ZERO UTILITY DISCONNECTION POLICY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED

STATEMENT BY COUNCILLOR Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Labour Councillor for Clontarf

Dáil Candidate, Dublin North Central

Friday, 06 December 2010

ZERO UTILITY DISCONNECTION POLICY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED

Labour Councillor Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has welcomed the news that reconnection charges for electricity and gas are to be halved but has stressed that it does not go far enough.

“The issue of utility disconnections is an urgent matter affecting thousands of households across the country and the reconnection fee places an unfair burden on those already struggling with their bills.

"Recent figures show that gas customers who have fallen into arrears are entering payments plans every five minutes, with 20 gas disconnections a day and approximately 90,000 customers experiencing debt difficulties. Electricity disconnections have increased to an alarming level of approx 2,500 every month.

"While the CER (Commission for Energy Regulation) proposal to reduce disconnection and reconnection fees is welcome, it does not go far enough. For anyone who cannot afford to pay their utility bills and risks disconnection these fees simply add a further burden on them.

“I urge the Regulator to implement a zero disconnection policy through the use of pre-payment meters and to develop an acceptable policy in relation to disconnection fees.

"The Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan must also publish the promised Fuel Poverty Strategy - which is now a year overdue."

ENDS.

Urgent Update on the effects of the severe weather

DCC Press Release 17.15hrs Ist December 2010

Update on the effects of the severe weather in the Eastern Region - Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow

As a result of the severe snow storm that hit the East Region at 1.00pm today, traffic conditions have deteriorated and coupled with ground temperatures reaching between -12 C to -14 C, many roads have become impassable. As a result of the snow becoming ice this has compounded the already hazardous driving conditions.

To deal with these difficulties, a coordinated response has been put in place by the Regional Local Authorities (Dublin City Council, DunLaoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council, Kildare County Council), the Health Service Executive, An Gárda Siochána and the Defense Forces in accordance with the major emergency framework.

To this end, a Local Co-ordination Centre has been set up in the Traffic Control Centre of Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 through which the 4 Dublin Local Authorities, the HSE and an Garda Siochana are coordinating their actions directly to deal with this situation.

Motorists are advised not to undertake journeys unless absolutely necessary. Tune into general news bulletins and to the DublinCityFM LiveDrive programme on 103.2 FM for real time updates on the state of the roads and general driving conditions.The on/off ramps on the N11 and the M50 and the bridges in the city are causing particular difficulties for motorists.

We advise people to use public transport where possible and check the information on the relevant transport authority website before commencing your journey, for the most up to date information on services being provided. Remember to listen and watch news and weather bulletins, and to take the precautionary advice given by organisations such as An Garda Síochána, Met Eireann, the Road Safety Authority and Local Authorities as well as the HSE.

Met Eireann has advised that the current spell of severe weather is set to contrinue for at least another seven days.

Ends.

Further information contact Dublin City Council Press Office: 086 8150010

Note to the Editor – HSE advise to the public

HSE Advice to the Public

· Wear well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking during the current cold weather. Boots with rubber soles and solid ankle support are essential to prevent slips and falls on the ice.

· Keep your hands out of your pockets when out walking.

· If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check up.

· Check in on elderly neighbours. Call in regularly on elderly friends, neighbours and relatives to see if they need help staying warm, have enough food, heat and prescription medications. Help older people to stay warm by ensuring that they are wearing layers of clothes, eating regular hot meals, drinking plenty of fluids.

· Food is fuel - eating well will help keep you warm.

· Clear the ice from your footpath and around your house and assist less capable neighbours in doing the same.

· Keep active by walking around the house regularly.

· Wear several layers of light clothes instead of one thick layer. Wear clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres.

· Keep your main living room at around 18 – 21^oC (64 -70^oF), and the rest of the house at least 16^oC (61^oF). If you cannot heat all the rooms you use, keep the living room warm throughout the day (21º C if active, 24º C if inactive).

· Close the curtains in the evening and heat your bedroom before going to bed and make sure the room is warm before you get up in the morning.

Treating strains and sprains

• The initial treatment for both injuries is the same:
• Rest the injured part
• Apply ice or a cold pad to the injured area
• Comfortably support the injury using a bandage or soft padding
• Elevate the injured part

If you suspect a broken bone

• Support the limb
• Leave the casualty in the position found. Secure and support the injured part. You can use rolled up blankets, cushions, clothes or whatever you have handy.
• Assess the severity of the injury and decide how to get the injured person to hospital. For example if they have an arm injury, you may be able to drive them to the nearest Emergency Department or Minor Injury Unit. If you suspect a broken leg or a spine or neck injury call 999.
• Treat for shock if required. Look for signs of shock including pale, cold and clammy skin, rapid then weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing, sweating and complaints of nausea and thirst. If you suspect shock, lie the casualty down and raise their legs above the level of their heart. Make sure you keep the casualty warm.

Further information on health services in your area is available through the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850 and on the HSE website,www.hse.ie. This information will be regularly updated during the course of the adverse weather conditions.

CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISERS

CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER for

AODHÁN Ó RÍORDÁIN

Ger Gilroy

(Newstalk 106)

Interviews

John Giles

and

Eamon Dunphy

GRAINGERS

Malahide Road

Friday, December 10th at 8pm

Entrance Fee; €10

MEET THE LEGENDS AND HELP SUPPORT

AODHÁN'S CAMPAIGN.

E-ZINE November 28th 2010

E-ZINE FROM CLLR. AODHÁN Ó RÍORDÁIN

November 28th 2010

www.aodhanoriordain.blogspot,com

Dear Resident,

Please see below some issues that may be of interest to you. If you wish to discuss an of these matters in more detail, or if you do not wish to receive any further e-mails of this nature, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Aodhán

Public Meeting - 27B BUS CUTS - OSCAR TRAYNOR ROAD AREA

As part of my ongoing campaign to have the proposed cuts to the 27B and 20B bus routes reversed, I have arranged another pubic meeting this Wednesday night, December 1st, in the Oscar Traynor Centre at 8pm.

This meeting will discuss the cuts with residents of Dundaniel Road, Woodlawn, Santry Court, Larch Hill and Aulden Grange.

Public Meeting - Butterly Site - Additional Information Received

I have arranged a public meeting for next Thursday night, December 2nd at 7pm in the Ardlea Inn to discuss the additional information received for the substantial Planning Application 2785/10 at the Butterly site on the Kilmore Road,

The meeting will discuss the current state of the Planning Application and the next likely steps in the process.

130 BUS CUTS – PLEASE TEXT YOUR PROTEST:

I have recently received the following information in relation to bus cuts on the 130 route:

· The 130 route was stripped on Sunday November 14^th.

· Ten drivers lost their route.

· The route is now significantly under bussed.

· The gaps are wider between buses and thus people are waiting longer and when they do arrive, particularly after Vernon Ave they are full.

· 0n a Saturday drivers have gone from 20 duties to 13, which again means much longer gaps.

It is ridiculous to think that on a so called high-frequency route people are waiting up to 20 minutes for a bus to get to work. Dublin Bus cuts on this route is affecting commuters capacity to get to work on time, and make absolutely no sense. It is also unacceptable that no announcement has been made in this regard, and no consultation made with public representatives, or directly with the public themselves. I am asking for your support for the following petition:

Please Text: ‘Leave 130 Alone’ with your name and address to 086-8190336.

FIGHTING TO KEEP CLONTARF SQUASH CLUB OPEN:

The Minister for Education and Skills has recently issued the following statement in relation to Phoenix Squash Club on the Howth Road:

“In the late 1990s this company went into liquidation. In practice, it is understood that the facility is used on a pay per play basis, with their being no membership fees, no identifiable club officers or rules and constitution. Pending further discussions with the school authority, it is not proposed to continue with the operation of the facility.”

I have been working closely with club members in the last number of weeks to attempt to reverse this decision and I am hopefully for a positive outcome to the current situation shortly.

CLONTARF FLOOD DEFENCES:

Dublin City Council has been given approval to invite tenders for the Fairview/Clontarf section of the North City Arterial Watermain. The works will be funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The total spend on the contract, including the Clontarf flood defence works, is likely to be approximately €11.26million.

The pipeline will be laid from Fairview Park running along the Clontarf Road to the Bull Wall. It has been designed to augment the water distribution system so that both the Leixlip-Ballycoolin and the Vartry-Stillorgan networks can feed into this area. When completed the arterial watermain will provide a ring main around the north-east of the city providing flexibility in the transfer of water throughout the area, increasing security of supply.

The contract also incorporates the Clontarf Flood Defence Project, proposed by the Office of Public Works, which comprises a series of earth embankments, flood walls and flood gates, approximately 3km in length, and which will be landscaped into the existing Clontarf promenade. It has been revealed that the design of the tidal flood defences has been based on a 200 year event with an allowance made for climate change to 2055.

The construction work on site will begin in the second quarter of 2011 and because of phasing of construction to mitigate environmental impacts, is likely to take two years to complete. The arterial watermain will ensure better water management in this part of the city while the flood defence works will ensure greater tidal protection for residential areas adjacent to this part of Dublin’s coastline.

DUBLIN BIKES FOR DUBLIN NORTH CENTRAL:

The Labour Party’s successful Dublin Bikes scheme is being rolled out to the wider city over the next number of years. While I am delighted that the initial plan includes the Marino and Drumcondra areas of Dublin North Central, I will continue to work hard to promote other North Central areas such as Clontarf Promenade, Parnell Park and Artane Castle as ideal locations for the expansion of the Dublin Bikes scheme.

The provision of funding is a central consideration but I hope to be in a position to present a viable proposal in the coming months to the City Council Transport and Traffic Strategic Policy Committee.

Marino AFC Racenight with a Difference on 3rd December 2010

Please support the Marino AFC race night on December 3rd at 8pm in the Fairview CY Hall. Marino AFC provide a fantastic resource for local young people and deserve great support from the local community. I look forward to seeing you there on the night!

LEGION HALL PLANNING APPLICATION 3841/10 and 3838/10

Finally - the last date for objections / observations for the latest Legion Hall planning application is November 30th and the last date for observations to the Clontarf Road development is November 29th.

Latest Weather Update

Please see below latest update from Dublin City Council - contact me at any time if you have concerns. (086-8190336)

Update for Councillors re Severe Weather - Sunday 28th November - 6.15 pm

The Council has been spreading salt on all national primary,secondary and appropriate regional roads. In addition all main public transport routes and cross connecting routes are receiving salt. The Council has adequate stockpiles of salt and further quantities are available if required. The NRA have been tasked to source all salt supplies for the Country.

The Council will also be mobilizing additional workforce of 500 on Monday morning (29th November) to commence clearing footpaths, shopping areas and public transport hubs. Crews will initially be working in the same areas as last January when the previous cold spell occurred.

The Council would encourage all householders and shopkeepers to attend to the footpaths outside their dwelling and premises, particularly where no salting of the roads has been carried out. Legal opinion provided to the minister states that where common sense is applied to the clearing of footpaths then there will be no liability attaching.

Met Eireann forecast that this severe weather will continue, at least ,to next weekend.

The following websites may be of interest for additional information on travel services and precautions that be taken for a safe journey:

www.dublincity.ie

www.met.ie

www.transport.ie

www.rsa.ie

www.dublinbus.ie

www.rpa.ie

www.irishrail.ie

www.nra.ie

www.buseireann.ie

Michael Sands

Communications Manager

Dublin City Council

I'm so glad that's over!!!!!!

The Battle of Dublin - Well done to all at Trinity Boys!

See below the Irish Independent Report on my boxing exploits last Friday night:

By Kevin Keane

Saturday November 27 2010

Politicians were ducking, dodging and throwing jibes at one another.

But nobody was taking the political fighting seriously last night when councillors from the main parties stepped in to the boxing ring.

Hundreds of spectators paid as much as €75 each to watch the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour and Green Party councillors fight for charity in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Co Dublin.

And they were not disappointed with their evening of political brawling. Some politicians danced lightly throwing quick jabs at opportune moments, others made straight for their opponent in a flurry of fists.

In what might be a scene repeated in count centres in a matter of weeks, a Fianna Fail man, Eoghan O'Brien was knocked to the canvas by his Labour opponent Aodhan O Riordain. But perhaps worryingly for Enda Kenny, Fine Gael also suffered the same fate when one of their fighters Alan 'The Naas Express' O'Kelly came up against the Labour's Killian 'The Hurricane' Forde.

The Green Party's Donna Cooney was drawn against Fianna Fail councillor Avril Power who both provided the crowd with much to cheer in guts and effort.

Also in the ring last night were Fine Gael's Neale Richmond and Labour's Cian O'Callaghan.

Fine Gael had taken out two full-page ads in the event programme for the evening, one of which featured a muscle-bound Mr Kenny landing a killer right-hook to the chin of a dazed Taoiseach Brian Cowen. "The gloves are off, the country is on the ropes, expect a knock out blow in the first round of Kenny V Cowen," the ad boasted.

If only politics was always this entertaining.

- Kevin Keane

Irish Independent

130 CUTBACKS MUST BE REVERSED

130 CUTBACKS MUST BE REVERSED

Petition to Protest Against Attack on Public-Transport Users

Dear Resident,

I have recently received the following information in relation to bus cuts on the 130 route:

• The 130 route was stripped last Sunday November 14^th.
• Ten drivers lost their route.
• The route is now significantly under bussed.

• The gaps are wider between buses and thus people are waiting longer and when they do arrive, particularly after Vernon Ave they are full.
• 0n a Saturday drivers have gone from 20 duties to 13, which again means much longer gaps.

It is ridiculous to think that on a so called high-frequency route people are waiting up to 20 minutes for a bus to get to work. Dublin Bus cuts on this routes is affecting commuters capacity to get to work on time, and make absolutely no sense.

It is also unacceptable that no announcement has been made in this regard, and no consultation made with public representatives, or directly with the public themselves.

I am asking for your support for the following petition:

Text ‘Leave 130 alone’ with your name and address to 086-8190336

Email ‘Leave 130 alone’ with your name and address to aodhan.oriordain@gmail.com.