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

Every avenue must be explored to find buyer for Merck and protect 280 jobs – Harris

Posted March 7th, 2013

 Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) urged the IDA and the Minister for Enterprise, Richard Bruton TD, to explore every avenue available to find a buyer for Merck in Rathdrum to protect the 280 people employed there.

 “Merck pharmaceuticals today announced that it is closing its plant in Rathdrum which is a sad day for everyone who works there. The company has said that while it will be moving its Rathdrum manufacturing activities to its plants in Thurles and Singapore, no redundancies will take place until the end of 2014.

 “I am encouraging the IDA and Minister Bruton to explore every avenue and use every State agency available to them to find a buyer for Merck and protect the 280 people employed. We have a window of time available to us and it is important that we get our heads together and come with a solution to protect the workers.

 “Ireland is renowned for attracting large pharmaceutical companies to this country due to the skilled labour force we have to offer. There is a lot of activity happening in this sector and I hope that a solution for all those involved can be found as soon as possible.”

Wicklow Young Scientists prove our smart economy is right on track – Harris

Posted January 10th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) said that Ireland’s young students are sending out a very powerful message to potential investors about the amazing talent we have in this country. Deputy Harris was speaking after a visit to the Young Scientists and Technology Exhibition in the RDS.

“The Young Scientists Exhibition is always a really inspiring and encouraging event for so many schools up and down county Wicklow, where they have the opportunity to display the talent and ingenuity of their students. I saw so many clever, creative, and innovative projects across the range of sciences on display.

“In recent years, the Young Scientists Exhibition has acted as a showcase for potential investors in this country to be become aware of the raw talent that we have coming up through our schools in the areas of science and technology. I met students from Arklow Community College, Avondale Community College, Cólaiste Bhríde, Cólaiste Rithín, Dominican College Wicklow, Gael Scoil Cólaiste Na Mara, Scoil Chonglais, St Gerard’s and St. Thomas Community College all of whom had different projects and ideas. This highlights the degree of innovative thinking and imagination that exists in young people from Wicklow.

“The so-called ‘smart economy’, and, can often sound like a vague concept or even a buzz word, but at this exhibition we get to see the smart economy personified.

“Three hundred and sixty two schools are taking part in this year’s exhibition. As the Irish economy continues its journey to recovery, any of the 45,000 people that visit this exhibition this week will be left in no doubt as to the scope of talented youngsters we have in Wicklow schools. Our smart economy is right on track.”

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.’

Harris welcomes latest funding announcement for Wicklow: Plans for new Primary Care Centre in Rathdrum

Posted July 17th, 2012

New primary care centre for Rathdrum follows on from several significant capital funding announcements for County Wicklow over the last number of months

Fine Gael Deputy for Wicklow, Simon Harris, has welcomed plans to develop a new Primary Care Centre in Rathdrum. The announcement was made as part of a stimulus package unveiled by the Government today.

“It will come as a great boost to the people of County Wicklow that a new Primary Care Centre is planned for Rathdrum. The new centre will make a real difference to the way in which the people of Rathdrum and the surrounding areas access health care services in the community.

“Developing the network of Primary Care Centres is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. It was also a central plank of Fine Gael’s reform programme for the health service, which was developed in Opposition and is now being pursued in Government by Minister James Reilly and his colleague Minister Roisin Shorthall.

“Primary Care Centres, like the new one to be provided in Rathdrum, will be the first point of contact for people who need to access health services in the years ahead. In a developed Primary Care system, as envisaged by the Government, up to 95% of people’s day-to-day health and social care needs can be provided in a community setting.

“The new centre will make a substantial difference to the lives of people in the community. As well as treating illness, the centre in Rathdrum will help people to care for themselves, such as those with a long-term illness, and it will also help to prevent serious illness from occurring in the first place by providing easily accessible health services in the community.

“A focus on Primary Care not only benefits patients, it will also benefit the taxpayer. By allowing patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke and asthma, to be treated near or at their homes, we can save the health service millions of euro by preventing hospital stays.

“I look forward to the development of the new Primary Care Centre in Rathdrum, alongside the development of the already announced Primary Care Centre for Greystones which is due to go to construction in September and to seeing the benefits it brings the local community.”

“Despite the difficult economic times this country faces, County Wicklow has been the beneficiary of many capital spending announcements since this new Government came to office including the upgrade of the N11, the multi-million euro flood protection scheme for Bray, several new schools building projects at primary and secondary level across the county, a new water treatment plant for Arklow, €4.9 million investment in new water piping and of course, today the latest announcement of a new Primary Care Centre in Rathdrum. All of these infrastructural projects will be of great benefit to our county on many levels and I look forward to continuing my work to secure their completion,” concluded Deputy Harris.

Harris welcomes reinstatement of Respite Services in St Coleman’s

Posted November 10th, 2011

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has welcomed the restoration of respite services to St. Coleman’s Hospital, Rathdrum.

“Recently, I was contacted by a number of constituents concerned that respite services in St. Coleman’s Hospital, Rathdrum had been suspended,” said Deputy Harris. “Following this, I made a number of representations to the HSE on the matter, and was delighted to learn this week that respite services at the hospital have now been reinstated.”

“Family carers make a contribution to our healthcare system that too often is overlooked,” continued Deputy Harris. “Carers often have to put their own lives on hold to look after relatives who would otherwise require long term residential care. The work of being a carer does not begin at 9 or end at 6 – it is a 24/7 commitment.”

“In my meetings with carers, I have heard how the ability to take a short rest from their caring duties, and to look after their own health is absolutely invaluable to them. I welcome the return of this service to St. Coleman’s Hospital and I will continue to pursue issues of relevance and importance to carers throughout my time in the Dáil,” concluded Deputy Harris.

Culture Night in Wicklow a Huge Success

Posted September 26th, 2011

Deputy Harris joins thousands at firework display at Greystones Harbour to mark Culture Night

Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris has congratulated all those involved in the many Culture Night events right throughout County Wicklow.

Culture Night held on the 23^rd September saw several communities and groups come together to mark the occasion.

Deputy Harris attended a firework display and a variety of musical performances at Greystones Harbour for Culture Night.

Speaking after the event, he said, “It is great to see so many groups from Greystones, Tinahely, Arklow, Wicklow Town, Avoca, Blessington and Rathdrum embrace Culture Night and work tirelessly to put on events which Wicklow residents can enjoy.

“In Greystones, it was particularly good to see the public space at the harbour development open to the people of the town. I look forward to the harbour being fully available to the people of Greystones,” concluded Deputy Harris.

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

Harris Congratulates Tidy Towns Groups across County Wicklow

Posted September 8th, 2011

Wicklow Fine Gael Deputy, Simon Harris, has commended the efforts of Tidy Towns committees around County Wicklow as Aughrim took the award for Wicklow’s tidiest town, winning a gold medal in its category in the Tidy Towns 2011 Competition.

Stratford on Slanely and Wicklow Town were both commended in the regional awards, while Rathdrum’s improvement since 2010 was recognised with the Endeavour Award. Meanwhile, Arklow and Bray performed very strongly in the Irish Businesses Against Litter anti-litter league.

Welcoming the results, Deputy Harris said, “I am glad to see the hard work of communities across Wicklow has been recognised by this year’s Tidy Towns Competition. In my own hometown of Greystones I have seen first-hand the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm that goes into keeping our town looking cared-for and welcoming.”

“I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all those involved in the Tidy Towns effort around Wicklow and I look forward to working with tidy towns committees around the county for the 2012 competition.”