Ashford | Simon Harris

Representing the Wicklow-East Carlow constituency

Ashford Entries

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

Great day in Ashford as more than 200 athletes from around the country came to County Wicklow for National Duathlon Championship – Harris

Posted April 9th, 2013

Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris was on hand in Ashford last Saturday to preside at the Awards Ceremony for the Irish National Duathlon Championship. This major national race saw more than 200 participants from all around Ireland gather in County Wicklow to participate in this cycling and running event.

The event consisted of a 10km run followed by a 40km cycle and then a further 5km run.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Harris congratulated all the participants and most particularly the County Wicklow triathlon club, “3 Rock” which had managed to bring this national competition to our county.
“It was brilliant to see the great excitement in Ashford and the huge crowds of athletes and supporters in the area for this event. Great credit must go to the organisers of this event in Wicklow, the 3 Rock Triathlon Club for firstly obtaining the right to stage the national championship in Wicklow and then for successfully organising such a brilliant competition and atmosphere,” stated Deputy Harris.

“I also want to pay tribute to all the volunteers and the local Gardai for their efforts in supervising the competition. I was delighted to be invited to speak to athletes after the event and to present the winners of the various categories with their awards. I truly hope Wicklow can secure this event again for next year,” concluded Deputy Harris.

ENDS

Wicklow Businesses at Creative Expo showcases huge export potential – Harris

Posted January 24th, 2013

Wicklow TD meets with Wicklow businesses involved in Irish craft, gifts, fashion and interiors at national showcase of Irish crafts in the RDS.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris, has today (Wednesday) congratulated the 400 exhibitors taking part in the Ireland Creative Expo in the RDS this week. Deputy Harris was speaking after visiting the event where he met with a number of exhibitors.

“I had the pleasure of meeting with a number of Wicklow entrepreneurs who were showcasing the very best of Irish craft, gifts, fashion and interiors at the Ireland Creative Expo today, which is organised by the Craft Council of Ireland and promoted abroad by Enterprise Ireland. It was great to talk with the owners of Brook & Shoals from Greystones, Jenny Kelly Pottery from Kilbride, Fádo from Rathnew, Anna Nielson Prints from Ashford, Heli MG from Delgany, Cillían Johnston from Moneystown & Fleur Jewellery from Rathnew.

“Many people I spoke to reported strong trading, both at the Expo, here in Ireland, and abroad, which is very promising. They also found it very useful as a networking opportunity. It is very encouraging to hear that the export market for Irish products is so strong. This Government is focused on assisting Irish businesses in exporting their products to markets across the world and it is great to see Enterprise Ireland participating in this week’s Expo.

“Many of these Irish businesses were created during the economic difficulties and it is great to see them here this week producing Irish products for the export market. A number of Wicklow businesses that I spoke to told me of the challenges they have faced over the last number years in setting up their business during what has been a very difficult economic environment. They have weathered the storm and are looking forward to growing their business both at home and abroad.

“The craft sector in Ireland contributes over €500 million to the Irish economy every year and employs 5,700 people. I believe that there is a huge opportunity for us to continue to grow this sector, and, with the range of supports available from Enterprise Ireland to assist Irish businesses, more and more small business can enjoy success in exporting their products abroad.”

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 funding to protect Wicklow heritage structures

Posted June 22nd, 2012

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Simon Harris has welcomed the allocation of €14,000 to protect Aghowle Cottage, Ashford and Carnew Castle under the Structures at Risk fund.

Deputy Harris said, “I am pleased to see the importance of Wicklow’s heritage being recognised through the allocation of funding towards the conservation and preservation of Aghowle Cottage in Ashford and Carnew Castle.”

“Wicklow is renowned as a site of beauty but our built heritage is also a real asset to the county, and has a significant role in attracting tourists to the county. I am delighted to see this being recognised through the allocation of funding to protect these two structures.”

Harris welcomes €600,000 additional funding for Wicklow Roads

Posted September 5th, 2011

Works to be carried out before the end of the year

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has said he is delighted funding of €600,000 has been granted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, for improvements on Wicklow roads.

Works will now take place at three locations along the R747, on the R772 at Ashford and on the L2143 at Ballinglen. Under a condition of the funding, these works must be carried out by year’s end.

Deputy Harris said, “This is very welcome and much-needed funding as the treacherous weather last winter left many of our roads in need of repair. These roads are a vital element of County Wicklow’s infrastructure and I am delighted to see this recognised with the granting of funding.”

“I have been lobbying hard for the improvement of roads in our region since my appointment to the Dáil, and I will continue to make representations on behalf of Wicklow residents in this regard.”

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’.

Parliamentary Questions: Education and Skills

Posted April 12th, 2011

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider the 26 week
rule whereby teachers with experience on temporary contracts who subsequently emigrate for work are considered new entrants on their return to Ireland withconsequent implications for their pay and pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 12th April, 2011.

Reply:
Minister Ruairí Quinn

The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004
abolished the maximum age of retirement for new entrants to employment in the
public service from the 1st April 2004. It also raised the minimum pension age
for new entrants to age 65.

In general terms, a new entrant to employment in the public service (including
employment as a teacher) is
a person who enters public service employment for the first time on or after
the 1st April 2004, (including employment in a temporary or fixed-term
capacity, whether full-time, or part-time), OR,
a person who becomes re-employed in the public service,( including employment
as a teacher) following a break of more than 26 weeks, where that break
occurred at anytime on or after 1 April 2004).

The provisions of this legislation are of general application to public
servants and there are no proposals to make exceptions for any particular
individual or group.

As part of Budget 2011, introduced by the previous Fianna Fail – Green Party
government, a 10% reduction in the pay of new appointees to the public service
applies from the 1st January 2011 and all new recruits to the entry grades of
the public service will start at the first point of the relevant pay scale
without exception. A person in the situation referred to by the Deputy who had
service prior to the 1st January 2011 is not regarded as a new entrant for this
purpose.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timetable for the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow and for details regarding the funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.

St. Catherine’s Special School, Barnacoyle House, Killoughter, Ashford, Co
Wicklow.

* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 12th April, 2011.