Men’s Sheds in Roscommon

Feighan urges Men’s Sheds in Roscommon to apply for funding by 31st August deadline

Senator Frank Feighan is encouraging all Men’s Sheds in Roscommon to apply to a national funding pot of half a million euro to support their good work. This capital funding provides small grants to individual Men’s Sheds in order to enable them to purchase equipment or carry out minor works to improve their shed. As part of this measure, Minister Ring has made provision for €8,696 to be provided to the 6 Men’s Sheds in County Roscommon, pending successful applications by the individual Men’s Sheds.

Men’s Sheds are a worldwide movement which encourages men to talk about their feelings in order to improve mental health and wellbeing. Local Men’s Sheds create a space where men can discuss health issues and emotions while engaging in purposeful activities.

The sheds are in urban and rural areas across the country and promote the health and wellbeing of members by combating issues such as loneliness and isolation, while creating a culture where men can discuss their thoughts and feelings without stigma. They are a great example of a positive community based organisation that promotes good citizenship through good works.

It is essential that the individual local sheds apply for this funding. Applications will have to be made to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) by 31st August 2018.

Senator Frank Feighan to apply to the Fine Gael National Executive to be added to the ticket

Press Statement

July 23rd 2018

Senator Frank Feighan to apply to the Fine Gael National Executive to be added to the ticket

Senator Frank Feighan is to apply to the Fine Gael National Executive to be added to the ticket for the Sligo-Leitrim/South Donegal/North Roscommon Constituency.

“I withdrew my name from the nomination process at the selection convention last Thursday night in Sligo.

“During my address to convention on the night, I expressed my belief that the odds were stacked against me in terms of being selected as a candidate.

“Firstly, to have a valid vote at the convention, a person needs to be a member of the party for two consecutive years - and given only two branches moved in from North Roscommon only a year ago, it was physically impossible to add members to address this criteria. Furthermore, these two former Roscommon branches only represent a little over 5% of the membership at the convention.

“Secondly, the vast majority of members which constitutes up to 90 per cent of the constituency membership are from Counties Sligo and Leitrim and I know there is a desire to have a candidate from each of these counties, which I fully accept and understand. 

“Finally, only a few weeks ago, tonight’s convention was reconvened at short notice. It was originally due to take place at the end of September, which would have given me time to visit members personally. This time was further restricted due to my work in this minority Government and the last number of weeks has been almost exclusively taken up with passing legislation, which we only completed on Tuesday of last week.

“As a result of all of this, I will have to take a different approach and I will be applying to the National Executive to be added to the ticket.

“As the only Oireachtas member before convention, I certainly do believe if I was on the ticket, I would have a great chance of securing a second seat for Fine Gael. 

“I am very proud to have served as a public representative for almost 20 years. In the Local Government elections of 1999, I topped the poll in Boyle and three years later in the Seanad elections, I became the first ever member of the Oireachtas elected out of the town of Boyle. 

“In the 2007 General Election in the Roscommon/South Leitrim constituency, I became the first ever TD from Boyle elected and retained my seat in the 2011 General Election.

"However, whatever decision is taken by the National Executive, I will fully accept and abide, as always, by the rules of the party. And as a Senator, I will continue as always to work and deliver for this constituency.”

Contact: Senator Feighan, (086) 8331234.

ASD unit at Boyle Community College

June 9^th 2017

Feighan welcomes funding approval for ASD unit at Boyle Community College

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed funding approval for a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit at the Abbey Community College in Boyle

“I am delighted that this funding has been approved by the Department of Education for this ASD unit which I have lobbied strongly for on behalf of the school.

“This announcement clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting children with special educational needs.

 “This funding allocation is great news for the Boyle secondary school and works will proceed once the tendering process has been completed.

“Projects such as these also help to stimulate economic activity by supporting jobs in the local economy.

“It is important to note that no details are given in relation to the amount of the grant-aid approved as the publication of the level of funding could prejudice the tendering process.

“The School Building Unit will issue a detailed letter informing the school of the amount of grant aid sanctioned by the Department.”

Seeking clarity on Syrian refugees in a former hotel in Ballaghaderreen.

Senator Frank Feighan has said he will be seeking clarity on a number of issues at a special Ministerial briefing on Wednesday regarding the planned accommodation of Syrian refugees in a former hotel in Ballaghaderreen.

“I have already had a constructive discussion with David Stanton, Minister of State for Justice with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration. Minister Stanton is to hold a special briefing with relevant Oireachtas members this Wednesday afternoon in Leinster House where a range of issues of concern will be raised.
There is no absolutely no question at all that people in Ireland, Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen want to help these families who have been tragically displaced by war.We have all seen the horrific images on television where ordinary men, women and children are being killed in the Syrian conflict and the humanitarian case to help these refugee families fleeing from blood-shed is overwhelming.
Compassion must be to the forefront as we simply cannot even imagine the horrors that these people have gone through.At the same, it is clear that there has been a lack consultation with local public representatives to establish exactly what the plans are and what resources will be available to adequately cater for these refugees.As a local public representative, I want to work with the community and all stakeholders to clarify issues of concern which have been raised legitimately by the people of Ballaghaderreen.

Language support, health services and integration are just some of the issues which need to be addressed in a positive manner and I will be seeking clarity in this regard.”

Feighan welcomes €468,000 in ICT funding for Roscommon schools

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed a total of €468,000 in funding for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment for Roscommon schools.

“Allocated by the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, this funding for 99 primary and secondary schools in Roscommon will support the development and implementation of an eLearning Plan for each school to embed ICT in teaching and learning.

“Some examples of the infrastructure that schools can purchase with this funding are:

·         Teaching computers/shared student computers. These may include desktop PCs, laptops, tablets or hybrid devices.

·         Projectors including short throw or ultra-short throw, long throw, interactive, or interactive flat screens (IFS).

·         Cloud based tools and applications to support learning.

“This investment marks the start of the Government’s €210 million Digital Strategy for Schools. As Minister Bruton said today in announcing this funding, the ability to think critically and develop solutions in the digital world will be vital for these students’ prospects in life.

 “The Digital Strategy for Schools sets out a clear vision to realise the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students.

“The ICT funding rates payable are €2,000 per school plus €22.20 per mainstream pupil in primary schools, with additional per capita payments for pupils in DEIS schools, Special Classes and Special Schools.

"At post-primary, the rates payable are €2,000 per school plus €31.90 per student, with an additional per capita payment for students in DEIS schools. These payments are made directly into the schools’ accounts.”

Very productive meeting with Health Minister, HAC and local Oireachtas representatives to discuss services at Roscommon Hospital

Senator Frank Feighan described last Thursday’s meeting between Minister for Health Simon Harris, members of the Hospital Action Committee and local Oireachtas public representatives as very productive. Senator Feighan facilitated the meeting in the Minister’s office at the request of the HAC.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who attended for contributing to a very productive and positive meeting with Minister Harris. The Minister engaged with those present on a range of issues relating to the hospital and local health services.

“This included the new Medical Rehab Unit; the need to fill the Rehab Consultant post as soon as possible; ambulance services; the Air ambulance service; the openings hours of the Medical Assessment Unit; a new Central Sterile Supply Department and progress on the new Sacred Heart Hospital project.

“Minister Harris took detailed notes of all the queries and said he would revert as soon as possible with the relevant information. I would like to thank the Minister for giving his time to discuss these issues in a very considered fashion.

“Minister Harris made it clear to all present that Roscommon Hospital is busy and he wants to make it even busier with the addition of more services. He said Rocommon Hospital was a good example of how hospitals are now taking the lead on certain services.

“With the new Endoscopy Unit open and with the Medical Rehab project about to get underway, it is clear that the long-term future of Roscommon Hospital is very secure.”

Roscommon Hospital management actively addressing parking difficulties

Senator Feighan has said that Roscommon Hospital management is actively addressing the parking difficulties currently being experienced at the hospital. Senator Feighan has been in ongoing discussions with hospital management about the issue.

“The current parking issues are predominately as a result of the on-going increase in attendances of patients for day case procedures, surgery, diagnostics and consultations. This is a certainly problem that many didn’t and couldn’t foresee five years ago.

“The main congestion occurs on week-days, from about 9am to 2pm each day, when there is a large percentage of patients attending the hospital,`when all services are fully operational and the majority of staff is on duty.

“Hospital management has informed me that it has had meetings with Roscommon County Council and An Garda Síochána regarding the issue which has included discussing the concerns of local residents. Hospital management has suggested to the council that double yellow lines be painted along the Ardsallagh Road to restrict parking in that area.

“The hospital has also expanded its security officer services in order to try to maximise parking usage on the campus. A security officer is now on duty from 7am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. By employing a security officer during busy periods, the hospital is now utilising 17 car parking spaces adjacent to the Urgent Care Centre hospital entrance for short term parking (maximum 2 hrs) and for set down/pick up. As a result, the hospital has informed me that there is now a much better turnover per car park spaces and it has ensured patients do not have to walk too far.  

“The security officer is also there to provide direction and advice to patients/service users in relation to spaces available throughout the site. Additionally, the car-park adjacent to Hyde Park is a public car park and staff/visitors have been advised that cars can be parked there, thus ensuring that patients can get much better and nearer access to the hospital.  This arrangement has been in place for more than two years now.

“From my discussions with hospital management, I know they are acutely aware of the limited parking currently available. They are doing everything possible to ensure that patients get priority and are allowed to park as close as possible to the hospital and avail of services. Thankfully too, Roscommon Hospital is still one of the few hospitals in the country that does not charge for car parking and I would encourage the management to ensure that it stays that way.”