night will take place on Friday, September 23^rd. Full details of the wide range of events to mark it taking place across Wicklow are available on the website www.culturenight.ie.

Also marking Culture Night, Leinster House will be opening its doors to members of the public between 5pm and 11pm. Tours on the night will include the Dáil and Seanad chambers – which are usually off limits! This is a ticketed event, please get in touch with my office on 01 618 3805 and I will do my very best to arrange a ticket for you!

Guide to Job and Training Schemes

To obtain a copy of my guide to job and training scheme initiatives please email my office on simon.harris@oireachtas.ie and I will send one out to you.

Visit to Courthouse Arts Centre

During the month, I was delighted to be invited to visit the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. There is a great tradition of the arts in communities across Ireland and I was delighted to see this being continued in the beautifully restored centre in Tinahely.

The Courthouse will be hosting two free events to mark Culture Night on September 23rd, and I would encourage those living nearby to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the centre and become familiar with its work.

I have made representations to the Minister for Arts about the importance of supporting and valuing the role of independent theatres in rural communities.

Additional funding announced for Wicklow road maintenance

Wicklow County Council is to receive €249,460, an increase of €27,718, in funding from the Government, to assist with winter maintenance and keeping to roads clear during harsh weather. I am pleased to see the Minister for Transport planning ahead in a bid to avoid some of the delay and disruption experienced during the snow and ice earlier this year and late last year.

The additional money being allocated this year is being made available thanks to savings within the Minister’s Department. Sixty thousand tonnes of salt is being directly purchased, which will be provided to local authorities on top of the supplies bought separately by the National Roads Authority. The extra €1.25 million will help to cover the cost of purchasing, transporting, storing and spreading salt, and other works associated with extreme weather conditions.

€600,000 funding has also been provided for road maintenance at three locations along the R747, on the R772 at Ashford and on the L2143 at Ballinglen. Under a condition of the grant, these works must be carried out by year’s end.

Improvements to Sports Facilities in Arklow

Grants have recently been awarded for a number of sporting facilities in the Arklow area. A new multi-purpose facility and flood-lit pitch, will be provided at the Inbhear Mór Youth and Sports Facility, while a separate grant will support the improvement of disabled access and energy efficient measures at Arklow Swimming Pool. I have no doubt that these improvements will make a huge difference to the lives of many young people in Arklow and the surrounding communities

Removal of Phone Mast at Bray Head

I am pleased to see the temporary O2 telecommunication mast from Bray Head been decommissioned. Bray Head is classed as an Area of Special Amenity and it is an entirely inappropriate site for a mobile phone mast. The mast was initially erected without any planning permission, and granted temporary retention permission for six months.

I would also like to commend the work of my colleague, Councillor Mick Glynn, who raised this issue with Wicklow County Council on a number of occasions, the result of which has been peace of mind for local residents, and the preservation of the unspoilt landscape at Bray Head.

New Clinics Throughout Wicklow

I now have a new schedule of my clinics around Wicklow. Please call my office on 01 618 3805 if you would like to meet me at any of my clinics.

Bray (Every Monday) 10.00 -12.00

Bray (Every 4th Monday of the month) 19.00 -20.00

Greystones (Every Friday) 11.00 -12.00

Greystones (2nd Monday of the month) 19.00 -20.00

Kilcoole (1st Thursday of the month) 19.00 -20.00

Rathdrum (2nd Monday of the month) 13.00 -13.45

Arklow (2nd Monday of the month) 14.30 – 15.15

Wicklow  (2nd Monday of the month) 16.00 – 16.45

Newtownmountkennedy (4th Monday of the month) 13.00 – 14.00

Newcastle (4th Monday of the month) 14.15 – 15.00

Kilmacanogue (4th Monday of the month) 15.30 – 16.15

Enniskerry (4th Monday of the month) 16.30 -17.15

Real- time bus signs coming to Wicklow

Posted July 21st, 2011

Local Fine Gael TD Simon Harris has welcomed news electronic bus signs will be rolled out at 22 locations across Wicklow. The signs will provide real-time information about Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann arrivals.

Deputy Harris said, “Electronic bus signs will take the guess work out of using public transport. Once they are up and running passengers will have access to up to date information about bus arrivals. It is intended that they will be installed and operational by the end of the year.”

“These signs have proved hugely popular in Dublin city centre, where they have already been installed, and I would like to thank my colleague, Minister Leo Varadkar, for his commitment to improving public transport facilities. The next stage of this project will allow passengers to check when the next bus will arrive via text message, or by using a smartphone app – so they won’t even have to wait at the bus stop.”

“The locations for these signs were chosen based on passenger numbers. I continue to work closely with my Fine Gael colleagues on Wicklow County Council to ensure other high population zones such as Charlesland, Kilcoole and Newcastle are prioritised for the next wave of funding.”

Electronic signs will be installed at the following locations:

• Main Street Bray (x3)
• Castle Street, Bray
• Bray Road, Bray
• Killarney Road, Bray
• Vevay Road, Bray
• Bray Train Station
• Greystones Train Station
• Church Road, Greystones
• Newtownmountkennedy (x2)
• Kilmacanogue (x2)
• Rathnew
• Wicklow
• Ashford
• Kilpeddar (x2)
• Rathnew
• Ballywaltrim
• Ashford

Have an Issue in Your Area? Let Me Know!

Posted May 2nd, 2011

If you have an issue in your area that you think I can help with, get in touch! I am happy to help in any way that I can

You can call me on 01-6183805 (Dáil Office) or 01-2813727 (Constituency Office). Alternatively you can email me at simon.harris@oir.ie or write to me at ‘Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2′ or at my constituency office, ‘Office Unit 4, Market Court, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow’.