N4 Boyle Cootehall junction

N4 Boyle Cootehall junction 

Frank Feighan TD: "The Council has made significant progress with landowners and has been in active correspondence with TII. TII required a revised feasibility report in light of agreed changes in design and this revised report detailing the required accommodation works and funding has been submitted. It was planned that the first phase will be to complete the accommodation works and the pavement rehab would follow on in phase 2 with funding under the Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal Scheme. In order to conform with current design specifications Roscommon County Council has to reach agreement on departure standards with TII and this process is currently progressing. 

Tender documents for the accommodation works should be ready for advertisement by end of Q4 2020/Q12021 following the signing of legal agreements."

Funding Approved for 5 New Consultant Posts at Sligo University Hospital:

Funding Approved for 5 New Consultant Posts at Sligo University Hospital:

The Minister for State at the Department of Health Frank Feighan has announced that Sligo University Hospital has received funding for the appointment of 5 new consultant posts with recruitment to start immediately.

Minister Feighan said that “As Minister at the Department of Health, I am delighted to be able to announce that funding has been secured for an additional 5 Consultant posts for Sligo University Hospital (SUH).

“From discussions with stakeholders, I have been aware that there has been a need for these positions to be approved for some time and as a result, I am delighted to see that funding has now been allocated to SUH in order to ensure that the positions can be advertised in the coming weeks.

These new posts which are being funded are; Consultant Nephrologist, Consultant in Acute Medicine, Consultant in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Consultant in Infectious Disease and Consultant in Trauma & Orthopaedics. In addition, the 2 Consultant Cardiology posts are to be re-advertised shortly. 

This news is a major boost for SUH as the hospital continues to grow and develop and these new consultant posts, once filled, will greatly improve the ability of SUH to cater for the needs of the patients in Sligo and the North West region and will greatly improve patient safety going forward” the Minister concluded.

Frank Feighan 086 833 1234

Government Restart Grant, almost €9m to businesses in the North West - Update 29th July

 

 

Businesses in Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal have received just under €9 million to date from the Government’s COVID-19 Restart Grant to help them get back on their feet, Minister Frank Feighan has confirmed.

 

“The four local authorities are responsible for administering the Government’s Restart Grant and have confirmed that, in total, small and micro businesses have now been allocated €8,775,018.

 

“This funding is crucial in helping businesses to get back on their feet after what has been a very difficult number of months, particularly for businesses in the West and North West.

 

“The Restart Grant is designed to help businesses with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures and individual grants of between €2,000 and €10,000 are available for this purpose” Minister Feighan explained.

 

“My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar is overseeing these targeted supports which have been developed by his Department in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.

 

“This is in addition to a range of other supports for businesses to help them through the pandemic. The €7.4 billion July Stimulus had a range of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of Covid-19. It will provide a boost to the economy, building confidence and moving us towards a more sustainable future in the North West and across all regions of the country. 

 

“The application form for the Restart Grant is available from the County Council’s website and I encourage all micro and small business owners to apply for the grant to help them get up and running again after COVID-19.”

Update 12th July

Minister Feighan acknowledges the publication of the Health Research Board’s latest research on Drug Treatment for 2019

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, has acknowledged the publication today of the Health Research Board’s (HRB) latest research into treated problem drug use in the seven-year period 2013-2019.

The National Drug Treatment Reporting System has shown an overall increase of 1,658 or 18% in the number of treated cases recorded between 2013 and 2019. These figures highlight the levels of increased demand for drug treatment services nationwide. 

Between 2018 and 2019 there was an increase of 3.8% or 390 cases in the number of cases presenting for treatment.    

Opioids continue to be the most commonly reported main problem drug at 39%, followed by cocaine and cannabis at 24% and 23.5%  respectively.

In looking at the patterns and trends in treatment cases since 2013, it is clear that opioid use has decreased from 51% of cases treated in 2013 to 39% of cases treated in 2019. The increase in cocaine use stands out. It has increased from 8% of cases in 2013 to 24% of cases in 2019. 

The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan, said “I welcome this data which has been released today by the HRB as it clearly illuminates a worrying development in relation to the continuing rise of cocaine use and crack cocaine use in Ireland. 

“The HRB data also highlights significant decreases in opioid use and just how well drug treatment services nationwide have responded to the increased demand. The investment in treatment services over the last number of years under Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery has enabled us to increase the capacity to meet the extra treatment demand.”

The HRB plays an important role in supporting high-quality monitoring, evaluation and research to ensure policies and practices are evidence-informed. Their research contributed to the development in 2019 of the €750,000 multiannual investment plan under the National Drugs Strategy for 14 strategic health initiatives. These initiatives will strengthen the implementation of the Strategy, where the focus is on early harm reduction, responding to emerging trends and patterns of substance misuse, improving access to services for people with complex needs.

The Department of Health works with the HSE to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drugs through the Drugs.ie website. In 2019, the HSE developed and promoted two national campaigns aimed at students and the festival-goers, who may not present at traditional addiction services.

Earlier this year, in recognition of the increased risks, posed to drug users during COVID-19 the Department of Health and the HSE developed two ‘Harm Reduction Posters’ directed at those with substance abuse issues and those with alcohol-related problems respectively. The key harm reduction messages in the posters are person centered and offer simple advice and suggestions in line with the person centered approach of the National Drugs Strategy, Healthy Ireland and Slaintecare.

The Department of Health, as part of the introduction of the Health Diversion Programme, is providing €100,000 in 2020 to develop a national harm reduction campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use. This will include the use of club drugs, festival drug use, and new trends.

Minister Feighan added “As Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I believe that addressing the drug problem in Ireland requires a multi-pronged approach; providing targeted harm-reduction and prevention initiatives in tandem with treatment services. I would strongly encourage people with substance abuse issues to contact the HSE’s Drug and Alcohol Helpline which is available from Mon-Fri. 9.30-5.30pm 1800 459 459.” 

Health-related expenditure on drug services increased over the last 4 years from €121m to €130m enabling an expansion in addiction treatment services around the country.   

  

In 2019 additional funding of €1 million was secured on a recurring basis for the implementation of Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery.  €750,00 of this funding has been allocated to 14 strategic health initiatives to strengthen the implementation of the strategy. Each strategic health initiative will receive €190,000 in total funding over a three year period. These new health initiatives reflect regional priorities agreed between the HSE Community Health Organisations (CHOs) and the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and ensure that resources are targeted at groups most in need.

The episodes of treatment captured in the NDTRS for 2019 include a very wide range of interventions and settings from services in the community to specialist residential units. 

A key goal of the National Drugs Strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery is the development of sound and comprehensive evidence-informed policies and actions. The HRB plays an important role in supporting high-quality monitoring evaluation and research to ensure policies and practices are evidence-informed.

The Department of Health works with the HSE to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drugs through the Drugs.ie website. In 2019, the HSE developed and promoted two national campaigns aimed at students and the festival-goers, who may not present at traditional addiction services.

Next year, the HSE will commence a targeted national campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use and recommend steps on how people can reduce the harms. This work will include information about club drugs, festival drug use, newer drugs, as well as cannabis.

Visit hse.ie and drugs.ie and askaboutalcohol.ie for updated factual information, including information on services available. HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline is available from Mon-Fri. 9.30-5.30pm 1800 459 459.

Hairdresser and Barber Businesses Need Greater Clarity on Public Health Requirements.

Sligo – Leitrim Fine Gael T.D. Frank Feighan has called on the Government and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to provide hairdresser and barber businesses nationwide with greater clarity on the public health requirements they will need to adhere to when reopening. 

Deputy Feighan said, “I have written to the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphries T.D. today to outline directly to her office, the concerns of the industry over the lack of clarity around the public health arrangements that will be required for hairdresser and barber businesses reopening on 20th July 2020.  

“Being able to plan ahead for this industry is vital for its survival. 

“My team and I have been busy speaking directly with local businesses owners across Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and North Roscommon in recent days about their concerns and it is clear that greater information is needed to enable businesses to plan and react to the changes that will be needed post 20th July. 

“As a result, many local businesses are now seeking greater advice from Government about how they can begin to prepare to re-open in the absence of any NPHET guidelines.

“Issues of importance for the businesses I have spoken with are PPE requirements for the industry and the size of the capacity restrictions required. 

“I am advised that accessing PPE is already proving very difficult and that this difficulty is expected to increase as the 20th of July approaches. It is felt that clearer guidance is needed now so that they can source and obtain the correct PPE in time for reopening without putting pressure on vital supply lines for front line staff.  

“Currently, local businesses are grouping together and seeking to make informed decisions as best they can themselves based on international best practice, and from the advice of suppliers. However, they are conscious of the fact that these decisions may not coincide with the public advice here when it is made and as such, they may be making financial decisions that will fall foul of the Health & Safety Authority in July. 

“I am seeking greater clarity form Government and the NPHET on this particular issue on behalf of this industry” concluded Feighan 

Ends:

Frank Feighan 

0868331234

Update 9th April

Gardai to Receive PPE Devices: Frank Feighan T.D.

Sligo – Leitrim Fine Gael T.D. Frank Feighan has said that members of An Garda Siochana are set to receive an order of 16,000 spit guard protection devices in the coming days in order to help to protect our local Gardai from people who choose to spit, bite and cough at our officers during this COVID19 National Emergency.  

He was speaking after an incident in Sligo town led to a woman been sentenced to four weeks in prison yesterday evening for coughing at Gardai in Sligo. 

Deputy Feighan said “I, like most people, was shocked and saddened to hear of the incident which took place in Sligo this week, where a woman willingly and with intent chose to cough at local gardai trying to enforce the social distancing requirements in the town. The person in question was subsequently arrested, charged and jailed under new laws provided to the gardai under the emergency legislation this week.   

“No Garda member should have to face this level of harm without the proper supports in place to deal with it!

“It is hard to understand how a person would choose to act in this way during such a national crisis. However, as an incident such as this has now occurred, I feel that our local police force now needs better protection and support from this sort of threat going forward. 

“As a result, I raised this issue directly with the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan last night at a Fine Gael phone call briefing. I called for better supports for our gardai on the ground and for this support to be forthcoming without further delay. He advised me that an order of 16,000 spit guards have been ordered and it is his hope that they will be with our gardai in the coming days to ensure they are protected from such incidents in the future. 

“It is our role as politicians to act in the best interests and to protect the Gardai and all our frontline services and to ensure that they have the laws, equipment and the protection needed to conduct their job in our communities. 

I want to commend the members of An Garda Siochana through the country for playing such a vital role in our communities during this national emergency.  

Frank Feighan 

0868331234

Boyle town is in the middle of a deep transformative stage

I am very proud to say that Boyle town is in the middle of a deep transformative stage at the moment, thanks to the good work of many people.

The Boyle 2040 plan is clearly the road-map and feeds directly into the Government’s Project Ireland 2040.

Indeed, through my representation as a local Government public representative, Boyle is one of the few towns name-checked in this national blueprint document and I am delighted at the plans now underway to develop Boyle as an historic and strategically located town whose urban core has been underdeveloped in recent years.

I am very pleased that the town has already become a major beneficiary of Government investment with Boyle 2040 being the key driver in leveraging funding.

The signs of progress are clearly evident:  €500,000 in funding to develop a cycleway linking Boyle and Lough Key Forest & Activity Park; €200,000 in funding to transform the Town Centre and €100,000 to fund a pilot scheme to attract more people to live in the town centre.

Of course, I am also very proud at the ongoing development of Lough Key Forest  & Activity Park. This multi-million euro investment programme at the Park was an ambitious undertaking which I spearheaded from the very beginning.

As Chairperson of the Lough Key Forest Park Action Group, I successfully brought together the unique partnership of Roscommon County Council and Coillte which has led to the development of this wonderful amenity into one of the country’s top national and tourist and visitor attractions.

As we enter into a very positive 2019, I am looking forward to another year of significant progress for Boyle, not least the ongoing development of the former Royal Hotel site into a civic space. In that regard, I anticipate another significant funding announcement in the very near future.

Finally, as we all work towards attracting more people to the town, I believe a key piece in the jigsaw is the provision of a hotel. To that end, I will be working with all stakeholders in a bid to secure a hotel project which I believe can become a focal point for the new Boyle.

Feighan announces bid to seek a place on the Fine Gael General Election ticket in Roscommon-Galway

 Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has announced his intention to seek a party nomination to contest the next General Election in the Roscommon-Galway constituency.

“I intend seeking a party nomination at the Fine Gael selection convention for Roscommon/Galway, which will be held at the end of January 2019.

“In my twenty year political career to date, I have showed leadership on a range of issues such as Roscommon Hospital, the turfcutting issue, water quality and attracting investment into this region.

“I am also been privileged to be a member of the Good Friday Committee and the British Irish Parliamentary Association which continue to work tirelessly to promote and enhance relations on the island of Ireland and in the UK.

“I have never shirked my responsibility in tackling the most difficult of issues and I have a proven track record in delivering for this region.

“I want to use that extensive political experience as a Government politician to continue to deliver for people living in the Roscommon/Galway constituency.

“I have already been successful in two General Elections and I look forward to working towards securing a seat for Fine Gael in the next General Election.”

Feighan welcomes inclusion of Boyle in Pilot Residential Occupancy Scheme

*€100,000 funding allocated to develop plans with local stakeholders to attract more people to live in the town centre

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed the inclusion of Boyle as one of the six towns included in the Town and Village Pilot Residential Occupancy Scheme.

“This pilot scheme, announced by Minister Michael Ring today, is aimed at encouraging more people to live in the centre of the town.

“Funding of €100,000 has been made available in order for Boyle to prepare a plan with practical solutions to increase the number of people living in our rural towns.

“This pilot scheme will consider ways in which properties that are currently not in use can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. This is all about encouraging people to move back into town centres such as Boyle.

“This one of the key objectives of the Boyle 2040 plan which was launched recently. This pilot scheme will have a two-fold effect: it will help rejuvenate the town centre while also contributing to the housing needs of people.

“As Michael Ring has said, this pilot initiative will allow six Local Authorities, including Roscommon County Council, to develop and test different innovative models which are considered appropriate for towns of different sizes and in different locations.  The learnings from this approach will help to provide an indication as to what might work well for similar types of town on a wider scale.”

Contact: Senator Feighan, (086) 8331234.

€780,000 has been allocated to County Roscommon

 €780,000 allocated to Roscommon under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme

€780,000 has been allocated to County Roscommon under the Government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has said.

“My colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has confirmed to me today that Roscommon will benefit from €780,000 in funding under  the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The beneficiaries are as follows:

 • Athleague Development of a local economic and community action plan €100,000

• Ballaghaderreen Town enhancement project €100,000

• Boyle Town Centre Development Project €200,000

• Monksland Development of a skate park €100,000

• Rooskey Improvement of the village townscape  €100,000

• Roscommon Improvement of facilities at Roscommon Castle €100,000

• Strokestown Enhance building frontage & purchase chalet type stalls and marquee €80,000

“Fine Gael in Government is using the benefits of the economic recovery to support the growth and development of rural Ireland, and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development. The Scheme focuses on projects which can help to enhance rural towns and villages with populations of less than 5,000 people, with a particular emphasis on stimulating economic development.

“Almost €53 million has been approved for more than 670 projects across the country under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme since it was introduced in the second half of 2016.

 “The Government’s commitment to supporting rural Ireland is further underscored through the new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which was launched this year as part of project Ireland 2040. This new Fund will provide an opportunity to deliver more integrated and ambitious projects which will further support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages in the coming years.

 “Today’s announcement gives a real boost to communities in towns and villages across Roscommon.”

Contact: Senator Feighan, (086) 8331234.

Government Review of contributory pensions

Feighan reports progress in Government Review of contributory pensions

Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan today reported progress on the Government’s review of those in receipt of reduced Contributory Pensions. 

“The Government’s review of pensions, announced earlier this year, applies to people whose rate of entitlement was assessed based on pension rate band changes introduced in 2012.  The review will provide for an alternative total contributions approach re-calculation for contributory pensioners born on or after the 1st September 1946 and new Home Caring Periods to take account of time spent out of the workplace for parenting or caring duties.  

“The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is currently working on legislation to implement the new arrangements as well as a new information technology system to be developed in line with the legislation. Both of these measures are at a very advanced stage.   

 “My colleague Minister Regina Doherty has confirmed to me that letters will issue to the pensioners concerned at the end of October, to explain to them what is happening and how the review will work. This will no doubt be welcomed by all affected, particularly women who have been disproportionally affected. 

“Work has been ongoing within the Department of Social Protection to prepare legislation and design IT systems to deal with the changes since they were announced. With additional temporary staff recruited, this work is on target to see the pensions review process commence in the coming weeks, and so it is planned for the first payments to be made in the first quarter of 2019. 

“It is expected that, where increases are awarded, these payments will be backdated, where relevant, to the end of March 2018, or later where a person reached their 66th birthday since that date.    

“No pensioner will be worse off as a result of this review. Where a pensioner does not benefit from the measures introduced, they will continue to receive their existing rate of entitlement. However Minister Doherty has informed me she expects the majority of those who were adversely affected to be positively impacted by the recalculation and moved to a new, higher payment.”

Contact: Senator Feighan, (086) 8331234.

Launch of Boyle 2040, October 1st 2018

Launch of Boyle 2040, October 1st 2018

Minister, County Manager, Cathaoirleach, Deputies, Senator, Councillors, ladies and gentleman, distinguished guests - I am delighted to be here today in my home town for the launch of this ambitious plan for Boyle.

This truly is a roadmap for the town, a plan which dovetails perfectly with the Government’s Project 2040 initiative. I lobbied extremely hard to ensure County Roscommon and Boyle were included in the Government’s €4 billion Capital Development Plan.

Indeed, Boyle is one of the few towns name-checked in the Government’s blueprint document and I am delighted that today’s launch of Boyle 2040 will mark the beginning of a major rejuvenation of the town centre.

Boyle 2040 plan is clearly the blueprint for the future development of the town. I am delighted that the document includes proposals for the former Royal Hotel site along with linkages to the planned Lough Key to Boyle Greenway.

For decades, Boyle, not being a county town or regional town, suffered unduly. However, I truly believe that now with Boyle 2040, our town will - and deservedly so - get preferential treatment.

I am confident that this plan will become the cornerstone for the revival of the town and surrounding areas.

Clearly, Boyle 2040 is a wonderful testament to the work of many people over the last number of years, not least Roscommon County Council and Boyle Town Team.

To conclude, we all know Boyle has so much to offer in terms of rich heritage and natural amenities. Indeed, we have Lough Key Forest Park, the jewel in the crown.  Twenty years ago, as chairperson of  Lough Key Forest Park Action Group, I successfully brought together the unique partnership of Roscommon County Council and Coillte. That partnership has transformed the Park into one of the country’s top national tourist and visitor attractions.

I believe this latest partnership between the Council, Boyle Town team and stakeholders will be equally fruitful and productive and, as a member of Government, I look forward to supporting this plan in whatever possible,

Thank you

€7.85m Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon Hospital

Feighan confirms appointment of Design team for €7.85m Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon Hospital

€560,000 in funding allocated for Design phase

Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has confirmed that the Design Team has been appointed for the €7.85m  Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon Hospital.

“Roscommon Hospital management has just confirmed to me that the design team to progress the Western Specialist Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon University Hospital is now in place. 

“Funding approval of more than €560,000 has been allocated to move to the design phase of this project. This marks a major milestone for this €7.85m capital development.

“The new facility will be a satellite centre of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire and will provide intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation to patients based in the West of Ireland. 

“This new 20 bed unit will be of huge benefit to patients in this region. It will enable treatment of patients from the West of Ireland in Roscommon University Hospital who would have previously been treated in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dublin, and will also assist in reducing waiting times for patients who require access to the NRH.

“Apart from the employment which will be created during the construction phase, it is also important to say that once the Rehab Unit becomes fully operational, it will create 25 jobs initially and up to 50 jobs when all phases are complete.”

Senator Frank Feighan's address at the official opening of Boyle Primary Care Centre by Minister for Health Simon Harris, September 3rd 2018

Ministers, TDs, cllrs, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman.

It is almost two years ago to the day that Minister Harris turned the sod on this project and I am delighted that you are back here again Minister to official open this wonderful facility.

On that same day two years ago, Minister, you also travelled to Roscommon Town to officially open the new Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon University Hospital.

That was a great day for Roscommon where you Minister personally endorsed two significant health facilities for the county. Minister, I also look forward to the imminent announcement of the successful design team for another important project planned at Roscommon Hospital, namely the Medical Rehabilitation Unit.

I am so pleased that you are back here in Boyle again today. This Primary Care Centre, now open more than six months, provides health services to a population of approximately 9,000 people in the town and surrounding areas.

The Centre is a hugely positive development for Boyle and the wider North Roscommon area. It ensures that our local community has improved access to a greater range of health services on their own doorstep and under the one roof.

It provides modern facilities for a significant range of primary care services, delivered by a locally based multi-disciplinary Primary Care Team.

I would like to sincerely thank the many people involved in ensuring that this development has come to fruition.

I am extremely proud that Boyle has this state-of-the-art health facility and I want to sincerely thank you Minister and all present for being here today for this official opening.

Thank you

Boyle Primary Care Centre Opening on September 3rd

Feighan confirms that Health Minister to officially open Boyle Primary Care Centre on September 3rd

Senator Frank Feighan has confirmed that the Minister for Health Simon Harris will officially open Boyle Primary Care Centre on Monday, September 3^rd at 11 am.

“I am delighted that the Minister for Health has accepted my invitation to officially open the new Primary Care Centre. Minister Harris returns again to Boyle after initially turning the sod on the project.

“The facility, now open more than six months, is providing health services to a population of about 9,000 people in the town and surrounding areas.

“As I have said before, the Primary Care Centre is a very positive development for the town and the wider North Roscommon area.

“It ensures that the local community has improved access to a greater range of health services on their own doorstep and under the one roof.”

Contact: Senator Feighan, (086) 8331234.

Feighan urges Irish Water to accelerate local upgrade works for the benefit of Grangemore and Ballinameen water supplies

Senator Frank Feighan has urged Irish Water to accelerate local upgrade works following the issuing of a boil water notice on the Grangemore Public Water Supply and Ballinameen Camlin Group Water Scheme.

“This boil water notice which came into effect last week is affecting more than 1500 people in the areas of Croghan, Ballinameen, Ballymore, Killarght (County Sligo), The Plains and surrounding areas.

“Irish Water has been progressing a major upgrade project which includes the extension of the Boyle Regional Water Supply Scheme to supply the Grangemore WSS. This will involve the decommissioning of the existing Water Treatment Plant currently supplying the Grangemore scheme.  These works are to due to be completed by December 2019.

“However, I have urged Irish Water to accelerate the decommissioning of the Grangemore water plant earlier if at all possible.

“Responding to further queries on why the boil water notice has been issued, Irish Water explained that in order to safeguard drinking water supplies, chlorine residual levels of greater than 0.1 mg/l should be  present within the entire distribution system.

“Irish Water went on to say that by maintaining this level of chlorine, the supply is fully disinfected and any bacteria which may have survived the various treatment stages are destroyed.  However due to the poor raw water quality in Cavetown lake recently (as a result of the drought), the water treatment plant is unable to remove sufficient organics from the water resulting in quicker chlorine decay with chlorine levels dropping below 0.1mg/l at some locations within the distribution system. 

“Irish Water also said that coliform was detected in some recent samples.  Although coliforms are not harmful, Irish Water said it does highlight that the water supply is vulnerable to bacteriological contamination. Testing and monitoring of the supply is continuing and Irish Water will issue further updates.”

Ends

Contact: Senator Feighan, (086) 8331234.

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.”