EU Funding Vital for All-Ireland Rail Network

Sinn Féin MLA’s brought forward a motion in the assembly this week calling for the Minister for Regional Development to work in partnership with the Irish Government to advance the 'pre identified' projects list for inclusion in the next round of EU funding for 2014-2020.

Trans- European Networks were a by-product of the Maastricht Treaty and they were established to ensure fit for purpose networks in transport, energy and telecommunication where available across the EU. The Trans- European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy sets the policy framework for the development of transport infrastructure across the EU. TEN-T comprises infrastructures such as roads, railways, waterways, ports, airports, navigation aids, intermodal freight terminals and product pipelines. For the current programming period (2007-2013), the TEN-T has an EU budget of around 49 billion. The next round of EU funding is currently being decided for 2014- 2020. There is currently a list of pre-identified projects; however, Ireland does not feature on this list. Sinn Féin has been working vigorously in an attempt to acquire the inclusion of a project we feel would benefit the whole island of Ireland. The ‘Western Arc’ project would include a Western rail network extending through from Belfast through Derry, Sligo, Knock, Galway to Shannon/ Limerick. This project would go a very long way to re-establishing an all-Ireland rail network. West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer stated, “Such a project could form the basis for redressing the disastrous effects of the economic collapse of the banking and construction sectors throughout the island. The EU in its concern about the disastrous consequences of climate change is already considering radical proposals to reinstate rail as the preferred option for freight and passenger traffic in the future. Politicians in Ireland continuously talk about investment in the rail ‘network’ as if such a network actually exists. We need to accept that we do not have a ‘rail network’. What we have is a ‘line’ connecting Belfast to Dublin, a link to Larne and what passes for a link between Belfast and Derry which is so sub-standard the majority of commuters will not use it. Donegal, Sligo, Galway and much west of Shannon are no better served. Sinn Fein’s Regional Development representatives have been very active in attempting to bring the Western Arc project to life. Our MLA’s and party activists have had discussions in Europe, met with economic development officers for councils north and south, have submitted various parliamentary questions and have met with various organisations north and south in order to gain more information and to get our project on the agenda. The use of an all-island rail passenger/freight network would reduce road traffic congestion and protect the environment by reducing toxic emissions. Sinn Féin is under no illusion about the massive financial investment a regeneration programme of this nature would involve. However, the Executive and the Irish government must realise that the solution to problems such as under-development, devastating damage to the environment, vandalism of our cultural heritage etc. lies in the development and implementation of long-term transportation strategies. And there is much untapped financial assistance available at European level if the political will exists to present the project as an integral part of the Trans European Network (TEN).”

Radiotherapy Unit on schedule

West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle attended a briefing in Stormont with the Western Health Trust in relation to the new Radiotherapy unit in Altnagelvin. This discussion was hosted by Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin and gave the Trust an opportunity to give a presentation to elected representatives on their project. Altanagelvin hospitals new Radiotherapy unit is due to open in 2016 and will increase Radiotherapy capacity in the north of Ireland. This unique cross border project will be a hospital within a hospital, providing treatments to people with cancer both north and south. It will provide more locally accessible and timely services and improve travelling for thousands of people for generations to come.

Speaking after the Health Trusts briefing Ms. Boyle said, “Today’s discussion was extremely reassuring and positive and is great news for the people of the North West of Ireland. We have heard some distressing stories of the plight of cancer sufferers from right across the North West. We have had people from Derry, Donegal and Strabane telling about the impact of having to travel hundreds of miles for 5 minutes of treatment .The impact it had on them physically, emotionally and financially and the hardships it placed on families was horrendous. The Western Trust informed us today that radiotherapy in many cases is often overlooked when compared to surgery or chemotherapy. This is a shocking discovery considering that it is the most cost effective method of treating cancer and 40% of cancer patients in the north have been cured through radiotherapy treatment. In addition, adding radiotherapy to other treatments improves 5 year survival by 16%. In terms of workforce planning for the new unit the Western Trust informed us that key staff disciplines have been identified to be trained and recruited with some being placed in the Belfast Cancer Centre for further training and development. This will ensure that a competent and experienced workforce will be available for the opening of the new unit in 2016. The provision of the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin has been a strategic priority and central campaign issue of Sinn Féin's over many years and now that plans for the essential facility for people in this region of Ireland are underway we will be working to ensure that the scheduled completion date stays on track. This new facility will make a dramatic impact on the lives of cancer sufferers as it will mean that the vast majority of patients will be able to receive radiotherapy treatment within one hour travelling distance of their homes.”

SUBSTANTIAL NEW GAA FUNDING ANNOUNCED

The Culture and Agriculture Ministers have today announced substantial additional funding to Ulster GAA over the next three years, including a boost to the Tyrone County Centre of Participation at Garvaghey totalling over £1 million. The funding comes as part of a wider £4.5 million package from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure targeted at gaelic, soccer and rugby. Speaking after meeting Ulster GAA officials today, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín confirmed an additional £1.5 million each to gaelic, rugby and soccer over the next three years.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, who also attended the meeting, confirmed that almost £600,000 will also be allocated to the Garvaghey Centre of Participation under the Rural Development Programme (RDP). This follows a previous award of £250,000 to the Centre. Minister O’Neill added: West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle said: “This is an important announcement of extra funding to support the three codes of gaelic, soccer and rugby. I am especially pleased that Sinn Féin Ministers Carál Ni Chuilín and Michelle O’Neill have ensured that that this money will provide Ulster GAA with extra capital and revenue opportunities over the next three years, including £500,000 towards the Tyrone County Board’s Centre of Participation at Garvaghey. Strabane District Cllr Kieran McGuire added: “It is vital that rural inequalities are addressed through programmes like the RDP. The award of further funding to Tyrone’s Garvaghey Centre of Participation demonstrates that the DARD Minister will ensure rural inequalities and needs are properly addressed. This is an important centre for enhancing sports participation and excellence, social inclusion, outreach, education and cultural development.”

Boyle welcomes Fuel Saving Stamp Scheme for Strabane

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed an initiative being undertaken by Strabane Community Project to establish a “Fuel Saving Stamps Scheme” within Strabane town.

She said, “I very much welcome this Fuel Stamp Saving Scheme being undertaken by Strabane Community Project and fully support the objective of this scheme as an effort to help reduce fuel poverty. “Similar schemes are in place in many other districts, including in neighboring Omagh, and are an invaluable mechanism in helping people to budget towards their oil heating costs. “The template employed elsewhere enables people to buy £5 stamps from participating retail outlets and place these on a card to build up credit. The stamps are then accepted by participating oil companies towards the cost of the fuel bill and I hope that the scheme can be embraced as widely as possible locally. “The Public Health Agency has offered Council £5000 to support a fuel poverty initiative in the district in this current financial year and last night, councillors were unanimous in their backing of an application to the Agency requesting that Strabane Community Project be the delivery agents of a pilot fuel saving scheme for central heating oil and that Council would also contribute £1000 towards getting this pilot up and running “The pilot will run until the end of March 2013 and, if deemed successful, Strabane Community Project plans to extend it throughout the wider district.

Sinn Féin working to secure fundamental changes to Welfare ‘Reform’ Bill

At a packed Public Meeting held in Ballycolman Community Centre on Thursday (15 Nov), Sinn Féin elected representatives highlighted the draconian nature of many of the measures contained in the Tory led Government’s Welfare Reform Bill and outlined how the party is pro-actively working to secure fundamental changes to the Bill both within the Assembly and through directly lobbying the British government. Michaela Boyle MLA chaired the meeting and was joined on the panel by local MP Pat Doherty and by Newry/Armagh MLA and DSD Committee Vice-Chair Mickey Brady, who was standing in on behalf of his DSD Committee party colleague Alex Maskey.

Michaela Boyle said, “At the outset of the meeting, the panel highlighted the main changes proposed in the Welfare Reform Bill and outlined our major concerns about how many of the proposed measures, if implemented as currently designed, would represent an unacceptable attack on the living standards and well-being of our lowest income families and the most vulnerable sections of society here. “These included outlining our concerns around proposed measures in benefit areas such as: Housing benefit-under-occupancy penalties, reduced eligibility criteria and problematic payment methods; Universal Credit -replacing Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related ESA, Housing Benefit, Child and Working Tax Credit with a single ‘Universal Credit’ with changing criteria governing eligibility for benefit, new work related activity requirements and an increased sanctions regime even for lone parents with no access to childcare; and a marked step up in targeting the disabled and sick by extending the flawed medical assessments which currently govern those applying for or who are in receipt of ESA , to the disabled as they apply for or are migrated to the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which is scheduled to replace DLA as an from April next year. With the Tory’s aiming to make 20% savings in terms of expenditure and caseload under “PIPs” this will undoubtedly result in many genuinely disabled people losing or having their benefit cut in the same way many people who are genuinely sick are losing their entitlement to ESA. “During an extensive Q&A session many of those present were taken aback at the extent of the draconian measures in this Bill and were deeply concerned at how they would affect them both individually and in terms of their wider family. “While the levels of benefits for the north are set in London, we once again re-iterated our party position that unless meaningful flexibilities and mitigating measures are secured to alleviate the harsher aspects of this Bill we will not be supporting it.

“Mickey Brady outlined how the Bill is now at Committee Stage and how he the other 2 party DSD Committee members are scrutinizing every measure and clause in the Bill and are bringing forward proposed amendments in line with all our areas of concern and how the Committee has now supported a re-submitted Sinn Féin proposal to bring forward a motion to the Assembly calling for an Ad-Hoc Committee to establish whether the ‘Bill’ is Human Rights and Equality complaint. He also outlined that the Committee Stage will be followed by a Consideration Stage and a Further Consideration Stage on the floor of the Assembly where Sinn Féin will be also pressing our proposed amendments to the Bill. “Pat Doherty outlined how he and other MPs are directly lobbying the British government on an ongoing basis in an effort to secure flexibilities in how the Bills administered in the North given that it has already accepted that the situation here is graver than elsewhere. “Sinn Féin will be continuing with our strategy to secure fundamental changes to this Bill and also through our constituency office services we will be continuing to advise and assist the ever growing number of people contacting us seeking our help on the full range of benefit related issues ranging from: helping people to maximize their benefit entitlements, help with filling in benefit forms, engaging with decision makers, as well as representation at benefit Tribunals. ENDS

Patton subcontractors at Assembly to lobby MLAs

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has met with subcontractors affected by the Patton group going into administration.

The all party meeting was an initiative by Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay to outline the difficult situation that many companies now find themselves in. Mr McElduff said: “There were sub-contractors from West Tyrone present in the packed room in Stormont who voiced their frustration at the situation. Some sub-contractors will be able to subsume this debt whilst others are in need of support and advice as to how they can deal with this debt being passed down the chain, especially when the doors of many banks remain closed to them. There is a particular onus on Invest NI and the Enterprise Minister to assist these businesses in whatever way they can, as last week’s news will lead to further job losses through these sub-contractors.. It is important that Assembly members and Ministers avail of the opportunity to listen to sub-contractors concerns and worries about this situation. The representatives from Patton’s that were present at the discussion outlined the full scale of the situation and highlighted the fact that well over 2000 employees will be affected who are owed approximately £15million.These companies are located right across the north and are a vital part of our local economy. This needs to be an immediate priority.”

More assistance needed for separated parents

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has questioned the Minister for Social Development on what steps he is taking to support parents who are separated.

The Department for Social Development is undertaking a programme of major reform for child maintenance. Research and evidence demonstrate that children who receive support from both parents throughout their childhood tend to enjoy better outcomes in life. Therefore, through the reform programme, the intention is to develop a modernised child maintenance service that will provide high-quality information and support at the earliest possible time during a relationship breakdown. Officials have been working at community level to trial interventions to assess the different levels of support required in local communities in order to find out what works and does not work at a local level in supporting separated families. The findings from that work have highlighted potential opportunities for enhancing existing arrangements to support the most vulnerable through local community organisations and trusted networks. Ms Boyle stated: “The breakdown of a relationship propels families into uncharted and inhospitable territory. We are increasingly aware that throughout Ireland more assistance needs to be readily available earlier in the process of separation in order that the terrain becomes more manageable for all. The British government are to introduce charges for the use of the new statutory child maintenance scheme. In the north maintenance is a devolved matter and charges are still under consideration. I have called on the DSD minister alongside the executive to ensure that more assistance and information is provided to enable people to work together to resolve issues such as maintenance arrangements and that no charge will be levied to the caring parent”.

Sinn Féin welcome republican’s release

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has welcomed the release of Pádraic Wilson on bail.

McAleer said: “Sinn Féin welcomes the release of Pádraic Wilson. The simple fact is that he should never have been charged in the first instance. The arrest and charging of Pádraic Wilson is but the latest manifestation of lingering negative elements within the PSNI which must be removed. The agenda pursued by these individuals is political. It is designed to undermine the change agenda and the political process and to reverse the progress we continue to make. Sinn Féin are calling for the withdrawal of the bogus and politically motivated charges against him from the PSNI. Sinn Féin will continue to campaign to have these charges withdrawn.”

Lowering the voting age motion success welcomed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the support for a motion in the Assembly calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16.

Ms. Boyle said, “Sinn Féin proposed a motion in conjunction with the Green Party calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16 years and I am delighted that it has been passed. As elected representatives, we make decisions every day that impact heavily on young people and many of these decisions will have a long term effect on their future, yet they have no say in who represents them in areas such as the Assembly or local Councils. There is a global and European momentum towards extending the right to vote to young people at 16 and 17 years old. A historic decision has been taken in Scotland to allow 16 and 17 years olds to participate in a crucial referendum on Scottish independence; it is time that all elections and referenda held on the island of Ireland were made equally open to young people. While this first step has been passed we need to encourage more support so that we can see a similar motion in the British House of Commons and ensure young people’s engagement in any further elections.”

Disruption problems to RTE signal in Aghyaran area could be related to wind turbines

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire says that since the digital switchover residents in the Aghyaran area have been experiencing major disruptions with the signal for RTE channels a problem which is believed to be related to the degree of movement of the blades of wind turbines which are highly concentrated in the area.

Cllr Mc Guire,

“Since the Digital Switchover local residents have been experiencing major disruptions with the RTE channels signal.  On calm days the signal is clear, when it is slightly breezy the signal is intermittent but when it becomes very windy, the signal becomes non-existent.

“As similar weather conditions do not seem to impact upon the RTE channels signal in other areas, local people are directly linking the extent of disruption to the degree of movement of the blades of the wind turbines which are highly concentrated in this area.”

“I have asked the Environmental Health Department of Strabane District Council to investigate if this is the source of the signal disruption problem and if it is established that this is indeed the case, then I will be pressing for action to be taken to overcome this problem such as alternative ways to boost the RTE channels signal in the local area. 

Pat Doherty to meet British Secretary of State in Westminster

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty is in London today for a series of meetings with MP’s including British Secretary of State (SoS) Theresa Villiers.

Speaking before leaving for London this morning Pat Doherty said:

“I will be holding a series of meetings with individual MP’s including British SoS, Theresa Villiers and her Labour Shadow SoS Vernon Coaker, in Westminster today as part of  Sinn Féin’s intensive lobbying exercise to influence political opinion on a number of issues crucial to the interests of the Northern electorate."

“I will take the opportunity in meetings with Theresa Villiers, Vernon Coaker and Laurence Robertson MP, NI Affairs Committee Chairperson, to impress on them the hardship that the so-called Welfare Reform Bill in its present form will inflict on the most vulnerable in our society and the damage it will do to the local economy. If Ms Villiers as is claimed is the voice of the North at Cabinet then she needs to take her lead from the Executive and not simply parrot the one size fits all attitude to the economy of her government colleagues. I will focus on the Sinn Féin proposed amendments and our determination to see them addressed."

“In my meetings with Theresa Villiers and Vernon Coaker in particular, I will also be reiterating the Sinn Féin demand for the immediate release of Marian Price and Martin Corey. It is totally unacceptable and an affront to natural Justice that a British SoS can defy the decisions of the Courts and imprison anyone without producing compelling evidence against them."

“Other MP’s that I will be meeting with in an attempt to influence their thinking on the Welfare Reform Bill are NI Affairs Committee members, Nigel Mills MP (Con), Oliver Colville MP (Con) and Dave Anderson MP (Lab)"

Mc Hugh welcomes commencement of work on Clady-Doneyloop footpath

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh has welcomed the beginning of construction of the footpath from Clady to Doneyloop describing it as a key element in the wider scheme to improve the public realm of the area with an investment of €525,000 to be made in total.

He said,

“Through close collaboration between Donegal County Council and Strabane District Council €3.8 million of EU Interreg funding was secured for the Riverlinks Project and of this amount €525,000 is to be spent on to improve the public realm of Clady/Doneyloop.  The area has been particularly badly affected by the dislocating affects of partition and this investment will have a transforming impact.

“The construction of a footpath between Clady and Doneyloop Chapel is a very practical measure to enhance pedestrian safety and combined with the other multi-element environmental improvements in store for the area, the social and visual amenity for the local community and visitors alike will be greatly enhanced.  
“Through Council I have been pressing for speedy progress to be made on moving ahead with the different schemes contained in the Riverlinks Project and particularly the Clady-Doneyloop scheme in my own electoral area so I am delighted that construction is now to begin on the footpath tomorrow (Tuesday 30th October) and I will continue to work to ensure other elements of the scheme are commenced at the earliest possible date

Boyle highlights mental health issues support services

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that it is important that people affected by mental health problems are aware of the range of support services that are available to help.

The local MLA, and party spokesperson on disability issues, who was speaking at the launch of NI Action Mental Health’s (NIAMH) guidance on stamping out stigma said,

 “NIAMH is one of the largest charities here providing support services for people affected by mental ill health providing counselling, supported housing, day support and advocacy.

“During Mental Health Week we held an event called “Don’t lose your marbles” which was a fun way of raising awareness around mental health issues. It seems to me that momentum is growing and that finally we are beginning to talk about mental health in an open and honest way.

“The stark reality is that 1 in 4 of us will be affected at some point in our lives by a mental health issue. So mental ill health is common - we will either suffer from it at some stage or a member of our family will, or one of our friends.

“However, there is still a stigma associated with mental ill health. This stigma can act as a barrier for people affected coming forward and seeking help. It can also make recovery more difficult when people experience negative reactions from family, work colleagues or neighbours.

“These negative views and stereotyping lead to people being isolated and discriminated against and it is therefore essential that we all work towards breaking down these barriers and putting an end to the silence.

NIAMH “Stamp out Stigma” campaign will help address some of the issues highlighted and allow people with mental health issues the confidence to come forward and get the proper treatment to lead a normal life again.”

Sinn Féin condemns vicious assault on 12 year-old in Strabane

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Breslin has expressed her disgust at the unprovoked and vicious assault of a 12 year old boy in Owenreagh Drive in the town on Saturday evening.

She said,

“I would firstly wish the young victim a full and speedy recovery from the traumatic ordeal he has endured.

“This poor boy has been left with serious physical injuries as a result of this unprovoked and vicious assault and the trauma that was inflicted upon him by his assailants will undoubtedly stay with him long after the physical scares have healed.

“This could have been any child walking on their own and the entire community is sickened at the clearly random nature of this despicable attack.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information as to the identities of those involved to bring it forward immediately.”   ENDS

Boyle lobbies Translink on Derg service to Eniskillen Hospital

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that Translink are to look at the bus service timetable from Castlederg to Omagh to see if it can be adjusted to allow a  link up with the newly established ‘hospital service between Altnagelvin and Eniskillen hospital.  

The local MLA said,

“Since the opening of the new hospital at Eniskillen more and more people from the Derg area are being signposted to the Erne facility, both for admissions and appointments.   However, the absence of a direct service from this area to the hospital as well as a divergence in bus timetables between Castlederg and Omagh and the Omagh and Eniskillen makes it logistically difficult for anyone dependent on public transport to make their way to the hospital in a timely fashion.

“Following approaches by constituents to local Sinn Fein councillors and myself on the issue, I wrote to Translink requesting that it investigate the establishment of a direct service from the Derg area to the Erne Hospital.

“I welcome the response I have now received from Translink in which it commits to looking at the timetabling issue to see if a joined up service can now be put in place.  This would undoubtedly be of help, but would not resolve the basic issue of local people still having to undergo long  and unnessary roundabout journey to get to and from the hospital.

“So I took the opportunity to one again raise the issue at meeting with Translink in Omagh on Friday and will continue to press the case for the establishment of a direct service from the Derg area to the Erne."

Sinn Fein activists repaint Ballycolman walls targeted in graffiti spree

Last night Sinn Féin activists spent several hours repainting walls and other surfaces in the Ballycolman Estate which had been defaced with unsightly graffiti earlier this week.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon said,

“A couple of young boys were clearly identified as carrying out this graffiti spree throughout the Ballycolman and Sinn Fein members have been subsequently talking to their parents in an effort to ensure that there is no repetition of this wanton vandalism which has so angered the local community.

“Walls and surfaces over a wide area were defaced with black spray can paint over a two day period and last night party activists spent several hours repainting the walls and other surfaces which had been targeted.

“The Ballycolman is a close knit and proud community and the small few who engage in activities such as the wanton vandalism that happened this week cannot be allowed to undermine this community cohesion."

Camus Play Park in line for upgrade

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin has welcomed agreement secured at Strabane District Council to upgrade the childrens play park at Camus.

She said,

“This childrens play park in Camus is now in line for a much-needed revamp.

“Within Council, I have been pressing for this upgrade so that it can brought up to a safe standard and following discussion at the DCAL Working Group the Councils’s Development Committee  has now agreed to approve approximately £20k to refurbish it with some new equipment and landscaping.
 
“Coupled with the development of the adjoining Multi-Use-Games-Area and changing rooms at Camus Park, with the pitch due to be available for the 2013 season, the overall investment by Strabane District Council will greatly improve play and recreation opportunities for the people of Camus and the surrounding rural hinterland.”

Sinn Féin motion on marriage equality passed by Strabane District Council

A Sinn Féin motion was passed last night at Strabane District Council making it the latest council in Ireland to support the introduction of same-sex marriages.

Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin who proposed the motion said:

“I am delighted that Strabane District Council has supported my motion to extend the same rights and entitlements to civil marriages for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

“Civil partnerships were equally opposed with the same vitriol, from the same quarters that are opposing this step for marriage equality. Civil Partnerships have been enshrined in law for years now-The sky has not fallen in and neither will it fall when equality in marriage for all Citizens finally in enshrined in civil law.

"We cannot pretend to be for equality and then add the word 'but'", she concluded.

Unscrupulous individuals selling lethal fireworks to young people

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that those unscrupulous individuals profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers to local young people will bear ultimate responsibility if any injuries result from their reckless misuse.

He said,  

“Sinn Féin councillors and activists are receiving complaints from residents in many different areas throughout the town about serious incidents where fireworks/bangers have being recklessly thrown at people, their property and even their pets.

“Given sheer volume of such devices being let off on a nightly basis, it is only a matter of time before serious injury results-either to a young person handling them or to someone who is targeted by them.

"The danger associated with these devises was tragically demonstrated in North Belfast at the weekend with a young man now left with a serious eye injury when struck by a firework so I would appeal to parents to be extremely vigilant and ensure that their children are not handling these fireworks/bangers, both for their own safety and for the safety of others.

“It is those individuals who are profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers who will be responsible if anyone in this area sustains an injury as a result of their unscrupulous activity.   They need to desist from supplying young people with these potentially lethal devises now, before it is too late!"

Extra Single Farm Payment Welcomed

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed the decision by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to divert more money into the Single Farm Payment scheme.

Cllr Mc Guire said,

“This is a good news story for farmers in what has been a difficult year for them.  The decision to put an additional £15m into the Single Farm Payment scheme will no doubt be welcomed by both farmers and the general rural community.

“The Minister has shown she is aware of the financial difficulties facing the farmers and has acted decisively to inject more cash into the hands of farmers through the scheme.

 “These extra monies will help offset the growing price of feed for farmers with livestock and help those farmers whose crops are down due to the wet summer we have had.

 “The rural economy is greatly based upon the welfare of the farmers so this injection of more cash to the farmers will undoubtedly filter its way through the local communities and create a stimulus in this economy.”

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP at Tory Party Conference

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty will address a fringe meeting at the British Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Before leaving for Birmingham Pat Doherty said:

“On the day that my Party colleagues will be arguing in the Assembly for deferral of the Welfare Reform Bill until there are substantial amendments made to it, I will take the opportunity at the Conservative Party Conference to impress on the British Tories its unacceptability to the people of the North of Ireland.

“Rather than much needed reform as the Tories are attempting to portray their proposals they are in fact a continuation of the cuts agenda from a British Government that cannot relate to the needs of the people. Reducing disposable income coupled with the reduction of spending on infrastructure and capital projects will have the inevitable effect of pushing more people into poverty and deprivation. This is further evidence of the need to have maximum fiscal powers transferred away from London to the Assembly as it is clear that economic policy makers in Whitehall have no conception of the social and economic conditions that pertain here.

“I will be highlighting the detrimental effects of the £4 billion cut to the North's budget which are already having devastating effects on our economy.

“I also intend to raise the Marion Price and Martin Corey cases and call on the new British Secretary of State to take a more enlightened and sensible approach to this issue than her predecessor Owen Paterson.”

DUP Council Chair must retract offensive ‘anti-woman’ remark

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has described remarks by the DUP Chair of Strabane District Council Thomas Kerrigan in which he stated that “God made man and he made woman as a helper’ as not only grossly offensive but totally inappropriate given his position as first citizen of the District with a responsibility to represent all its people equally.

The DUP man made the controversial remarks in this week’s edition of the Strabane Chronicle when outlining why he would be opposing a Sinn Féin sponsored motion seeking that the local council supports the same rights and entitlements to civil marriage for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality.  The motion is to be debated in the Council Chamber this coming Monday (8 October).

In response to his remarks Michaela Boyle said,

“Since the publication of this remark yesterday, I have been contacted by a large number of people absolutely incensed that the DUP Chair of Strabane District Council felt fit to make such a grossly offensive remark which clearly infers that women are somehow inferior to men.

“His regressive remark is particularly alarming given his position as Chair of Strabane District Council with not only a statutory duty to uphold gender equality law, but also because of his responsibility to represent all the citizens of the District equally.

“According to the recently published census figures there are 20,016 female residents in Strabane District. So through his comments Thomas has effectively designated over half the population of the District as ‘helpers’.  This cannot be left unchallenged.

“I would call therefore upon the DUP Chair to immediately retract this remark immediately.

Strabane Sinn Féin calls for immediate release of Marion Price, Martin Corey and Gerry Mc Geough

Sinn Féin has submitted a motion to Strabane District Council calling for the immediate release of Marion Price and Martin Corey and Gerry McGeough.

The motion is scheduled for debate at the meeting of full council this coming Monday (8 October) and in proposing the motion on behalf of the 8 strong Sinn Fein grouping, Cllr Kieran Mc Guire said,

“Everyone is entitled to due process. Both Martin Corey and Marion Price have been denied this. Their continued detention without trial is an infringement of their human rights and clearly undermines the justice system. Their imprisonment is unjust and is in defiance of rulings by the courts in both cases. Both have been granted bail by the courts and yet remain in prison.


“The arrest and continuing detention of Gerry McGeough represents a flagrant breach by the British Government of its commitments in the Weston Park Agreement with respect to OTRs.

“All three should be released immediately."

Large numbers attend annual republican commemorative events in Strabane

Large numbers attended commemorative events held in Strabane this weekend in memory of local republicans listed on the West Tyrone Roll of Honour and Remembrance.

Speaking following the events, Chair of Strabane National Graves Association and Sinn Fein Councillor Jay Mc Cauley said,

“At this time each come we come together to remember the sacrifice of the republican dead from this area, to stand in solidarity with their families and to rededicate our efforts to fulfill the objectives of Irish Unity based on Equality and Justice for which they struggled and for which gave their lives.

“This year’s commemorative events were extremely memorable and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to everyone who contributed towards making them such a success.

“The lecture and discussion on the theme of “Remembering our Past, Forging our Future,” held in Fountain Street on Saturday evening saw excellent contributions from the panel of Gráinne Mhic Géidigh, Barry Mc Elduff and Declan Kearney and allowed for wide ranging input and debate from the floor. Given the positive feedback received from many in attendance it is hoped that we can build similar such events into the itinerary for future commemorative weekends.

“On Sunday afternoon, the annual commemoration parade from the Ballycolman to Strabane Graveyard was led by a colour party and 4 bands and following the laying of wreaths, reading of the West Tyrone Roll of Honour and Remembrance and the lowering of flags at the Republican Plot, there was warm and sustained applause for a haunting poetry reading of Mise Éire accompanied by flute music and a powerful solo rendition of Four Green Fields.

 Main speaker at proceedings in the Graveyard was Éibhlín Glenholmes and in a moving and inspirational speech she primarily focused on the sacrifices that families of republican dead have been forced to endure as a result of the involvement of their loved ones in the struggle for Irish freedom and continuing she stated:

“We know that it simply isn’t true that time heals – we just learn to live with the grief. And we know that there has been an ongoing strategy carried out by our political enemies to create a hierarchy of victims – to try and convince the world that there is a  Unionist ascendancy of victimhood – that your loss is lesser than anyone else’s.

“But that is simply not true. Each loss carries its own pain.
All tears that fall are the same.
No parents love is lesser or greater than anyone else’s.
Grief is the great equaliser.”

In poignant concluding remarks Eibhlín directly addressed the many young people present saying,

“We need to increase the demand for Irish Unity. We need to become one nation in order to build the Ireland of Equals. That’s what our fallen comrades sacrificed their lives for. For our future. For our tomorrows. For the children of the nation.

“So youth has a lot to do. And youth need to know your place.
Your place is to be the engine – your place is in the vanguard.
Your place will be to one day stand where I stand now and tell the families “We kept our faith with you”.

“It’s then we’ll see the rising of the moon.”

Following the graveyard proceedings the parade reformed and made its way back to Fountain Street Community Centre were refreshments were served.

Sinn Féin meets Ambulance Service on ‘inadequacy’ of Derg cover

Sinn Féin councillors Maolíosa Mc Hugh and Kieran Mc Guire have held a meeting with senior Ambulance Service officials to press them on ongoing concerns over ‘inadequate levels of ambulance cover’ being provided in the Derg area of Strabane District Council.

In a joint statement following the meeting with Mr Brian Mc Neill (Ambulance Service Headquarters) and Frank Orr (Western Division Area Manager) the Sinn Féin elected representatives said,

“Sinn Féin has been highlighting the issue of inadequate ambulance cover being provided for the people of Derg area over recent years and in particular how the ambulance located at the Castlederg station always appears to be the first to be moved out to provide cover elsewhere within Western Division area.

“It is clear that this practice has resulted in delayed response times to this area. This was illustrated earlier this year when Hungarian national Sandor Lakatos died suddenly of a heart attack in Castlederg and the ambulance had to come from Omagh. This is not to say that Mr Lakatos would still be alive today had the ambulance to come from the local station, but obviously it increases a person’s chance of survival if an ambulance is on site quicker.

“From our on the ground knowledge we believe that Castlederg and its large rural hinterlands is being left without ‘onsite’ ambulance cover for between 20-25% of the time and at the meeting Mr Frank Orr gave us commitment to come back within 1 month to provide us with the exact statistics as to the amount of time the Castlederg ambulance is withdrawn to provide cover to other areas..

“Mr Brian Mc Neill of Ambulance Headquarters took our concerns on board and gave us a commitment to assess current ambulance service provision within the Division to see what, if any, improvements can be made.

Work to take away Adria mound rubble commences

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has welcomed today’s commencement of action by the owner of the derelict Adria site in Strabane to take away a high mound of rubble, to the right of the site, which was being used as launching pad to target homes in the adjoining Melmount Road area.

“I have been pressing the site owner to take such remedial action for some months. While this will not solve all the problems in terms of the anti-community activity that has been emanating from the derelict site, it hopefully will improve the situation for residents in adjoining properties on the Melmount Road who have been enduring missile attacks from a high mound of rubble overlooking their homes within the Adria site.

“The land owner contacted me last night to let me know that machinery would be on site today to commence this work and I would therefore appeal that this essential work can be undertaken without any hindrance or interference so that it can be completed as quickly as possible.”

Weekend Events To Commemorate West Tyrone Republican Dead

Chair of Strabane National Graves Association, Sinn Fein Cllr Jay Mc Cauley has called upon local people to show their solidarity with the families of Republican dead from the area by attending commemorative events in tribute to their memory this weekend.

He said,

“The first event will be a commemorative lecture entitled ‘Remembering the Past, Forging the future’, which is being held in Fountain Street Community Centre this Saturday (29th September) between 6-8pm.  The event be chaired by Sinn Féin Údarás na Gaeltachta member Gráinne Mhic Géidigh and will hear contributions  from local MLA Barry Mc Elduff and Sinn Fein National Chairperson Declan Kearney.  Refreshments will also be served at this unique event.

"Sunday's Annual Commemoration Parade will leave from "Ballycolman Shops" at 2:30pm and make its way to the Republican Plot at Strabane Cemetery. En route, a wreath will also be laid at the Hunger Strike Memorial at Townsend Street. The Main Speaker at the Republican Plot will be Eibhlín Glenholmes:

“A native of the Short Strand, her father was interned without charge or trial in Long Kesh Concentration Camp in the 1970’s and her grandfather in the 1920’s. When she was 16 she was shot by loyalists and was very fortunate to survive. First arrested on the word of ‘Supergrass Evidence’ in 1983 she was held in Armagh jail before subsequently beating two British Extradition warrant attempts in high profile cases in the Dublin courts in the mid 1980’s.  In more recent years she has acted as National Coordinator for Gender Equality for Sinn Féin and has sat on the Ard Chomhairle of the party. Eibhlin currently works with Coiste- an umbrella organisation for Republican Ex-Pow groups and also sits on the recently established North’s Victims and Survivors Forum.

"Following Sunday's Commemoration participants will be invited back to Fountain Street Community Centre for tea and sandwiches.

“The people of this area have continually shown their support and respect for republicans who have sacrificed everything in the cause of Irish Freedom and, on behalf of the organisers, I would like to extend an open invite for people to attend this weekend’s commemorative events in Strabane.”

New sub-committee to bring rural issues to heart of business of Strabane Council

Strabane Glenelly Sinn Féin Cllr Dan Kelly has described the establishment of a Rural/Agriculture sub-committee as an important step in ensuring that the key issues affecting rural parts of the district are brought to the heart of business in the Council Chamber.

Cllr Kelly, who has been behind the lobby to have such a forum set up, said,

“While Strabane is predominantly rural, many rural dwellers that I speak to feel that council business is disproportionately dominated by issues affecting urban centres in the district.

“So, within council, I have been pressing for the setting up of a vehicle whereby the key issues affecting people in our rural communities can be brought to the heart of council business.

“Following my request, discussions have been undertaken with Omagh District Council, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and representative farming bodies to examine existing models against which to take this proposal forward.

“Based on these discussions it is proposed to establish a liaison group which would be convened up to four times per year to discuss issues relevant to the rural/agricultural sector in the district.

“An initial meeting with the key stakeholders is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 10 October 2012 at 10.00am to ensure the liaison group adds value to existing consultation and engagement arrangements and to refine the terms of reference and identify priority areas for discussion.  It is further proposed that this group be open to all Councillors with an interest in rural issues.”

Doherty seeks meeting with British Transport Minister to lobby against £1000 charge for 26 county road hauliers

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has written to Westminster’s new Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin seeking an urgent meeting to spell out the potentially disastrous consequences for the entire island economy of the Tory led government plans to charge road hauliers up to £1,000 a driver per year to enter the north from the 26 counties.

The local MP with responsibility for transport issues said,

“Once again we have an example of policy being formulated at Westminster which gives no consideration to the economic realities of this island.

“This announcement to charge hauliers up to £1,000 a driver per year to enter the north from the 26 counties is now being met with calls for a reciprocal move from the Irish Haulier Association for a similar charge for drivers from the north.

“Given ever-increasing fuel costs there is already a major strain on very tight operating margins for hauliers throughout the island and such additional taxes could lead to many firms going to the wall.   Moreover, in an effort to survive, increased costs of deliveries would be passed on to business and turn passed on, in the form of higher prices for goods, to consumers. So instead of kick-starting the economy, as the British Minister announcing this additional tax claims, it would actually lead to depressing it further.

“I have therefore written to the new Westminster Transport Minister seeking a meeting to outline the potentially disastrous consequences of this move and to press    the British government to exempt the haulage traffic on the island of Ireland from these charges.

“At the North South Ministerial Council one of the main thrusts is to remove barriers to trade on an all-Ireland basis in order to help to build the economy across the island. Taxes such as this will only have the opposite effect.”

Mc Cauley secures street signage for Marian Park

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that the erection of street signage at Marian Park in the town will hopefully alleviate the persistent problems local residents have been encountered in terms of service providers and visitors being able to locate their homes in this part of the Head of the town.

He said,

“The absence of signage identifying Marian Park has presented persistent problems for residents living there down through the years.

“Apart from the difficulties some emergency services have had in locating addresses in a prompt manner, there have been countless instances of various delivery service personnel and people not familiar with the area having to stop and ask directions to the home of a Marian Park resident.            

“On the foot of representations from local residents, I pressed Council’s Technical Services Dept to provide appropriate signage to help alleviate these problems.  The signage was installed last Thursday and hopefully its provision will make life easier not only local residents but for people trying to locate addresses in the area."

Altnagelvin Radiotherapy Unit on schedule to commence next year

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed confirmation from Assembly Health Minister Edwin Poots that the construction of the planned radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin remains on target to commence next year.

The local MLA, who received the confirmation in response to a written question she submitted to the Minister on the issue, said:

“I asked the Minister to provide reassurance that there would be no slippage in the timeframe for the construction of the Radiotherapy Unit given just how absolutely vital this service is.

“I therefore welcome the reassurance he has provided in confirming that construction remains on target to commence in 2013, with a view to the unit being operational by 2016 and adding that officials {north and south} are working together to finalise arrangements that will ensure the effective delivery of the project to serve the needs of all the people of this north west part of Ireland.”

Sinn Féin welcomes installation of ‘Flashing Light’ safety warning signs at Drumnabey Primary School

Derg Sinn Féin Councillors Ruairí Mc Hugh and Kieran Mc Guire have welcomed the installation of ‘flashing light’ safety warning signs on the approach roads to Drumnabey Primary School.

A joint statement from the local representatives said,

“We have been lobbying Roads Service over a number of years over concerns about pedestrian safety for children attending Drumnabey Primary School.

“While Roads Service previously undertook some remedial work in response to these concerns, we continued to press for the installation of the ‘flashing light’ safety warning signs on both approaches to the school given the particular hazards and dangers which exist.

“We are therefore delighted that Roads Service has acceded to the request to prioritise Drumnabey as part of the “Safer Routes to School Programme” and the warning signs are now installed and operational."

West Tyrone Remembers

Boyle welcomes direct bus service to Altnagelvin Hospital following successful lobby

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the announcement by Translink of the commencement of a direct bus link to Altnagelvin Hospital on Wednesdays and Thursdays after she mounted a lobby for the move following representations she received from local constituents complaining about the logistical and time consuming nightmare that was involved in trying to get to the hospital by way of the conventional bus service routes.

She said,

“Many people have no access to private transport and the absence, up until now, of any direct bus link to Altnagelvin Hospital has presented a logistical and time consuming ordeal for those who have attend appointments or visit loved ones on a frequent basis- with passengers having firstly to go to the Foyle Street Depot in Derry and then having to wait to get the connecting service to Altnagelvin and the same on the return journey.

“Following representations from a number of constituents on the issue, I raised the issue with senior Translink officials at a meeting in January and subsequently made a formal request, in writing, to Translink calling for the introduction of a direct service to Altnagelvin.

“I therefore very much welcome Translink’s announcement of the commencement of “Pilot Service 294” as and from 5th September which will see two return journeys per day every Wednesday and Thursday.
“In terms Of West Tyrone the 2 direct buses to Altnagelvin will leave: Omagh Buscentre at 10:05am and 12noon; Newtownstewart at 10:20am and 12:20pm; Victoria Bridge at 10:25am and 12:25pm; Sion Mills Main Street at 10:30am and 12:30pm; Strabane Bus Centre 10:35am and 12:35pm and the two connecting return buses will leave Altnagelvin once again at 1pm and 4:30pm respectively.

“Having talked to personnel involved in Rural Transport provision locally as well as to passengers who have been using pre-existing Translink service to the hospital, I feel that the critical mass of passengers exists to make this direct service to Altnagelvin viable and hopefully this pilot scheme will lead to an extension of the service if the demand is deemed sufficient."

Report into people with learning difficulties transition problems welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the report ‘Review of Transitions to Adult Services for Young People with Learning Difficulties’ by Queens University that looked at the transition from school into adult services.

Ms Boyle said,

“I welcomed the report from Queens University and the recognition from Children’s Commissioner Patricia Lewsley-Mooney that the procedure is flawed.

“There are many people with learning difficulties who fall between the cracks and families are left with no support or a place for the person in any programme.

“This is detrimental to both the patient and the family as the patient is unable to develop and many are likely to experience mental health difficulties.

“It is important that we create a range of facilities so that there is a smooth transition from school into the social health and care system that will cater for all people across the full range of learning difficulties.”

Rat infestation in Camus Park one of the worst cases imaginable

  “One of the worst cases of rat infestation imaginable” is how Strabane Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin describes what residents of Camus Park are being forced to endure and she is now seeking comprehensive multi-agency action to finally put an end to their long running nightmare.

She said,

“I was contacted by a number of residents of Camus Park who said that they are literally being overrun by rats both inside and outside of their properties, but little did I realise the extent of the problem until I visited and spoke with them yesterday. I was told that in broad daylight, rats can be seen scurrying to and fro across the back gardens of a row of 5 homes at one end of the Park.

“There is a privately owned house at one end of this row which has been lying unoccupied for approximately 5 years and as the condition of this property has deteriorated, local residents believe that rats have moved up from the nearby burn and have gained access to and could possibly be nesting in this property. The sole tenant at the other end of this block is at her wits end as she relates how rats can be continually heard moving between adjoining roof-spaces and hers and how she has continually found rat droppings in her downstairs rooms.   There is also evidence that rats are also getting into the other Housing Executive properties which, while currently vacant, are otherwise in good condition and scheduled for re-let.  This tenant has contacted the Housing Executive and Environmental Health on numerous occasions over the years and while, there has been a slight lull in the problem whenever rat poison has been laid, the rats have re-merged with a vengeance.

“Another neighbour who I spoke to says that because of the extent of the problem, with rats moving around outside, she simply does not allow her grandchildren out to play when they come to visit.    This is one of the worst cases of rat infestation imaginable and residents deserve to be freed from this nightmare.
“I have therefore been in contact with both Housing Executive and Environmental Health officials and am seeking for them to jointly meet with myself and local residents early next week and I will be pressing for both bodies to adopt a joined up approach to not only investigating the source of this problem once and for all and to provide- a comprehensive solution to it."

Sinn Féin attend ICTU Welfare Reform protest at Stormont

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Michaela Boyle has reiterated the need to protect the most vulnerable against the Tory welfare reform agenda. Speaking at the protest against Welfare Reform organised by ICTU at Stormont on Tuesday she said:

“This protest is yet another manifestation of peoples anger at the Tory led welfare reform agenda.  The devastating impact of this agenda is being felt right across society but particularly amongst the most vulnerable.

“With swinging changes to Housing Benefit and Incapacity Benefit eligibility already being severely felt there is much trepidation about the havoc the planned introduction of the Universal Credit and the replacement of DLA with PIPS next year will bring as  it is clear that they will have a negative impact on the vast bulk of the population.  

“Sinn Fein Constituency offices right across the six counties are being inundated with people adversely affected by the draconian changes that have been already made in terms of the replacement of Incapacity Benefit with ESA and swinging changes to Housing benefit rates and eligibility.

"There is much therefore much trepidation about the havoc the planned introduction of the Universal Credit and the replacement of DLA with PIPS next year will bring.

“However, it is clear that the combined impact of all these so-called welfare reforms will negatively impact on the vast bulk of the population.  

“Sinn Féin oppose this agenda and have met with the civic, community and political sectors including the four Churches, welfare advice groups, the Equality and Human Rights Commissions and the trade unions which is why we are here giving our support to this protest.

 “There are unique circumstances in the north of Ireland such as higher levels of poverty, unemployment and disability and this  Welfare reform agenda will impact more negatively locally.

 “For our part Sinn Féin will continue to work to protect the most vulnerable on the basis of equality.”

Mutual recognition of exams needed across all universities on the island

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has called on Department of Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry to do more to remove the barriers facing students from the North applying to universities in the South.

Mr. McElduff said,

“More and more students from the North are applying to universities such as Dublin City University, Galway and Trinity yet they are facing hurdles that prevent them from obtaining places.

“The CAO which is the regulatory body for the universities in the South do not recognise A-levels as the same level of qualification as it is valued in the North nor will they accept A-levels that are completed over different exam sittings.

“It has transpired this is particularly discriminatory against students educated through the medium of the Irish language as they tend to do their GSCE and A-Level Irish earlier than their other exams.  It also forces students to forfeit places because they believed they had achieved the proper qualifications to access the course but are turned down due to this anomaly.

“In a recent report jointly commissioned by the CBI and IBEC the non recognition of A Levels was flagged up as a major barrier to educational mobility and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland.

“I am calling on Minister Stephen Farry to address this issue urgently during the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council due in mid October when he meets with Assembly Education Minister John O’Dowd and Ruairi Quinn Education Minister in the Irish Government and agree an system of mutual recognition for exam grades across all nine universities on the island.”

"Spread the word about positive 'Blue Bin' changes" -Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin representatives on Strabane District Council’s ‘Waste Management Committee’ have urged householders in the District to maximize the opportunity now available to dispose of glass and small  electrical goods in the blue recycle bin.

In a joint appeal for people to ‘spread the word’ about the change, Councillors Kieran Mc Guire and Jay Mc Cauley said,

“It is clear that many people in the District are still unaware of the wide range of glass and small electrical  goods items that are now permitted to go into the blue recycling bin as from Monday 3rd September.  These are:
•   Mixed Glass – all colours and sizes of bottles and jars e.g. wine, beer, spirit bottles, sauce bottles and jars, jam, coffee jars, medicine, perfume aftershave bottles.  Residents are reminded that all bottles and jars must be empty and rinsed out and the caps and lids can be left on.  Broken bottles and jars can also be accepted.

•   Small Electrical Appliances (Maximum size – an average household toaster or kettle) e.g. toasters, kettles, hair dryers, irons, electric toothbrushes, shavers, radios.

“Attempting to dispose of many of the above items, in an environmentally friendly way, has been extremely problematic for people for various reasons so, at a purely basic level, this extension in ‘items suitable for the blue bin’ will be a great practical assistance to householders and business outlets alike.

“Given the considerable tonnage of glass and small electrical items that have had to be sent to Landfill every year up until now, this change will also hopefully have a substantial positive impact in reducing the major costs of waste disposal being incurred by Council and in turn by local ratepayers.

"Under the Landfill Allowance Scheme, Strabane District Council has been set a target of decreasing Landfill from 10,650 tonnes to 7,330 tonnes this year. So embracing these new changes and stepping up recycling overall is essential to ensure that this target is met so as to offset the potential of incurring fines-which would be £150 per tonne if the target is exceeded.

 “So, there is a lot at stake and we would ask everyone to maximise the opportunity of this initiative and to spread the word among family, neighbours and friends about the additional items that you can now blue bin."

Strabane Sinn Féin Vice-Chair among high-profile delegation taking A5 funding lobby to Dublin

Strabane Sinn Féin Council Vice-Chair Dan Kelly will be part of a high-profile delegation of Council Chairs/Vice Chairs and Chief Executives from border region councils that will be travelling to address the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in Dublin this Thursday (13 September),  as part of lobbying to get the Irish government to honour the previous financial commitments it had entered into to jointly fund the A5 Dual carriageway in partnership with the Assembly Executive.

Speaking ahead of the lobbying initiative Cllr Kelly said,

“With work scheduled to commence on the Derry-Strabane and Omagh to Ballygawley sections of the A5 next month, this initiative is very much part of the lobby to influence the Irish government to honour the erstwhile financial commitments it had made on the A5 Project.

“At the request of Pat Doherty MP, this all-party Joint Implementation Committee (made up of TDs, MPs, and Senators) paid a fact finding visit to Strabane and Omagh in April of this year and during this visit the request to allow the combined lobby body representing Strabane, Omagh, Donegal, Derry, Monaghan and Dungannon Councils to formally address the Committee on the A5 issue was made.

“So Thursday’s engagement is the follow up to this request and, through the collective lobby approach of the councils involved, a powerful lobby will be presented to the Joint Committee outlining how crucial the completion of the entire A5 route is to the socio-economic progression of this region of the island."