Thomas Chambers
The Billy Ranch
Knocknageha
Newport
Mayo
Submission on Smarter Travel for Westport
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dear Ms. Moore,
I would like to stress how important it is that the disabled be kept informed and consulted in relation to all works affecting us. Our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”
I welcome this public submission process and I would like to make the following points in relation to the project.
Ensure all developments take into account all potential users including youths, schoolchildren, working people, families, elderly people and disabled people
Lower speed limits in the town to 30k mph to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Lower speed limits on the approach roads to the town to 50kmph to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Erect signage throughout the town raising awareness of other non-motor road users
Hold educational workshops and campaigns informing motorists that they must share the road with pedestrians and cyclists and safety measures to do so
Lobby the driving test centres to incorporate 'Sharing the Road with non-motor users' into their test
Build a proper bus terminal perhaps in the Mill St. / High St. car park and connect it to the Train station via the Railway line walk.
Lobby for commuter friendly Bus Eireann times
Lobby for the commuter train to run from Westport to Castlebar to Claremorris
Improved bus links with Knock Airport.
Lobby for improved bicycle transport on all public transport systems
Erect sheltered bicycle racks at the Railway and Bus stop
Develop rural transport schemes giving people that live in the countryside the opportunity to leave their car at home.
Develop a shuttle bus service from Westport town to the Quay
Extend footpaths to all urban areas so that at least all houses within the designated urban area can walk safely to town
Improve the Murrisk cycle way to ensure it is used properly.
Improve cycle rack in Murrisk car park
Ensure safe walking and cycle paths exist to all schools
Ensure safe road crossings exist close to all schools (note a pedestrian crossing should be erected on the Castlebar road allowing students to cross to the Gaelscoil and to Rice College)
Tom Chambers
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Airport charges - new rules could mean cheaper flights
Airport charges - new rules could mean cheaper flights
Transport - 21-10-2008 - 17:10
Airports and their charges: 69 airports could be affected©BELGA_MAXPPP_GERARD LAUNET
Airport charges are one of the hidden costs of flying and usually they are passed on from airlines to passengers. Wednesday evening sees MEPs debate whether to support a proposed directive which aims to set common rules for how charges are calculated. It could affect Europe's biggest airports and help introduce more competition between them.
Its supporters also believe it could lead to fairer and clearer ticket pricing. This debate - due to be held in Strasbourg - can be seen live on Wednesday evening from 9pm.
At present airport charges are invariably passed on to passengers. The final price for flyers can include charges to cover air passenger duty, local airport taxes, passenger service charges, fuel costs and security and insurance costs.
MEPs on the all-party Transport Committee have already indicated their backing for the directive. The drafted report indicates that the committee would like the directive applied to the largest airports in each country and those who have over 5 million passengers a year. At present this would affect 69 airports including ones such as Amsterdam and Palma de Mallorca.
MEPs would also like to see independent bodies set up to adjudicate disputes between airports over fees.
"Passengers will be protected from exorbitant charges"
The man who drafted the report is German Socialist Ulrich Stockmann. He told us that: "Passengers will be protected from exorbitant charges for landing and takeoff ... charges can also be differentiated according to environmental criteria such as aircraft noise which will also produce benefits for the citizen."
Air charges can include..
• Local airport taxes
• Fuel costs
• Security costs
• Passenger service charges
At the moment, large airports are able to dictate to individual airlines the charges they have to pay for the use of the airport infrastructure. At present airlines do not have a real choice to move away from the big airports.
Charges for disabled excluded
Such charges need not necessarily bear a direct relation to the quality of the services provided. In practice, airlines are forced to pay whatever charges the airport has determined and will usually pass these costs on to the passenger. Charges for disabled and other people who have mobility problems will be excluded from the scope of the directive. The report also calls for incentives for new routes to outlying regions of Europe. The hope is that this will help them access both people and trade. Europe's Transport Ministers meeting in the Council have already made a commitment to accept a further series of parliamentary amendments if tabled at this the second reading.
Transport - 21-10-2008 - 17:10
Airports and their charges: 69 airports could be affected©BELGA_MAXPPP_GERARD LAUNET
Airport charges are one of the hidden costs of flying and usually they are passed on from airlines to passengers. Wednesday evening sees MEPs debate whether to support a proposed directive which aims to set common rules for how charges are calculated. It could affect Europe's biggest airports and help introduce more competition between them.
Its supporters also believe it could lead to fairer and clearer ticket pricing. This debate - due to be held in Strasbourg - can be seen live on Wednesday evening from 9pm.
At present airport charges are invariably passed on to passengers. The final price for flyers can include charges to cover air passenger duty, local airport taxes, passenger service charges, fuel costs and security and insurance costs.
MEPs on the all-party Transport Committee have already indicated their backing for the directive. The drafted report indicates that the committee would like the directive applied to the largest airports in each country and those who have over 5 million passengers a year. At present this would affect 69 airports including ones such as Amsterdam and Palma de Mallorca.
MEPs would also like to see independent bodies set up to adjudicate disputes between airports over fees.
"Passengers will be protected from exorbitant charges"
The man who drafted the report is German Socialist Ulrich Stockmann. He told us that: "Passengers will be protected from exorbitant charges for landing and takeoff ... charges can also be differentiated according to environmental criteria such as aircraft noise which will also produce benefits for the citizen."
Air charges can include..
• Local airport taxes
• Fuel costs
• Security costs
• Passenger service charges
At the moment, large airports are able to dictate to individual airlines the charges they have to pay for the use of the airport infrastructure. At present airlines do not have a real choice to move away from the big airports.
Charges for disabled excluded
Such charges need not necessarily bear a direct relation to the quality of the services provided. In practice, airlines are forced to pay whatever charges the airport has determined and will usually pass these costs on to the passenger. Charges for disabled and other people who have mobility problems will be excluded from the scope of the directive. The report also calls for incentives for new routes to outlying regions of Europe. The hope is that this will help them access both people and trade. Europe's Transport Ministers meeting in the Council have already made a commitment to accept a further series of parliamentary amendments if tabled at this the second reading.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Ireland’s first tourist kiosk launched in Westport 5/5/2009
8th October 2009
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to draw your attention to the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay.
The idea of an out-of-hours facility for visitors is a fantastic one which ensures that Westport does not miss out on potential tourism and makes staying in Westport easier than ever.
However there is an even greater potential for towns like Westport in the possibility of attracting an un-targeted 10% of the population who have a disability. By making Westport a disability-friendly tourism town there is a great potential for increased tourism even in this recession.
But first we need to work on making access to the town a priority and importantly we need to make the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay accessible.
Unfortunately there is no ramp adjacent to the Kiosk making it inaccessible for those of us in wheelchairs and those with mobility problems such as some senior citizens. It is over 100 metres to the nearest ramp and this cannot be called accessible.
Also the Kiosk needs some internal adjustments as the phone cannot be comfortably be used from a wheelchair, and there is no provision of a flip down seat for others. There is also a lack of tactile paving and it is not colour coded to make it easier for the visually impaired. To benefit visually impaired people, a telephone should be selected which have well lit keyboards, large embossed or raised numerals that contract in colour and luminance.
A tactile telephone symbol should be placed outside an accessible telephone kiosk. Instructions for using telephone should be clear and displayed in a large easy to read typeface. Induction couples should be fitted to enable people with hearing aids to use them. The telephone should be identified by the appropriate symbol adjacent to the telephone or outside the kiosk. Preferably, telephones for use by disabled people should be located to enable wheelchair users to approach and use the phone from the front and the side. If it it raining it is imposable to use the phone the front or side as there is no protection from the rain unlike the location of the able-bodied phone and a knee hole is needed at least 500mm deep to enter from the front.
A fold down seat 450mm-50mm high or a perch seat 650mm-800mm high should be provided for the convenience of ambulant people. Politicians and Communities who strive to make environment accessible to all are demonstrating their desire to offer the population a good quality of life and provide people their opportunities to develop, both social and personally. It should also be remembered that it is the Politicians who are responsible for public spending. In this respect, making environment accessible has a direct effect on public spending. But it is a great start and with a bit of work it could be the first step in a Westport which welcomes tourists from all over the world to a disability-friendly Westport.
Finally, proper accessibility makes towns more attractive for the people who live in them and for potential visitors (tourism) I have followed the discussions about accessibility since the late eighties, many enthusiastic and passionate things have been said and written. The fact remains that we still cannot claim that the town of Westport is accessible for all. Representatives of those in our community with issues such as mobility and access are only too delighted to work with councils and organisations in making our community accessible for all. We are entitled to be consulted and our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”
Sincerely Yours
Thomas Chambers
Access Campaigner
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to draw your attention to the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay.
The idea of an out-of-hours facility for visitors is a fantastic one which ensures that Westport does not miss out on potential tourism and makes staying in Westport easier than ever.
However there is an even greater potential for towns like Westport in the possibility of attracting an un-targeted 10% of the population who have a disability. By making Westport a disability-friendly tourism town there is a great potential for increased tourism even in this recession.
But first we need to work on making access to the town a priority and importantly we need to make the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay accessible.
Unfortunately there is no ramp adjacent to the Kiosk making it inaccessible for those of us in wheelchairs and those with mobility problems such as some senior citizens. It is over 100 metres to the nearest ramp and this cannot be called accessible.
Also the Kiosk needs some internal adjustments as the phone cannot be comfortably be used from a wheelchair, and there is no provision of a flip down seat for others. There is also a lack of tactile paving and it is not colour coded to make it easier for the visually impaired. To benefit visually impaired people, a telephone should be selected which have well lit keyboards, large embossed or raised numerals that contract in colour and luminance.
A tactile telephone symbol should be placed outside an accessible telephone kiosk. Instructions for using telephone should be clear and displayed in a large easy to read typeface. Induction couples should be fitted to enable people with hearing aids to use them. The telephone should be identified by the appropriate symbol adjacent to the telephone or outside the kiosk. Preferably, telephones for use by disabled people should be located to enable wheelchair users to approach and use the phone from the front and the side. If it it raining it is imposable to use the phone the front or side as there is no protection from the rain unlike the location of the able-bodied phone and a knee hole is needed at least 500mm deep to enter from the front.
A fold down seat 450mm-50mm high or a perch seat 650mm-800mm high should be provided for the convenience of ambulant people. Politicians and Communities who strive to make environment accessible to all are demonstrating their desire to offer the population a good quality of life and provide people their opportunities to develop, both social and personally. It should also be remembered that it is the Politicians who are responsible for public spending. In this respect, making environment accessible has a direct effect on public spending. But it is a great start and with a bit of work it could be the first step in a Westport which welcomes tourists from all over the world to a disability-friendly Westport.
Finally, proper accessibility makes towns more attractive for the people who live in them and for potential visitors (tourism) I have followed the discussions about accessibility since the late eighties, many enthusiastic and passionate things have been said and written. The fact remains that we still cannot claim that the town of Westport is accessible for all. Representatives of those in our community with issues such as mobility and access are only too delighted to work with councils and organisations in making our community accessible for all. We are entitled to be consulted and our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”
Sincerely Yours
Thomas Chambers
Access Campaigner
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo
Sunday, September 27, 2009
IS WESTPORT TOWN SAFE TO VISIT????
On the 26th September 2009 while in Westport I decided to have a drink in the “West Bar” in Bridge Street a bar that I have known to have an occasional drink since 1982 while visiting the town.
At approximately 3pm that day I ordered a pint of beer from a barman. He half-filled the glass with drink when the barrel went dry so he tried to top it up with beer straight from a fresh barrel and handed it out to me and as I felt it was not filled properly I refused the pint.
Another man who I believe was the owner said “Give me the drink and I will sort him out” and they both were muttering with their backs to me. He slapped the drink on the counter and grabbed 4 euros I had left on the counter and gave back the change.
I tasted the drink and it smelled very sour and said so to him. It was then he grabbed the pint and tipped in into the sink. Turned to me and said “Get to Fuck out of here and take your sour puss with you”
I took a deep breath and wheeled my wheelchair out the door disgusted and angry and been approximately 70 years of age I ask you is the town of Westport SAFE especially after a member of the Garda stabbed a few weeks ago.
At approximately 3pm that day I ordered a pint of beer from a barman. He half-filled the glass with drink when the barrel went dry so he tried to top it up with beer straight from a fresh barrel and handed it out to me and as I felt it was not filled properly I refused the pint.
Another man who I believe was the owner said “Give me the drink and I will sort him out” and they both were muttering with their backs to me. He slapped the drink on the counter and grabbed 4 euros I had left on the counter and gave back the change.
I tasted the drink and it smelled very sour and said so to him. It was then he grabbed the pint and tipped in into the sink. Turned to me and said “Get to Fuck out of here and take your sour puss with you”
I took a deep breath and wheeled my wheelchair out the door disgusted and angry and been approximately 70 years of age I ask you is the town of Westport SAFE especially after a member of the Garda stabbed a few weeks ago.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Campaigners Warn Lack of Disabled Access Looses Retailers Thousands
Campaigners Warn Lack of Disabled Access Looses Retailers Thousands
Campaigners have warned that retailers are loosing thousands of pounds every year due to insufficient access for disabled people.
Disability Wales is currently compiling a report into the issue, the campaign, Streets Ahead, has been running since November 2008 and the report is due to be published in September. Disability Wales hopes that the report will influence decision makers at the Welsh Assembly and at Westminster.
Some of the difficulties that disabled people face include lack of drop kerbs, narrow and uneven pavements, a lack of step free access, narrow isles and lack of disability awareness training.
In an interview with Wales Online, Disability Wales policy officer Rhyan Berrigan said that:
“If shops were more accessible disabled people would be more likely to shop there.
“We want to make retailers aware that people have money to spend and if they can access the shop they’re likely to return there again and again.
“In general there’s quite a negative attitude from shop keepers about the issue, which we believe is because of a lack of awareness and a lack of training.”
Disability Wales isn’t the only group that is concerned with the lack of disabled access. Richard Jones, Principal Consultant of Accessible Wales, said that:
“As a both a person with a disability and also a disability consultant I advocate positive access. The improvement of access within town centres should go a long way to boosting trade that is already struggling. I would be proud to see that people with disabilities can shop in the local town centres as opposed to visiting large out of town retailers. Accessible Wales completely backs the “Streets Ahead” campaign and will do anything we can to enhance the awareness of good access.”
[Back to top]
Stephen Hawking To Make A Full Recovery
Professor Stephen Hawking was taken into hospital on Monday 20th of April after falling very ill. However, a statement on his official site on Tuesday states: ‘Professor Hawking is being kept in for observation at Addenbrooke's hospital this morning. He is comfortable and his family is looking forward to him making a full recovery.’
A Cambridge University spokesman said Hawking was still having tests for a condition that was not related to his respiratory infection, and was not life threatening.
Hawking began to develop the symptoms of incurable motor neurone disease in the 1960s. Motor neuron disease causes the nerves that control muscles to steadily decay; this has led to Hawking gradually losing the use of his limbs and voice which has resulted in Hawking using a wheelchair and being reliant upon a computer screen and a voice synthesiser to communicate. Hawking is one of the world's longest-surviving MND patients.
[Back to top]
The Equality Bill
The Equality Bill is just days away from being presented before parliament. If the Bill is passed then there will be major changes for the disabled community.
The Bill aims to make Britain fairer through a single equality, which will require public bodies to consider the diverse needs and requirements of their workforce, and the communities they serve, when developing employment policies and when planning services. The Bill will try to tackle the discrimination that people face and promote disability equality, racial equality, age equality, gender equality and equality for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
For the disabled community the Bill will try to improve conditions through a verity of ways. One of these is through changing employment tribunals in order to allow them to make far wider recommendations that will improve policies not just for the individual but for a larger group of people. The Bill will also make it possible to pave the way for class-action discriminations claims which will allow an entire workforce can be represented in court by groups such as trade unions or the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
In addition, the new Equality Bill will mean that Positive Action can be used by employers. This will make it possible for employers to take under-representation into account when choosing between two equally qualified candidates for a job. Positive Action is supported by the CBI, the TUC and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as a means of producing workforces which are more diverse and more reflective of the communities they operate in.
According to the website www.equailtybill.com:
‘Of all the groups represented by the Equality Duty, the disabled are those most likely to encounter benefits in their day-to-day lives. Whether it is drop-down kerbs for wheelchair users, or sign-language provision for the deaf, public bodies will be under a duty to provide and promote Equality in every decision they make.’
[Back to top]
Asda to Sell Living Aids
Seventy five Asda stores will start selling living aids aimed at disabled and older people on Saturday. Fifteen products are currently being stocked including folding wheelchairs, walking sticks, urine bottles, tap turners, raised toilet seats, jar and bottle openers and easy handle pens. The products will sold under the name Mobilease which has been devolped by businessman Dermot McLaughlin and is registered with the MHRA who have responsibility to ensure that medical devices work and are acceptably safe.
Until now, mobility aids have only been available on prescription through the NHS or social services, independent stores or specialist websites and newspaper or television adverts.
In an interview with Disability Now, Mr McLaughlin said that:
'The mobility and living aids industry has been stuck in the dark ages for decades.
'The very products that are created to make life easier for people have been cursed by a strange irony - they are unnecessarily difficult to access.
'They should be easily available to customers, but the existing government system can be slow and restrictive.'
Pamela Martin, Senior Buyer for ASDA, said:
‘Mobilease products are incredibly important for a large number of our customers and we're delighted to be the exclusive retailer. Our 17 million customers a week identify ASDA as a retailer that is constantly looking to offer value in all areas of our business and this new offering supports this wholeheartedly.’
If you are interested in buying any of the Mobilease products you can find out where they are being stocked by visiting the Mobilease website, www.mobilease.co.uk.
Do you think this a positive move? Will you be buying any of the Mobilease products?
Get in touch with us by emailing info@access-news.co.uk or via the Facebook group.
[Back to top]
Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness
Matty Thompson claims that he was refused entry into a pub after the bouncers mistook his cerebral palsy for drunkenness and was then verbally abused.
Matty, 18, was out with his friends and sister Katie, 20, when the bouncers told them that Matty wasn’t allowed into the pub because he was drunk and couldn’t walk. Katie then explained that Matty has cerebral palsy which affects the way he walks, but the bouncers asked for a medical card to prove this and then continued to radio other pubs nearby to tell them not to let Matty in.
In an interview with the Mail Online, Matty’s mother Jenette Thompson said: 'I'm absolutely outraged. They just can't treat people with disabilities and learning difficulties like that and call him names.
'He was very upset about it. He told me he was called names. It's sheer ignorance on their part.'
In the same interview a spokesman for Scope, the national disability charity which focuses on cerebal palsy, said: 'A disabled person should not be denied access to any premises or facilities because they are disabled.
'Disabled people have the same right to go into pubs and clubs as anyone else.
'More needs to be done to get the public, and especially those who work in customer service, to truly understand and appreciate difference so that discrimination against disabled people becomes a thing of the past.'
What do you think of this? Have you had any similar problems?
Get in touch with us at info@accessble-news.co.uk or via our Facebook group.
[Back to top]
Labour MP Claims That Dyslexia Does Not Exist
Labour MP George Stringer recently claimed that Dyslexia was a piece of ‘cruel fiction’ to disguise bad teaching in schools.
Dyslexia is a condition that is thought to affect approximately six million people in the United Kingdom. People with Dyslexia have difficulties in reading, spelling, and short term verbal memory. Current medical suggests that theses difficulties arise due to inefficiencies in language-processing areas in the left hemisphere of the brain which appear to be linked to genetic differences.
Despite this, Stinger believes that ‘If dyslexia really existed, then countries as diverse as Nicaragua and South Korea would not have been able to achieve literacy rates of nearly 100%.’
He added that ‘Certified dyslexics get longer in exams. There has been created a situation where there are financial and educational incentives to being bad at spelling and reading. This reached a pinnacle of absurdity, with Naomi Gadien, a second-year medical student initiating a legal case against the General Medical Council because she believes she's being discriminated against by having to do written exams.’
Stringer feels that teachers are failing to educate students who find reading and writing difficult, and have therefore ‘invented a brain disorder called dyslexia.’
Due to his claims many leading Dyslexia charities have criticised Stringer. In an interview with the Guardian, Shirley Cramer, chief executive officer of the educational charity Dyslexia Action, said: ‘It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not, when there is so much evidence that it does.’
What is your opinion? Is Stringer justified in his view?
Email us at info@accessble-news.co.uk
[Back to top]
Waiting for Independence
On March 6th Dragon’s Eye reported on the shocking case of Lewis Walker. Lewis is a 3 year old boy who has Cerebral Palsy and his parents were told that he may have to wait two years until he can receive a specialist motorised wheelchair. Last August, Lewis was put on a waiting list to be assessed for a chair but, he still hasn’t been assessed and therefore he cannot get the chair that he needs.
Lewis’s mother, believes that the lack of the wheelchair is seriously affecting Lewis’s quality of life as he needs the chair for things like school and for his independence. She told Dragon’s Eye that: “It's pretty disgusting really that kids have to wait. It's not just kids, it's adults as well. It's just wrong really. These kids only get one chance in life and they're not getting it without a chair."
In January 2009, the Caernarfon Denbigh Herald reported the case of Llinos Parry. Llinos also suffers form Cerebral Palsy and she has been waiting since November 2007 for a new wheelchair but hasn’t even been assessed. However, she has been promised a new chair by March.
According to the statistics that North Wales NHS Trust told Dragon’s Eye:
• 44 children are waiting 0-6months
• 25 children are waiting 6-12months
• 5 children are waiting 12-15months
• 1 child has been waiting 20 months for an assessment
North Wales NHS Trust argues that the reason that there are delays in patients receiving wheelchairs is because, until recently, they were not given enough money from its’ commissioner, Health Commission Wales. North Wales NHS Trust has also told the BBC that they are working to ensure that no child is waiting longer than a year to receive an assessment.
Accessible News Web Editor and disability rights campaigner Richard Jones had the following to say on the matter: “It is an absolute disgrace that children with disabilities have to wait so long for their basic human rights. A wheelchair is a pair of legs to these children. Why should they be starved of their independence, freedom… of their childhood. This problem should be rectified as a matter of urgency as it is another case of the authorities letting people with disabilities down.”
[Back to top]
Campaigners have warned that retailers are loosing thousands of pounds every year due to insufficient access for disabled people.
Disability Wales is currently compiling a report into the issue, the campaign, Streets Ahead, has been running since November 2008 and the report is due to be published in September. Disability Wales hopes that the report will influence decision makers at the Welsh Assembly and at Westminster.
Some of the difficulties that disabled people face include lack of drop kerbs, narrow and uneven pavements, a lack of step free access, narrow isles and lack of disability awareness training.
In an interview with Wales Online, Disability Wales policy officer Rhyan Berrigan said that:
“If shops were more accessible disabled people would be more likely to shop there.
“We want to make retailers aware that people have money to spend and if they can access the shop they’re likely to return there again and again.
“In general there’s quite a negative attitude from shop keepers about the issue, which we believe is because of a lack of awareness and a lack of training.”
Disability Wales isn’t the only group that is concerned with the lack of disabled access. Richard Jones, Principal Consultant of Accessible Wales, said that:
“As a both a person with a disability and also a disability consultant I advocate positive access. The improvement of access within town centres should go a long way to boosting trade that is already struggling. I would be proud to see that people with disabilities can shop in the local town centres as opposed to visiting large out of town retailers. Accessible Wales completely backs the “Streets Ahead” campaign and will do anything we can to enhance the awareness of good access.”
[Back to top]
Stephen Hawking To Make A Full Recovery
Professor Stephen Hawking was taken into hospital on Monday 20th of April after falling very ill. However, a statement on his official site on Tuesday states: ‘Professor Hawking is being kept in for observation at Addenbrooke's hospital this morning. He is comfortable and his family is looking forward to him making a full recovery.’
A Cambridge University spokesman said Hawking was still having tests for a condition that was not related to his respiratory infection, and was not life threatening.
Hawking began to develop the symptoms of incurable motor neurone disease in the 1960s. Motor neuron disease causes the nerves that control muscles to steadily decay; this has led to Hawking gradually losing the use of his limbs and voice which has resulted in Hawking using a wheelchair and being reliant upon a computer screen and a voice synthesiser to communicate. Hawking is one of the world's longest-surviving MND patients.
[Back to top]
The Equality Bill
The Equality Bill is just days away from being presented before parliament. If the Bill is passed then there will be major changes for the disabled community.
The Bill aims to make Britain fairer through a single equality, which will require public bodies to consider the diverse needs and requirements of their workforce, and the communities they serve, when developing employment policies and when planning services. The Bill will try to tackle the discrimination that people face and promote disability equality, racial equality, age equality, gender equality and equality for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
For the disabled community the Bill will try to improve conditions through a verity of ways. One of these is through changing employment tribunals in order to allow them to make far wider recommendations that will improve policies not just for the individual but for a larger group of people. The Bill will also make it possible to pave the way for class-action discriminations claims which will allow an entire workforce can be represented in court by groups such as trade unions or the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
In addition, the new Equality Bill will mean that Positive Action can be used by employers. This will make it possible for employers to take under-representation into account when choosing between two equally qualified candidates for a job. Positive Action is supported by the CBI, the TUC and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as a means of producing workforces which are more diverse and more reflective of the communities they operate in.
According to the website www.equailtybill.com:
‘Of all the groups represented by the Equality Duty, the disabled are those most likely to encounter benefits in their day-to-day lives. Whether it is drop-down kerbs for wheelchair users, or sign-language provision for the deaf, public bodies will be under a duty to provide and promote Equality in every decision they make.’
[Back to top]
Asda to Sell Living Aids
Seventy five Asda stores will start selling living aids aimed at disabled and older people on Saturday. Fifteen products are currently being stocked including folding wheelchairs, walking sticks, urine bottles, tap turners, raised toilet seats, jar and bottle openers and easy handle pens. The products will sold under the name Mobilease which has been devolped by businessman Dermot McLaughlin and is registered with the MHRA who have responsibility to ensure that medical devices work and are acceptably safe.
Until now, mobility aids have only been available on prescription through the NHS or social services, independent stores or specialist websites and newspaper or television adverts.
In an interview with Disability Now, Mr McLaughlin said that:
'The mobility and living aids industry has been stuck in the dark ages for decades.
'The very products that are created to make life easier for people have been cursed by a strange irony - they are unnecessarily difficult to access.
'They should be easily available to customers, but the existing government system can be slow and restrictive.'
Pamela Martin, Senior Buyer for ASDA, said:
‘Mobilease products are incredibly important for a large number of our customers and we're delighted to be the exclusive retailer. Our 17 million customers a week identify ASDA as a retailer that is constantly looking to offer value in all areas of our business and this new offering supports this wholeheartedly.’
If you are interested in buying any of the Mobilease products you can find out where they are being stocked by visiting the Mobilease website, www.mobilease.co.uk.
Do you think this a positive move? Will you be buying any of the Mobilease products?
Get in touch with us by emailing info@access-news.co.uk or via the Facebook group.
[Back to top]
Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness
Matty Thompson claims that he was refused entry into a pub after the bouncers mistook his cerebral palsy for drunkenness and was then verbally abused.
Matty, 18, was out with his friends and sister Katie, 20, when the bouncers told them that Matty wasn’t allowed into the pub because he was drunk and couldn’t walk. Katie then explained that Matty has cerebral palsy which affects the way he walks, but the bouncers asked for a medical card to prove this and then continued to radio other pubs nearby to tell them not to let Matty in.
In an interview with the Mail Online, Matty’s mother Jenette Thompson said: 'I'm absolutely outraged. They just can't treat people with disabilities and learning difficulties like that and call him names.
'He was very upset about it. He told me he was called names. It's sheer ignorance on their part.'
In the same interview a spokesman for Scope, the national disability charity which focuses on cerebal palsy, said: 'A disabled person should not be denied access to any premises or facilities because they are disabled.
'Disabled people have the same right to go into pubs and clubs as anyone else.
'More needs to be done to get the public, and especially those who work in customer service, to truly understand and appreciate difference so that discrimination against disabled people becomes a thing of the past.'
What do you think of this? Have you had any similar problems?
Get in touch with us at info@accessble-news.co.uk or via our Facebook group.
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Labour MP Claims That Dyslexia Does Not Exist
Labour MP George Stringer recently claimed that Dyslexia was a piece of ‘cruel fiction’ to disguise bad teaching in schools.
Dyslexia is a condition that is thought to affect approximately six million people in the United Kingdom. People with Dyslexia have difficulties in reading, spelling, and short term verbal memory. Current medical suggests that theses difficulties arise due to inefficiencies in language-processing areas in the left hemisphere of the brain which appear to be linked to genetic differences.
Despite this, Stinger believes that ‘If dyslexia really existed, then countries as diverse as Nicaragua and South Korea would not have been able to achieve literacy rates of nearly 100%.’
He added that ‘Certified dyslexics get longer in exams. There has been created a situation where there are financial and educational incentives to being bad at spelling and reading. This reached a pinnacle of absurdity, with Naomi Gadien, a second-year medical student initiating a legal case against the General Medical Council because she believes she's being discriminated against by having to do written exams.’
Stringer feels that teachers are failing to educate students who find reading and writing difficult, and have therefore ‘invented a brain disorder called dyslexia.’
Due to his claims many leading Dyslexia charities have criticised Stringer. In an interview with the Guardian, Shirley Cramer, chief executive officer of the educational charity Dyslexia Action, said: ‘It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not, when there is so much evidence that it does.’
What is your opinion? Is Stringer justified in his view?
Email us at info@accessble-news.co.uk
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Waiting for Independence
On March 6th Dragon’s Eye reported on the shocking case of Lewis Walker. Lewis is a 3 year old boy who has Cerebral Palsy and his parents were told that he may have to wait two years until he can receive a specialist motorised wheelchair. Last August, Lewis was put on a waiting list to be assessed for a chair but, he still hasn’t been assessed and therefore he cannot get the chair that he needs.
Lewis’s mother, believes that the lack of the wheelchair is seriously affecting Lewis’s quality of life as he needs the chair for things like school and for his independence. She told Dragon’s Eye that: “It's pretty disgusting really that kids have to wait. It's not just kids, it's adults as well. It's just wrong really. These kids only get one chance in life and they're not getting it without a chair."
In January 2009, the Caernarfon Denbigh Herald reported the case of Llinos Parry. Llinos also suffers form Cerebral Palsy and she has been waiting since November 2007 for a new wheelchair but hasn’t even been assessed. However, she has been promised a new chair by March.
According to the statistics that North Wales NHS Trust told Dragon’s Eye:
• 44 children are waiting 0-6months
• 25 children are waiting 6-12months
• 5 children are waiting 12-15months
• 1 child has been waiting 20 months for an assessment
North Wales NHS Trust argues that the reason that there are delays in patients receiving wheelchairs is because, until recently, they were not given enough money from its’ commissioner, Health Commission Wales. North Wales NHS Trust has also told the BBC that they are working to ensure that no child is waiting longer than a year to receive an assessment.
Accessible News Web Editor and disability rights campaigner Richard Jones had the following to say on the matter: “It is an absolute disgrace that children with disabilities have to wait so long for their basic human rights. A wheelchair is a pair of legs to these children. Why should they be starved of their independence, freedom… of their childhood. This problem should be rectified as a matter of urgency as it is another case of the authorities letting people with disabilities down.”
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Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness
Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness
Matty Thompson claims that he was refused entry into a pub after the bouncers mistook his cerebral palsy for drunkenness and was then verbally abused.
Matty, 18, was out with his friends and sister Katie, 20, when the bouncers told them that Matty wasn’t allowed into the pub because he was drunk and couldn’t walk. Katie then explained that Matty has cerebral palsy which affects the way he walks, but the bouncers asked for a medical card to prove this and then continued to radio other pubs nearby to tell them not to let Matty in.
In an interview with the Mail Online, Matty’s mother Jenette Thompson said: 'I'm absolutely outraged. They just can't treat people with disabilities and learning difficulties like that and call him names.
'He was very upset about it. He told me he was called names. It's sheer ignorance on their part.'
In the same interview a spokesman for Scope, the national disability charity which focuses on cerebal palsy, said: 'A disabled person should not be denied access to any premises or facilities because they are disabled.
'Disabled people have the same right to go into pubs and clubs as anyone else.
'More needs to be done to get the public, and especially those who work in customer service, to truly understand and appreciate difference so that discrimination against disabled people becomes a thing of the past.'
What do you think of this? Have you had any similar problems?
Get in touch with us at info@accessble-news.co.uk or via
Matty Thompson claims that he was refused entry into a pub after the bouncers mistook his cerebral palsy for drunkenness and was then verbally abused.
Matty, 18, was out with his friends and sister Katie, 20, when the bouncers told them that Matty wasn’t allowed into the pub because he was drunk and couldn’t walk. Katie then explained that Matty has cerebral palsy which affects the way he walks, but the bouncers asked for a medical card to prove this and then continued to radio other pubs nearby to tell them not to let Matty in.
In an interview with the Mail Online, Matty’s mother Jenette Thompson said: 'I'm absolutely outraged. They just can't treat people with disabilities and learning difficulties like that and call him names.
'He was very upset about it. He told me he was called names. It's sheer ignorance on their part.'
In the same interview a spokesman for Scope, the national disability charity which focuses on cerebal palsy, said: 'A disabled person should not be denied access to any premises or facilities because they are disabled.
'Disabled people have the same right to go into pubs and clubs as anyone else.
'More needs to be done to get the public, and especially those who work in customer service, to truly understand and appreciate difference so that discrimination against disabled people becomes a thing of the past.'
What do you think of this? Have you had any similar problems?
Get in touch with us at info@accessble-news.co.uk or via
Hybrid Car Pose Potential Threat to Hearing Impaired
The ministry for transport in Japan has brought together a panel to assess whether manufactures of hybrid cars will have to install noise making devices.
The hybrid cars make almost no noise when they change from fuel to battery and this poses a potential threat to people with visual impairments. Due to this the panel is considering forcing manufactures to install noise making devices.
In an interview with the BBC, a transport ministry official said, “Blind people depend on sounds when they walk, but there are no engine sounds from hybrid vehicles when running at low speed.”
The world’s most popular hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. A spokesman for Toyota Motor in Tokyo, told the BBC that although Toyota has no immediate plans to add noise-making devices to the hybrid vehicles if it becomes a social concern, it is something that Toyota will have to address.
The hybrid cars make almost no noise when they change from fuel to battery and this poses a potential threat to people with visual impairments. Due to this the panel is considering forcing manufactures to install noise making devices.
In an interview with the BBC, a transport ministry official said, “Blind people depend on sounds when they walk, but there are no engine sounds from hybrid vehicles when running at low speed.”
The world’s most popular hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. A spokesman for Toyota Motor in Tokyo, told the BBC that although Toyota has no immediate plans to add noise-making devices to the hybrid vehicles if it becomes a social concern, it is something that Toyota will have to address.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Disabled man to climb Croagh Patrick
Disabled man to climb Croagh Patrick in aid of Haiti charity
Mayo Advertiser, August 07, 2009.
Michael Corbett has not walked since a car accident left him a quadriplegic in 1975. However, this did not stop the man from Newport from wishing to climb one of his county’s highest peaks — Croagh Patrick.
Now as part of a drive to raise funds for new charity Haven, building homes and hope in Haiti, Michael’s dream is coming true. His friends, June Kerrins and David Ellis are both signed up as volunteers with Haven and will be travelling to Haiti at Halloween to build homes for the poorest people in the western world.
They decided to combine their fundraising efforts and Michael’s wish into a charity event, Mick’s Climb 2009. On Sunday August 16, a team of at least 40 walkers will take on the Reek.
“This is a great way for us to raise funds for Haven — a new charity building homes for those who literally have nothing in Haiti,” said June Kerins, “and to also help our friend Michael achieve something he has not done since he was a teenager.”
Michael will have to be carried all the way by stretcher — one specially made to be able to endure the high impact climb up the 764 metre (2,510 feet) high mountain. It is approximately three miles to the summit, with a particularly gruelling last 250 metres. The entire six mile return journey is likely to take up to 10 hours for Michael and the team.
“The last time I was on the Reek was 30 years ago, well before my accident,” said Michael, who works with the Disability Foundation. “I would not be able to do this without the help of the team of 40 who will be carrying me in relays up and down the mountain.”
All have been in training since the beginning of June. The team includes a contingent from the Defence Forces and great local support from the Westport region, where June, David and Michael are based. Many of the team have lost their jobs recently as a result of the recession, including Haven volunteer David Ellis.
“While many people like myself are feeling the pinch of the recession it is nothing compared to the people of Haiti, with more than three-quarters of the entire population living below the official poverty line of $2 a day,” said David.
Anyone interested in supporting Mick’s Climb can contact the team via their own website www.havenhelpus.com. Donations can be made securely online through a link to Haven’s official website www.havenpartnership.com
June and David need to raise a minimum of €4,000 each in order to take part in Haven’s Build it Week in Haiti at the end of October. They will be part of a 250-strong volunteer team who will be building houses in a rural part of Haiti, the poorest country in the western world.
Mayo Advertiser, August 07, 2009.
Michael Corbett has not walked since a car accident left him a quadriplegic in 1975. However, this did not stop the man from Newport from wishing to climb one of his county’s highest peaks — Croagh Patrick.
Now as part of a drive to raise funds for new charity Haven, building homes and hope in Haiti, Michael’s dream is coming true. His friends, June Kerrins and David Ellis are both signed up as volunteers with Haven and will be travelling to Haiti at Halloween to build homes for the poorest people in the western world.
They decided to combine their fundraising efforts and Michael’s wish into a charity event, Mick’s Climb 2009. On Sunday August 16, a team of at least 40 walkers will take on the Reek.
“This is a great way for us to raise funds for Haven — a new charity building homes for those who literally have nothing in Haiti,” said June Kerins, “and to also help our friend Michael achieve something he has not done since he was a teenager.”
Michael will have to be carried all the way by stretcher — one specially made to be able to endure the high impact climb up the 764 metre (2,510 feet) high mountain. It is approximately three miles to the summit, with a particularly gruelling last 250 metres. The entire six mile return journey is likely to take up to 10 hours for Michael and the team.
“The last time I was on the Reek was 30 years ago, well before my accident,” said Michael, who works with the Disability Foundation. “I would not be able to do this without the help of the team of 40 who will be carrying me in relays up and down the mountain.”
All have been in training since the beginning of June. The team includes a contingent from the Defence Forces and great local support from the Westport region, where June, David and Michael are based. Many of the team have lost their jobs recently as a result of the recession, including Haven volunteer David Ellis.
“While many people like myself are feeling the pinch of the recession it is nothing compared to the people of Haiti, with more than three-quarters of the entire population living below the official poverty line of $2 a day,” said David.
Anyone interested in supporting Mick’s Climb can contact the team via their own website www.havenhelpus.com. Donations can be made securely online through a link to Haven’s official website www.havenpartnership.com
June and David need to raise a minimum of €4,000 each in order to take part in Haven’s Build it Week in Haiti at the end of October. They will be part of a 250-strong volunteer team who will be building houses in a rural part of Haiti, the poorest country in the western world.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
‘You feel you are being told you’re not welcome’
By Jennifer Hough
Saturday, July 18, 2009
IT is a sad day for people with disabilities in Ireland.
Martin Naughton, who suffers from a physical disability and works for the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), maintains if implemented, the McCarthy report signals a mammoth step back for people with disabilities.
"I am still trying to digest everything. If you look at the bare cut, €50m, it looks as though we got away lightly but when you take everything as a whole there are cuts all over the place."
Mr Naughton, who has his own home and a job but still requires full-time support, feels the proposals would undo years of hard work to integrate disabled people and treat them equally.
For him, the symbolic proposals hurt more than the monetary.
Under the board’s recommendations the office for Mental Health and Disability would be removed from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and placed under the remit of the Department of Health.
For Martin, this is the ultimate betrayal.
"The social model approach to disability for the past 10 years was that people with disabilities should be supported to live like everyone else."
One of its major underpinnings was that disability reform came through the Department of Justice, that was a huge and logical boost. It was a move away from being pitied and blamed. "Most people may not realise but disabled people are often very healthy," said Martin.
"I feel sorry for any parent who has a child with a disability today. It is a struggle and the more you fight the more frustrated you can become."
The DFI says it is concerned about a recommended cut of €50m in funding to voluntary disability organisations, the €60m reduction to the funding of special needs assistants and the 5% reduction in the rate of disability allowance.
Allen Dunne, head of the DFI says the cuts are of "immense" concern as funding for disability services has already been cut repeatedly over the past two years, a process which began before the current recession was evident.
"The harsh reality is that there are still substantial unmet needs, and people with disabilities are already very vulnerable. Therefore their capacity to survive repeated knocks is very limited," she said.
Similarly, Inclusion Ireland slammed the cutting of front-line disability services such as psychologists and special needs school transport.
On the ground, Martin knows the pain this will cause – even just the suggestion.
"If you are a parent with a child with a disability, and you hear about teachers being cut back, you just feel you are being told ‘you are not welcome here’. It is telling people with disability – find somewhere else to go. It is very hurtful."
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, July 18, 2009
Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/you-feel-you-are-being-told-youre-not-welcome-96652.html#ixzz0Law2QiY3
Saturday, July 18, 2009
IT is a sad day for people with disabilities in Ireland.
Martin Naughton, who suffers from a physical disability and works for the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), maintains if implemented, the McCarthy report signals a mammoth step back for people with disabilities.
"I am still trying to digest everything. If you look at the bare cut, €50m, it looks as though we got away lightly but when you take everything as a whole there are cuts all over the place."
Mr Naughton, who has his own home and a job but still requires full-time support, feels the proposals would undo years of hard work to integrate disabled people and treat them equally.
For him, the symbolic proposals hurt more than the monetary.
Under the board’s recommendations the office for Mental Health and Disability would be removed from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and placed under the remit of the Department of Health.
For Martin, this is the ultimate betrayal.
"The social model approach to disability for the past 10 years was that people with disabilities should be supported to live like everyone else."
One of its major underpinnings was that disability reform came through the Department of Justice, that was a huge and logical boost. It was a move away from being pitied and blamed. "Most people may not realise but disabled people are often very healthy," said Martin.
"I feel sorry for any parent who has a child with a disability today. It is a struggle and the more you fight the more frustrated you can become."
The DFI says it is concerned about a recommended cut of €50m in funding to voluntary disability organisations, the €60m reduction to the funding of special needs assistants and the 5% reduction in the rate of disability allowance.
Allen Dunne, head of the DFI says the cuts are of "immense" concern as funding for disability services has already been cut repeatedly over the past two years, a process which began before the current recession was evident.
"The harsh reality is that there are still substantial unmet needs, and people with disabilities are already very vulnerable. Therefore their capacity to survive repeated knocks is very limited," she said.
Similarly, Inclusion Ireland slammed the cutting of front-line disability services such as psychologists and special needs school transport.
On the ground, Martin knows the pain this will cause – even just the suggestion.
"If you are a parent with a child with a disability, and you hear about teachers being cut back, you just feel you are being told ‘you are not welcome here’. It is telling people with disability – find somewhere else to go. It is very hurtful."
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, July 18, 2009
Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/you-feel-you-are-being-told-youre-not-welcome-96652.html#ixzz0Law2QiY3
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Early Bird Trains
The CEO of Irish Rail, Mr Richard Fearns, has confirmed to Labour's Cllr Keith Martin that Mayo will be serviced by additional services to Dublin, one of which will be an early bird train which will have commuters from Mayo in Dublin by 8.50am. In his letter to the Labour councillor Mr Fearns said that the new service will begin on September 27th.
Cllr Keith Martin, who has lobbied continuously for the service, has warmly welcomed the news saying "This is great news for Westport and Mayo. We now have greater connectivity as a region and as a tourist town.
"In these terrible economic times this new service is vital to Mayo as we compete for business, investment and strengthen our tourist appeal. The service will facilitate Mayo's 125,000 population in connecting with the world and will make Mayo an easier place to get to.
"The new early bird service has great potential for tourism and for business as it means it is even easier than before to get to and from Mayo from Dublin and to make other train and travel connections such as flights and ferry connections. It is great news for the West."
In February of this year, in response to a unanimous resolution proposed by Labour's Cllr Martin, Westport's Town Clerk wrote to all of Mayo's Local Authorities and Chambers of Commerce soliciting their support for the campaign. The campaign received the full support of Westport Chamber of Commerce, Castlebar Town Council and Castlebar and Ballyhaunis' Chambers of Commerce.
The campaign was begun by the Council in light of Irish Rail's failure to provide a date for the promised extra rail services on the Dublin-Mayo line. These additional services were to include an early bird service.
Cllr Martin concluded saying he wanted to thank all the councillors, councils and chambers of commerce who lent their support to Westport Town Council's campaign.
086 0691182
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I need your help please
Re; Sponsorship Opportunity – Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009
My name is Thomas Chambers, I am participating of the Strasbourg Freedom Drive campaign organised by the European Network on Independent Living and the Centre for Independent Living, Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7. The Centre for Independent Living is an organisation supporting people with physical disabilities in order to achieve independent living.
The Independent Living movement is a world-wide community fighting for equal rights, opportunities, choices and responsibilities of disabled people around the world. It is indeed a very strong European movement liaising with MEPs since 2003.
Strasbourg Freedom Drive is a lobbying campaign attended by people with disabilities from all Europe aiming to establish a relationship between the participants and their national Members of EU Parliament. It is a unique lobbying exercise happening every second year since 2003. A rally on the building of the EU Parliament takes place as well and usually results in a meeting with the Disability Intergroup.
The Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009 will take place in Strasbourg from 14th September to 18th September. All participants of the campaign have to cover the costs related to the trip to Strasbourg individually by fundraising or out of their own pocket. This is especially difficult task during the economic downturn Ireland is facing at the moment.
I would like you to consider supporting me and my Personal Assistant in participation of this year’s rally as in any way you can.
For more information about the campaign, please visit the following website:
http://www.dublincil.org/eu_&_international.html
Thank you for giving this your consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
……………….
Tom Chambers
My name is Thomas Chambers, I am participating of the Strasbourg Freedom Drive campaign organised by the European Network on Independent Living and the Centre for Independent Living, Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7. The Centre for Independent Living is an organisation supporting people with physical disabilities in order to achieve independent living.
The Independent Living movement is a world-wide community fighting for equal rights, opportunities, choices and responsibilities of disabled people around the world. It is indeed a very strong European movement liaising with MEPs since 2003.
Strasbourg Freedom Drive is a lobbying campaign attended by people with disabilities from all Europe aiming to establish a relationship between the participants and their national Members of EU Parliament. It is a unique lobbying exercise happening every second year since 2003. A rally on the building of the EU Parliament takes place as well and usually results in a meeting with the Disability Intergroup.
The Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009 will take place in Strasbourg from 14th September to 18th September. All participants of the campaign have to cover the costs related to the trip to Strasbourg individually by fundraising or out of their own pocket. This is especially difficult task during the economic downturn Ireland is facing at the moment.
I would like you to consider supporting me and my Personal Assistant in participation of this year’s rally as in any way you can.
For more information about the campaign, please visit the following website:
http://www.dublincil.org/eu_&_international.html
Thank you for giving this your consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
……………….
Tom Chambers
Monday, July 06, 2009
US visitors put off by high costs
Friday July 03 2009
My wife and I just returned from our third trip to Ireland in five years. Each time we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, ate in pubs and restaurants, took tours to the Aran Islands, the Skelligs, the Saltees and such, and did some shopping. In US dollars, petrol is $6.50 a US gallon. B&Bs cost an average of $58 per person per night. The least expensive cup of coffee I found was in a community centre and was $2.00 (It was usually $3 to $4). It is difficult to eat adequately in a pub for less than $20 per person and that doesn't include drinks. A pint of Guinness was around $6.50 in most pubs.
Overall, I would estimate that Ireland is about double the cost of making an equivalent trip in the US, and this doesn't take into account the round trip airfare which was approximately $1,000 per person. Even if the US dollar was equal to the euro, Ireland would still be expensive.
We love Ireland; however, until prices become more reasonable vis-à-vis the dollar, I'm afraid that we will not be back any time soon. I venture to guess that many other Americans feel the same.
As tourism is at the top of the Irish economy, the cost of touring Ireland could become a serious threat.
VC Joffrion
North Carolina, USA
My wife and I just returned from our third trip to Ireland in five years. Each time we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, ate in pubs and restaurants, took tours to the Aran Islands, the Skelligs, the Saltees and such, and did some shopping. In US dollars, petrol is $6.50 a US gallon. B&Bs cost an average of $58 per person per night. The least expensive cup of coffee I found was in a community centre and was $2.00 (It was usually $3 to $4). It is difficult to eat adequately in a pub for less than $20 per person and that doesn't include drinks. A pint of Guinness was around $6.50 in most pubs.
Overall, I would estimate that Ireland is about double the cost of making an equivalent trip in the US, and this doesn't take into account the round trip airfare which was approximately $1,000 per person. Even if the US dollar was equal to the euro, Ireland would still be expensive.
We love Ireland; however, until prices become more reasonable vis-à-vis the dollar, I'm afraid that we will not be back any time soon. I venture to guess that many other Americans feel the same.
As tourism is at the top of the Irish economy, the cost of touring Ireland could become a serious threat.
VC Joffrion
North Carolina, USA
US visitors put off by high costs
Friday July 03 2009
My wife and I just returned from our third trip to Ireland in five years. Each time we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, ate in pubs and restaurants, took tours to the Aran Islands, the Skelligs, the Saltees and such, and did some shopping. In US dollars, petrol is $6.50 a US gallon. B&Bs cost an average of $58 per person per night. The least expensive cup of coffee I found was in a community centre and was $2.00 (It was usually $3 to $4). It is difficult to eat adequately in a pub for less than $20 per person and that doesn't include drinks. A pint of Guinness was around $6.50 in most pubs.
Overall, I would estimate that Ireland is about double the cost of making an equivalent trip in the US, and this doesn't take into account the round trip airfare which was approximately $1,000 per person. Even if the US dollar was equal to the euro, Ireland would still be expensive.
We love Ireland; however, until prices become more reasonable vis-à-vis the dollar, I'm afraid that we will not be back any time soon. I venture to guess that many other Americans feel the same.
As tourism is at the top of the Irish economy, the cost of touring Ireland could become a serious threat.
VC Joffrion
North Carolina, USA
My wife and I just returned from our third trip to Ireland in five years. Each time we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, ate in pubs and restaurants, took tours to the Aran Islands, the Skelligs, the Saltees and such, and did some shopping. In US dollars, petrol is $6.50 a US gallon. B&Bs cost an average of $58 per person per night. The least expensive cup of coffee I found was in a community centre and was $2.00 (It was usually $3 to $4). It is difficult to eat adequately in a pub for less than $20 per person and that doesn't include drinks. A pint of Guinness was around $6.50 in most pubs.
Overall, I would estimate that Ireland is about double the cost of making an equivalent trip in the US, and this doesn't take into account the round trip airfare which was approximately $1,000 per person. Even if the US dollar was equal to the euro, Ireland would still be expensive.
We love Ireland; however, until prices become more reasonable vis-à-vis the dollar, I'm afraid that we will not be back any time soon. I venture to guess that many other Americans feel the same.
As tourism is at the top of the Irish economy, the cost of touring Ireland could become a serious threat.
VC Joffrion
North Carolina, USA
Thursday, July 02, 2009
THE CORN CRAKE by Pat Watson
THE CORN CRAKE
When we were young in the nineteen fifties we used to discuss what the birds said. We could never agree about the black bird, the thrush or indeed any other songbird but we all knew what the corncrake said. He went 'grake grake, grake grake, grake grake' and everybody knew that meant, stand back, stand back, stand back. At that time there was a corncrake in every field in Ireland. At this time there was a certain young girl who had just turned sixteen and she had her mother annoyed to let her go to a dance in the town but there was no way her mother would agree as she did not have a chaperone and towns fellows were not to be trusted.
Then luck struck. The local GAA club hired a big tent in which to run a carnival for two weeks and it was close by the girl's house. Now she could go dancing. She cycled to town and bought a lovely piece of material and a pattern. The material was spread
out on the kitchen table, the pattern carefully spread on top. There was great excitement. The mother was jitterier than the daughter. They had just got in the electricity. They had a brand new singer sewing machine. We will put in shoulder pads and you can wear your new bra. I will lend you my black patent belt to match the shoes; sure it would go twice round your little waist.'
These were modern times. For the moment meals were suspended. The men could grumble and wait. Oh it was wonderful, Harry Belafonte was singing on the wireless,
'I see woman on bended knee, cutting cane for her family,' 'Well God be with the days.' 'I see man by the waterside, casting nets at the surging tide.' 'He might as well be, as looking for a bit to eat round here.' In spite of those unhelpful remarks and a few minor glitches the needlework classes paid off, the project was successful and the dress was completed. Now for the hair! All hell broke loose.
After tea, her mother rolled her hair on her
finger and held each curl in place with a pipe
cleaner. It took ages and was sometimes painful
but there were no complaints. You have to suffer
to be beautiful.
Next day, when the pipe cleaners were removed the
hair brushed out perfectly. On the night when she
put on the multi-coloured dress over the new bra,
with the shoulder pads and the patent belt, she
was beautiful. Even the hungry grumblers agreed.
'Mammy' she said, 'what is it a Gra?' (Love)
'If a boy wants to walk me home after the dance, will it be alright?'
'I suppose as the place is well lit up and if he is a nice respectable country boy, it will.'
'Mammy.' 'What is it now child?' 'If the boy wants to kiss me will I let him?'
The mother thought for a moment, her mind was racing, racing back to her own youth, her dreams, her dilemmas, her desires, 'You can if you both agree to obey the corncrake and when he calls stand back you're to stand back.'
As it happened, the boy who walked her home on the night was a friend of mine and next morning I waylaid him. 'Well how did you get on?' 'How did I get on?' says he, with some agitation. 'I'll tell you how I got on! You know as well as I know that the sweet girl lives only a hundred yards from the marquee, and I walked her home all
of five miles but we never did get away from the blooming corncrake.'
'The Corn Crake' is one of sixty lyrical yarns from 'Original Irish Stories' by Pat Watson, Creagh, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Ireland. First published in May, 2006.
To get your copy email the author here:
When we were young in the nineteen fifties we used to discuss what the birds said. We could never agree about the black bird, the thrush or indeed any other songbird but we all knew what the corncrake said. He went 'grake grake, grake grake, grake grake' and everybody knew that meant, stand back, stand back, stand back. At that time there was a corncrake in every field in Ireland. At this time there was a certain young girl who had just turned sixteen and she had her mother annoyed to let her go to a dance in the town but there was no way her mother would agree as she did not have a chaperone and towns fellows were not to be trusted.
Then luck struck. The local GAA club hired a big tent in which to run a carnival for two weeks and it was close by the girl's house. Now she could go dancing. She cycled to town and bought a lovely piece of material and a pattern. The material was spread
out on the kitchen table, the pattern carefully spread on top. There was great excitement. The mother was jitterier than the daughter. They had just got in the electricity. They had a brand new singer sewing machine. We will put in shoulder pads and you can wear your new bra. I will lend you my black patent belt to match the shoes; sure it would go twice round your little waist.'
These were modern times. For the moment meals were suspended. The men could grumble and wait. Oh it was wonderful, Harry Belafonte was singing on the wireless,
'I see woman on bended knee, cutting cane for her family,' 'Well God be with the days.' 'I see man by the waterside, casting nets at the surging tide.' 'He might as well be, as looking for a bit to eat round here.' In spite of those unhelpful remarks and a few minor glitches the needlework classes paid off, the project was successful and the dress was completed. Now for the hair! All hell broke loose.
After tea, her mother rolled her hair on her
finger and held each curl in place with a pipe
cleaner. It took ages and was sometimes painful
but there were no complaints. You have to suffer
to be beautiful.
Next day, when the pipe cleaners were removed the
hair brushed out perfectly. On the night when she
put on the multi-coloured dress over the new bra,
with the shoulder pads and the patent belt, she
was beautiful. Even the hungry grumblers agreed.
'Mammy' she said, 'what is it a Gra?' (Love)
'If a boy wants to walk me home after the dance, will it be alright?'
'I suppose as the place is well lit up and if he is a nice respectable country boy, it will.'
'Mammy.' 'What is it now child?' 'If the boy wants to kiss me will I let him?'
The mother thought for a moment, her mind was racing, racing back to her own youth, her dreams, her dilemmas, her desires, 'You can if you both agree to obey the corncrake and when he calls stand back you're to stand back.'
As it happened, the boy who walked her home on the night was a friend of mine and next morning I waylaid him. 'Well how did you get on?' 'How did I get on?' says he, with some agitation. 'I'll tell you how I got on! You know as well as I know that the sweet girl lives only a hundred yards from the marquee, and I walked her home all
of five miles but we never did get away from the blooming corncrake.'
'The Corn Crake' is one of sixty lyrical yarns from 'Original Irish Stories' by Pat Watson, Creagh, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Ireland. First published in May, 2006.
To get your copy email the author here:
National News Home
By Tom Brady Security Editor
Tuesday June 30 2009
GARDAI will scale down the massive security presence at the Shell pipelaying project by the end of the week.
Some 300 gardai and two Naval Service vessels have been deployed at Glengad to keep the peace during the crucial phase of the work involving the pipelaying ship, the 'Solitaire', at Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo.
But with the shore work due to be completed on Sunday night, it is expected that the 40 to 50 'peace camp' protesters will dwindle significantly in the coming days.
None of those detained yesterday are from the local area and their protests did not interfere with the Shell project. However, they caused severe disruption to residents, who had to take detours to reach their homes.
One protest involved the demonstrators lying in star formation in the middle of the road with their arms encased inside two pieces of piping and then joining hands while chained with snap shackles.
Specially-trained gardai were brought in to free the protesters, using equipment such as angle grinders, without causing any harm.
The three-hour operation to remove the demonstrators from the road ended at 1am yesterday -- four hours after the latest pipelaying phase had ended.
Taxpayers have paid €15m so far in garda overtime to police the project.
Nine protesters were arrested by gardai following two other roadblocking demonstrations at the weekend. They appeared in Ballina District Court at 5.30pm yesterday. Two were released on bail and the others were remanded in custody until Friday.
- Tom Brady Security Editor
Tuesday June 30 2009
GARDAI will scale down the massive security presence at the Shell pipelaying project by the end of the week.
Some 300 gardai and two Naval Service vessels have been deployed at Glengad to keep the peace during the crucial phase of the work involving the pipelaying ship, the 'Solitaire', at Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo.
But with the shore work due to be completed on Sunday night, it is expected that the 40 to 50 'peace camp' protesters will dwindle significantly in the coming days.
None of those detained yesterday are from the local area and their protests did not interfere with the Shell project. However, they caused severe disruption to residents, who had to take detours to reach their homes.
One protest involved the demonstrators lying in star formation in the middle of the road with their arms encased inside two pieces of piping and then joining hands while chained with snap shackles.
Specially-trained gardai were brought in to free the protesters, using equipment such as angle grinders, without causing any harm.
The three-hour operation to remove the demonstrators from the road ended at 1am yesterday -- four hours after the latest pipelaying phase had ended.
Taxpayers have paid €15m so far in garda overtime to police the project.
Nine protesters were arrested by gardai following two other roadblocking demonstrations at the weekend. They appeared in Ballina District Court at 5.30pm yesterday. Two were released on bail and the others were remanded in custody until Friday.
- Tom Brady Security Editor
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) chairman
By Caitrina Cody
Thursday July 02 2009
ROAD safety tsar Gay Byrne yesterday admitted to drinking and driving in the past but said it was part of the Irish culture at the time.
He also confided he used to regularly drive home while over the limit, sometimes after presenting the 'Late Late Show'.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) chairman made the surprising admission as he continues to campaign for responsible driving.
Great
"I remember the days when I drove home from the 'Late Late Show' late at night -- the great thing in those days was to have a drink or two, or three, in the green room with the guests to thank them for coming and all that," he said.
"Undoubtedly I was over the limit, night after night, until at some stage I was told by the controller of programmes that I wasn't to drive myself home from the show anymore, drunk or sober," recalled Mr Byrne.
The former RTE presenter said his behaviour would have been viewed as perfectly acceptable back in the 1980s.
"Certainly 10 years ago, perhaps even five years ago, if you told your pals that you had had 17 large brandies last night and drove yourself home -- just about making it through the gate -- you probably would have been clapped on the back for it."
Mr Byrne was announcing details of a new six-month RSA campaign to promote road safety when he made the comments and said that Ireland is currently undergoing huge cultural changes.
"I believe that most people in Ireland are trying to be safer," he said.
"Many of us thought nothing about drinking and driving back in the day but that is definitely changing."
He said Irish drivers are now more conscientious about not drinking and driving.
Culture
"It's a huge adjustment for this country and shows that you can change a culture, slowly but surely."
Mr Byrne said when he looked back now he was grateful he never hurt anyone.
"Thank God I got away with it -- thank God that nothing ever happened to anyone," he said.
"It was simply the done thing then and nobody ever thought twice about it. They told you to take care, but not that you shouldn't be doing it."
Nowadays he says that he is lucky that his wife chooses not to drink alcohol.
"I'm blessed with a wife that has no interest in drinking and is prepared to do the driving for both of us."
Thursday July 02 2009
ROAD safety tsar Gay Byrne yesterday admitted to drinking and driving in the past but said it was part of the Irish culture at the time.
He also confided he used to regularly drive home while over the limit, sometimes after presenting the 'Late Late Show'.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) chairman made the surprising admission as he continues to campaign for responsible driving.
Great
"I remember the days when I drove home from the 'Late Late Show' late at night -- the great thing in those days was to have a drink or two, or three, in the green room with the guests to thank them for coming and all that," he said.
"Undoubtedly I was over the limit, night after night, until at some stage I was told by the controller of programmes that I wasn't to drive myself home from the show anymore, drunk or sober," recalled Mr Byrne.
The former RTE presenter said his behaviour would have been viewed as perfectly acceptable back in the 1980s.
"Certainly 10 years ago, perhaps even five years ago, if you told your pals that you had had 17 large brandies last night and drove yourself home -- just about making it through the gate -- you probably would have been clapped on the back for it."
Mr Byrne was announcing details of a new six-month RSA campaign to promote road safety when he made the comments and said that Ireland is currently undergoing huge cultural changes.
"I believe that most people in Ireland are trying to be safer," he said.
"Many of us thought nothing about drinking and driving back in the day but that is definitely changing."
He said Irish drivers are now more conscientious about not drinking and driving.
Culture
"It's a huge adjustment for this country and shows that you can change a culture, slowly but surely."
Mr Byrne said when he looked back now he was grateful he never hurt anyone.
"Thank God I got away with it -- thank God that nothing ever happened to anyone," he said.
"It was simply the done thing then and nobody ever thought twice about it. They told you to take care, but not that you shouldn't be doing it."
Nowadays he says that he is lucky that his wife chooses not to drink alcohol.
"I'm blessed with a wife that has no interest in drinking and is prepared to do the driving for both of us."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Inaccessible schools highlighted
MONDAY, 08 JUNE 2009
Edwin McGreal
WITH ten polling stations in Mayo listed as ‘are either inaccessible or pose difficulties for accessibility for those with disabilities’, Mayo disabled rights campaigner Tom Chambers has highlighted the problems these can create for children with disabilities.
“The ten stations listed are all national schools and while it brings up a big issue for people in those areas with a disability who want to vote, it brings up an even bigger problem for children who may have a disability in going to their local national school.
”At the minute there might be no children in those locations with disability issues but what happens if a young child comes to school age with a disability? They will have to go to another school and forsake their local school. Immediately they feel different,” said Chambers.
“It also brings about major problems for their parents in terms of time, bringing their children to a school which is not the nearest to their house. Politicians running for election need to take a more active role in making these schools accessible.”
There has been an improvement in accessibility since 2004, the last local elections, when 38 of the 240 polling stations were inaccessible. But, says Tom Chambers, this still isn’t good enough.
“Funding has been allocated but where has it been spent? We need to make every school/polling station accessible. It is not a lot to ask. Close to 10% of people in Mayo have a disability. They should not have to be inconvenienced like this.”
For the record the ten schools declared as inaccessible are Meelickmore, Ballycusheen, Shrule and Robeen (all Claremorris area); Currane, Carrowteigue, Doohoma (all Achill/Erris area); Rooskey and Barnacahogue (both Swinford) and Lecanvey (Westport area).
Edwin McGreal
WITH ten polling stations in Mayo listed as ‘are either inaccessible or pose difficulties for accessibility for those with disabilities’, Mayo disabled rights campaigner Tom Chambers has highlighted the problems these can create for children with disabilities.
“The ten stations listed are all national schools and while it brings up a big issue for people in those areas with a disability who want to vote, it brings up an even bigger problem for children who may have a disability in going to their local national school.
”At the minute there might be no children in those locations with disability issues but what happens if a young child comes to school age with a disability? They will have to go to another school and forsake their local school. Immediately they feel different,” said Chambers.
“It also brings about major problems for their parents in terms of time, bringing their children to a school which is not the nearest to their house. Politicians running for election need to take a more active role in making these schools accessible.”
There has been an improvement in accessibility since 2004, the last local elections, when 38 of the 240 polling stations were inaccessible. But, says Tom Chambers, this still isn’t good enough.
“Funding has been allocated but where has it been spent? We need to make every school/polling station accessible. It is not a lot to ask. Close to 10% of people in Mayo have a disability. They should not have to be inconvenienced like this.”
For the record the ten schools declared as inaccessible are Meelickmore, Ballycusheen, Shrule and Robeen (all Claremorris area); Currane, Carrowteigue, Doohoma (all Achill/Erris area); Rooskey and Barnacahogue (both Swinford) and Lecanvey (Westport area).
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Disabled man gets €3k over egg attack by rail staff
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ireland: Windy with sunny spells and showers »
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A WHEELCHAIR user had an egg thrown at him by disgruntled rail staff, angry that he had to use the dining car when travelling on the train.
William Hennessy, who is in his 40s and now living in Dublin, was awarded €3,000 by the Equality Tribunal after it was found he had been harassed by staff attached to Network Catering on Irish Rail.
Mr Hennessy told the tribunal that a change in the regulations in 1999 meant he could no longer park his wheelchair in the baggage area of the train.
He had to park his wheelchair in a designated spot in the dining car, but as he needed a motorised wheelchair, which is larger than a manual wheelchair, space was tight and his wheelchair often jutted out into the aisle.
In addition to being refused access to the train on a number of occasions, Mr Hennessy said in the dining car he came to feel maligned by staff members who believed he was taking up space that might have been used by customers.
He said the service trolley was rammed into his wheelchair as it moved past, and staff would ask him to move, even though they knew he needed assistance.
On April 27, 2000, he exited the train at Kent Station in Cork and an egg was thrown at him from the direction of the dining car.
The Equality Tribunal said it was "an undisputed fact" that an egg was thrown after Mr Hennessy left the train on April 27, 2000, and that he ultimately received a written apology.
Irish Rail was ordered to display a visible notice that "passengers with disabilities are welcome to travel and enjoy the amenity of the train without interference".
Mr Hennessy welcomed the tribunal’s decision but said "the award will not even pay for one" wheel- chair damaged on the train.
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ireland: Windy with sunny spells and showers »
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A WHEELCHAIR user had an egg thrown at him by disgruntled rail staff, angry that he had to use the dining car when travelling on the train.
William Hennessy, who is in his 40s and now living in Dublin, was awarded €3,000 by the Equality Tribunal after it was found he had been harassed by staff attached to Network Catering on Irish Rail.
Mr Hennessy told the tribunal that a change in the regulations in 1999 meant he could no longer park his wheelchair in the baggage area of the train.
He had to park his wheelchair in a designated spot in the dining car, but as he needed a motorised wheelchair, which is larger than a manual wheelchair, space was tight and his wheelchair often jutted out into the aisle.
In addition to being refused access to the train on a number of occasions, Mr Hennessy said in the dining car he came to feel maligned by staff members who believed he was taking up space that might have been used by customers.
He said the service trolley was rammed into his wheelchair as it moved past, and staff would ask him to move, even though they knew he needed assistance.
On April 27, 2000, he exited the train at Kent Station in Cork and an egg was thrown at him from the direction of the dining car.
The Equality Tribunal said it was "an undisputed fact" that an egg was thrown after Mr Hennessy left the train on April 27, 2000, and that he ultimately received a written apology.
Irish Rail was ordered to display a visible notice that "passengers with disabilities are welcome to travel and enjoy the amenity of the train without interference".
Mr Hennessy welcomed the tribunal’s decision but said "the award will not even pay for one" wheel- chair damaged on the train.
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Albania – Women and Girls with Disabilities
Albania
Women in Albanian society are still being subject to discrimination. Women and girls with disabilities represent one of the most marginalised groups and subject to multiple discriminations. Unfortunately, little or almost nothing is said about the reality of their lives ant the policy framework of the country is failing to include, treat or provide solutions to elimination of this discrimination.
Women with disabilities are not being treated equally with other women. All laws and strategies about people with disabilities fail to include the gender perspective component and there are no efforts being made in relation to the gender equality. Women with disabilities do not have a voice in the formulation of government documents and policies. There is also lack of organisation of women with disabilities themselves.
In order to enhance the awareness of central and local institutions, non-for-profit organisations and all stakeholder groups in the areas of disability and gender equality, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation, supported by US Agency for International Development, organised the first national conference on the Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Albania. The conference took place in Tirana on 26th May 2009 and was attended by many representatives of governmental institutions and the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (this Department also supported organisation of this event).
A report compiled by the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation called “Women with Disability in Albania – Included or Neglected?” was launched at the conference and thee set of recommendations was presented. This report is available in CIL Carmichael House
Women in Albanian society are still being subject to discrimination. Women and girls with disabilities represent one of the most marginalised groups and subject to multiple discriminations. Unfortunately, little or almost nothing is said about the reality of their lives ant the policy framework of the country is failing to include, treat or provide solutions to elimination of this discrimination.
Women with disabilities are not being treated equally with other women. All laws and strategies about people with disabilities fail to include the gender perspective component and there are no efforts being made in relation to the gender equality. Women with disabilities do not have a voice in the formulation of government documents and policies. There is also lack of organisation of women with disabilities themselves.
In order to enhance the awareness of central and local institutions, non-for-profit organisations and all stakeholder groups in the areas of disability and gender equality, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation, supported by US Agency for International Development, organised the first national conference on the Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Albania. The conference took place in Tirana on 26th May 2009 and was attended by many representatives of governmental institutions and the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (this Department also supported organisation of this event).
A report compiled by the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation called “Women with Disability in Albania – Included or Neglected?” was launched at the conference and thee set of recommendations was presented. This report is available in CIL Carmichael House
Friday, June 05, 2009
Corrib protesters gear up for summer of unrest
Mayo Advertiser, June 05, 2009.
By Toni Bourke
Tensions in north Mayo have escalated once again with eight arrests over the weekend and one on Tuesday when a large number of protesters gathered for the summer Rossport Peace Camp. With the Solitaire due to arrive back in Mayo waters in the next month, the Rossport Solidarity Camp has taken up residence in Glengad in a bid to build up the resistance to Shell over the coming weeks and months. Mary Sweeney of the Rossport Solidarity Camp said: “Resistance in Mayo is building again. We’re expecting many waterborne activists from across Europe to arrive over the following weeks. The Solitaire will leave Irish waters once again with no pipeline laid.”
While Shell to Sea claim over 200 people from the local community and the Rossport Solidarity summer camp gathered at the weekend to attempt to dismantle Shell’s compound at Glengad, the gardaí have the figure at just over 100.
Seven men and one woman were arrested and brought to Ballina Garda Station for public order offences. Gardaí on duty in the area were backed up by the Public Order Unit who were confronted by the protesters. The eight have been charged and are due to appear before Belmullet District Court on June 10.
These actions came the day after Maura Harrington was released from jail for the non-payment of fines.
On Tuesday a man was arrested after dredging work in Broadhaven Bay was delayed by up to an hour. According to Shell to Sea the dredgers arrived in the bay on Monday evening and had been working continuously through the night. Two Shell to Sea protesters occupied a crane on the ‘Razende Bol’, one of the dredging boats preparing a channel for the off-shore pipeline in Broadhaven Bay. Work on the dredging was completely halted. The other dredger and its accompanying sea barge were moved out of the immediate area.
The same evening a group of 12 Irish Flotilla canoeists evaded the security powerboats and two police ribs protecting the works and reached the side of the vessel. They climbed aboard and gained access to the dredging arm where they sat for 10 hours. On Wednesday they ended their protest.
IBEC West Regional Director John Brennan has said the controversy surrounding the project has meant the regional and national significance of the project is being overlooked.
“Ireland is 90 per cent dependent on imported gas. Power plants fuelled by natural gas generate more than 60 per cent of our electricity. This makes us highly reliant on gas supply from other countries. Ireland is at the end of a very long supply chain, which exposes us to risks of supply interruption and price volatility. If anything were to occur that disrupted this supply, we would have a serious energy crisis in this country. Many tend to overlook the fact that the Corrib gas field will supply up to 60 per cent of Ireland’s gas needs at peak production,” Mr Brennan outlined.
EU North West candidate Fiacra Ó Luain has offered his support to the protesters saying he will defend them in anyway he can. He challenged the other candidates in today’s election to make public their policies with regard to Ireland’s off-shore oil and gas.
All this comes in the same week that TV3 aired a documentary by journalist Paul Williams about the Corrib controversy. In it Fr Kevin Hegarty highlighted the financial investment the Shell project has brought to Erris while adding that the protesters only represent one per cent of the local community. Paul Williams himself and Chief Superintendent Tony McNamara spoke of the paramilitary style damage that was caused at the terminal this year. Dublin Shell to Sea have dubbed the documentary as “shockingly biased”.
By Toni Bourke
Tensions in north Mayo have escalated once again with eight arrests over the weekend and one on Tuesday when a large number of protesters gathered for the summer Rossport Peace Camp. With the Solitaire due to arrive back in Mayo waters in the next month, the Rossport Solidarity Camp has taken up residence in Glengad in a bid to build up the resistance to Shell over the coming weeks and months. Mary Sweeney of the Rossport Solidarity Camp said: “Resistance in Mayo is building again. We’re expecting many waterborne activists from across Europe to arrive over the following weeks. The Solitaire will leave Irish waters once again with no pipeline laid.”
While Shell to Sea claim over 200 people from the local community and the Rossport Solidarity summer camp gathered at the weekend to attempt to dismantle Shell’s compound at Glengad, the gardaí have the figure at just over 100.
Seven men and one woman were arrested and brought to Ballina Garda Station for public order offences. Gardaí on duty in the area were backed up by the Public Order Unit who were confronted by the protesters. The eight have been charged and are due to appear before Belmullet District Court on June 10.
These actions came the day after Maura Harrington was released from jail for the non-payment of fines.
On Tuesday a man was arrested after dredging work in Broadhaven Bay was delayed by up to an hour. According to Shell to Sea the dredgers arrived in the bay on Monday evening and had been working continuously through the night. Two Shell to Sea protesters occupied a crane on the ‘Razende Bol’, one of the dredging boats preparing a channel for the off-shore pipeline in Broadhaven Bay. Work on the dredging was completely halted. The other dredger and its accompanying sea barge were moved out of the immediate area.
The same evening a group of 12 Irish Flotilla canoeists evaded the security powerboats and two police ribs protecting the works and reached the side of the vessel. They climbed aboard and gained access to the dredging arm where they sat for 10 hours. On Wednesday they ended their protest.
IBEC West Regional Director John Brennan has said the controversy surrounding the project has meant the regional and national significance of the project is being overlooked.
“Ireland is 90 per cent dependent on imported gas. Power plants fuelled by natural gas generate more than 60 per cent of our electricity. This makes us highly reliant on gas supply from other countries. Ireland is at the end of a very long supply chain, which exposes us to risks of supply interruption and price volatility. If anything were to occur that disrupted this supply, we would have a serious energy crisis in this country. Many tend to overlook the fact that the Corrib gas field will supply up to 60 per cent of Ireland’s gas needs at peak production,” Mr Brennan outlined.
EU North West candidate Fiacra Ó Luain has offered his support to the protesters saying he will defend them in anyway he can. He challenged the other candidates in today’s election to make public their policies with regard to Ireland’s off-shore oil and gas.
All this comes in the same week that TV3 aired a documentary by journalist Paul Williams about the Corrib controversy. In it Fr Kevin Hegarty highlighted the financial investment the Shell project has brought to Erris while adding that the protesters only represent one per cent of the local community. Paul Williams himself and Chief Superintendent Tony McNamara spoke of the paramilitary style damage that was caused at the terminal this year. Dublin Shell to Sea have dubbed the documentary as “shockingly biased”.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hotels and the Disabled
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
“For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not being aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.”
Tom Chambers
TOURISM is missing out on millions or euros annually, because of its failure to cater for the needs of the disabled according to a survey carried out by the University of Ulster, ‘School of Built Environment’.
The survey found that while staff, at tourist offices was helpful, less than half could offer useful advice. Disabled visitors are left to hope for the best, the survey warned and it added that not only is it bad for the tourism, it is bad for business.
Many critics in Westport, including myself, have called on the tourist trade here to wake up to the fact that disabled tourists are lucrative customers. Research indicates that there are over 55 million people with disability resident in the European Union alone.
That figure points to the potential size of the market. For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not being aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.
The life of a disabled person such as I is effectively controlled by that of the able-bodied world. But what is the right of a disabled person? Are we safe having our lives structured, or can we also be leaders of such vital legislation?
For tourists with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairment, what has a town like Westport, having the title of ‘Tidiest Town in Ireland’ to offer the disabled? What is the point in dressing up if there is nowhere to go? By this I mean are the pubs, hotels, toilets, swimming pools, cinemas, public library, post office, B and Bs, restaurants, takeaways, GAA pitches, heritage centres, parking facilities all universally accessible?
Westport Tourist Office is the only Tourist Office in Co Mayo open the whole year, yet it is totally inaccessible for people with disabilities.
It can be so frustrating. Ask any person with a disability if they have tried to book a room with a level access shower? Not easy, is it?
You call a hotel with a wheelchair sign in the guide and the conversation goes something like this: ‘Do you have accessible rooms?”’ If the answer is yes, the next question is ‘do you have level access showers?‘.
The answer will range from ‘What do you mean?’ to ‘Well it does have a ledge?’ to ‘No, but we do have baths and the room is wheelchair-friendly’.
If you are lucky enough to get a positive reply and there is a level access shower the next question you might ask is ‘Do they have a shower chair?‘.
Silence for a minute, then this leads to another ‘What do you mean?‘. How difficult is it to understand that people who can’t walk or stand needs something to sit on in a shower, preferably a shower chair. And how are you supposed to get into a bath when your legs can’t work. You will travel the length and breadth of this country looking for a hotel with both a level access shower and a shower wheelchair.
So I decided to contact Fáilte Ireland which administers what it calls the Validated Accessible Scheme (VAS). This scheme is designed to encourage hotels to be more accessible to people with disabilities. VAS has 4 categories ranging from category 1, which is for people with enough mobility to walk into a room, to category 4, where the guest requires assistance to shower, etc.
Fáilte Ireland informed me that 29 Irish hotels have registered with the scheme. The Irish Federation has a membership of approximately 800 hotels. This would mean that at most 3.6% of their hotels are in the scheme .
Why is the performance not better? Well first of all it’s a commercial issue. If a hotel doesn’t need to spend what ever little extra it costs to build a wheelchair-friendly room why should they bother? But hold it there - surely we have legislation which requires hotels to provide specific facilities for the disabled?
Tom Chambers is a wheelchair bound disability campaigner who lives in Newport.
“For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not being aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.”
Tom Chambers
TOURISM is missing out on millions or euros annually, because of its failure to cater for the needs of the disabled according to a survey carried out by the University of Ulster, ‘School of Built Environment’.
The survey found that while staff, at tourist offices was helpful, less than half could offer useful advice. Disabled visitors are left to hope for the best, the survey warned and it added that not only is it bad for the tourism, it is bad for business.
Many critics in Westport, including myself, have called on the tourist trade here to wake up to the fact that disabled tourists are lucrative customers. Research indicates that there are over 55 million people with disability resident in the European Union alone.
That figure points to the potential size of the market. For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not being aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.
The life of a disabled person such as I is effectively controlled by that of the able-bodied world. But what is the right of a disabled person? Are we safe having our lives structured, or can we also be leaders of such vital legislation?
For tourists with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairment, what has a town like Westport, having the title of ‘Tidiest Town in Ireland’ to offer the disabled? What is the point in dressing up if there is nowhere to go? By this I mean are the pubs, hotels, toilets, swimming pools, cinemas, public library, post office, B and Bs, restaurants, takeaways, GAA pitches, heritage centres, parking facilities all universally accessible?
Westport Tourist Office is the only Tourist Office in Co Mayo open the whole year, yet it is totally inaccessible for people with disabilities.
It can be so frustrating. Ask any person with a disability if they have tried to book a room with a level access shower? Not easy, is it?
You call a hotel with a wheelchair sign in the guide and the conversation goes something like this: ‘Do you have accessible rooms?”’ If the answer is yes, the next question is ‘do you have level access showers?‘.
The answer will range from ‘What do you mean?’ to ‘Well it does have a ledge?’ to ‘No, but we do have baths and the room is wheelchair-friendly’.
If you are lucky enough to get a positive reply and there is a level access shower the next question you might ask is ‘Do they have a shower chair?‘.
Silence for a minute, then this leads to another ‘What do you mean?‘. How difficult is it to understand that people who can’t walk or stand needs something to sit on in a shower, preferably a shower chair. And how are you supposed to get into a bath when your legs can’t work. You will travel the length and breadth of this country looking for a hotel with both a level access shower and a shower wheelchair.
So I decided to contact Fáilte Ireland which administers what it calls the Validated Accessible Scheme (VAS). This scheme is designed to encourage hotels to be more accessible to people with disabilities. VAS has 4 categories ranging from category 1, which is for people with enough mobility to walk into a room, to category 4, where the guest requires assistance to shower, etc.
Fáilte Ireland informed me that 29 Irish hotels have registered with the scheme. The Irish Federation has a membership of approximately 800 hotels. This would mean that at most 3.6% of their hotels are in the scheme .
Why is the performance not better? Well first of all it’s a commercial issue. If a hotel doesn’t need to spend what ever little extra it costs to build a wheelchair-friendly room why should they bother? But hold it there - surely we have legislation which requires hotels to provide specific facilities for the disabled?
Tom Chambers is a wheelchair bound disability campaigner who lives in Newport.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Almost half of those living with arthritis in the west are ‘too sore to socialise’
Mayo Advertiser, May 01, 2009.
By Toni Bourke
The first nationwide survey on patient wellbeing and relationships, conducted by Arthritis Ireland and sponsored by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (Ireland), shows almost one in two (45.8 per cent) people with arthritis can no longer participate in social activities they used to enjoy, while one in three (31.3 per cent) are worried about how their condition has affected their appearance. The survey, which was conducted among 128 people with arthritis in seven rheumatology clinics around the country throughout 2008, shows the debilitating effect of arthritis on people as everyday life becomes difficult or impossible to maintain.
The survey gives an insight into the emotional wellbeing of people in the west with arthritis, revealing that one in three (32.7 per cent) say they are sad and depressed while two out of five (40.8 per cent) admit that sometimes it is hard to keep going and that their arthritis is a constant worry for them. One survey respondent declared: “I feel like arthritis has changed me from a normally positive, healthy, person to a depressed, lonely, fed-up, irritable person finding it hard to keep it together.”
Respondents who were in relationships discussed the impact that their arthritis has had on their relationship. Over one in three (35.7 per cent) believe their condition has had a negative impact on intimacy with their spouse or partner, with some stating they no longer have an active sex life. One survey respondent said: “We no longer have an active sex life but cuddling is also a bit curtailed which I regret.” Noticeably, for those respondents who are separated, divorced, or living apart, one in two (50 per cent) believe their arthritis was a contributing factor to their relationship break-up.
In response to the survey findings, Arthritis Ireland has produced a free support booklet entitled Coping with Emotions which offers support and advice on dealing with the emotions that accompany a diagnosis of arthritis. It is available by contacting Arthritis Ireland on LoCall 1890 252 846 or can be downloaded on www.arthritisireland.ie. Arthritis Ireland also provides a confidential helpline for people with arthritis, their families, carers, friends, and health professionals. It can be contacted from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday on LoCall 1890 252 846.
By Toni Bourke
The first nationwide survey on patient wellbeing and relationships, conducted by Arthritis Ireland and sponsored by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (Ireland), shows almost one in two (45.8 per cent) people with arthritis can no longer participate in social activities they used to enjoy, while one in three (31.3 per cent) are worried about how their condition has affected their appearance. The survey, which was conducted among 128 people with arthritis in seven rheumatology clinics around the country throughout 2008, shows the debilitating effect of arthritis on people as everyday life becomes difficult or impossible to maintain.
The survey gives an insight into the emotional wellbeing of people in the west with arthritis, revealing that one in three (32.7 per cent) say they are sad and depressed while two out of five (40.8 per cent) admit that sometimes it is hard to keep going and that their arthritis is a constant worry for them. One survey respondent declared: “I feel like arthritis has changed me from a normally positive, healthy, person to a depressed, lonely, fed-up, irritable person finding it hard to keep it together.”
Respondents who were in relationships discussed the impact that their arthritis has had on their relationship. Over one in three (35.7 per cent) believe their condition has had a negative impact on intimacy with their spouse or partner, with some stating they no longer have an active sex life. One survey respondent said: “We no longer have an active sex life but cuddling is also a bit curtailed which I regret.” Noticeably, for those respondents who are separated, divorced, or living apart, one in two (50 per cent) believe their arthritis was a contributing factor to their relationship break-up.
In response to the survey findings, Arthritis Ireland has produced a free support booklet entitled Coping with Emotions which offers support and advice on dealing with the emotions that accompany a diagnosis of arthritis. It is available by contacting Arthritis Ireland on LoCall 1890 252 846 or can be downloaded on www.arthritisireland.ie. Arthritis Ireland also provides a confidential helpline for people with arthritis, their families, carers, friends, and health professionals. It can be contacted from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday on LoCall 1890 252 846.
Castlebar man disqualified and fined for parking in disabled spot
Castlebar man disqualified and fined for parking in disabled spot
Mayo Advertiser, May 01, 2009.
A Castlebar man who parked in a disabled space while he went to visit relatives was disqualified from driving for six months and convicted and fined €500 at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
Garda Melanie McGowan received a report on October 21 2008 at 6.15pm that a Honda van was parked in a disabled spot outside houses in Healy Terrace, Ballina. On arrival at the scene, Garda McGowan observed that no disability badge was displayed on the van before she spoke to the owner of the car, Brian Lawrence, 95 Manor Village, Castlebar.
Lawrence told the garda that he was visiting a relative and parked in the spot, which is for a disabled woman who lives in the houses nearby.
The unemployed man was convicted, fined, and disqualified by Judge Mary Devins. Recognisances were fixed.
Wreath laying to mark May Day and Michael Davitt
Friends and supporters of the Labour Party watch as Cllr Keith Martin and David Fallon of the Westport Labour Party lay a wreath at the Michael Davitt memorial on the Newport Road, Westport to mark May Day and the contribution of Michael Davitt to the Labour movement.
Ballina councillors question work on disability plan
Mayo Advertiser, May 01, 2009.
By Colm Gannon
While welcoming a report on the disability strategic plan for Mayo County Council at their monthly meeting last week, a number of Ballina councillors raised concerns about the work being done outside public buildings in relation to disability issues in the town.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Johnny O’Malley told the meeting: “Myself and Cllr Peter Clarke were elected to a committee before in relation to disability issues after the last local elections, but the committee have never met. I’m a bit surprised by this plan and how it doesn’t take into account other things in the council’s control, like paths, dipped crossings, audio pedestrian crossings, and car parking spaces, even to ensure the provision of disabled toilets under planning permission. I would also like to think that we would be able to develop a plan where we would plan to put in both Braille and audio books in our libraries for people with a particular need.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Peter Clarke echoed his fellow councillor’s disappointment that the committee never met. “I’m very disappointed that this committee we were appointed to has never met. I have gone out with Tom Chambers, Newport, a disability campaigner and walked through the streets of Ballina and got him to point out things in the town that are not accessible or hard to access for disabled people. Which there are many.” Cllr Clarke also asked the town council if there was a disability audit for the town and if it would be made available to the councillors. He was told later in the meeting there is an audit and it would be given to the councillors.
Cllr Mary Kelly told the meeting: “I welcome the plan but there is still an awful lot of work to be done, we have to ensure that there is no discrimination against people because they may be disabled. But I am disappointed that it has taken from November 2006 to now to get where we currently are with this report. We have to ensure that we have housing that is accessible for disabled people so they can live comfortably. Great credit must be given to those people who are out there every day campaigning on behalf of those with disabilities.”
Fianna Fáil Cllr Padraig Moore also expressed his disappointment that two of his fellow councillors had been appointed to a committee that had never met. “I’m frustrated and confused to hear that two of the councillors have been appointed to a committee that has never met and will not meet before this council ends. I’m also frustrated that this is the result of three years work and we have so much more to do.”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Human Rights Abuse in Australian Institution
A photo was published on 16th March 2009 showing an Australian residential care worker found asleep in a resident’s bed. A carer kicked a severely disabled woman out of her bed, changed into her own pyjamas, climbed into the woman’s bed and went to sleep.
The carer was discovered ion the morning by another support worker who was to replace her on the morning shift. The disabled woman was sitting in the kitchen all night. The residential care centre conducted an external investigation of the incident. The carer was cautioned and returned to overnight shifts.
This is a perfect example of human rights abuse, as the fact that the carer kicked out a resident out of her own bed didn’t matter – all that was investigated was the fact that the carer slept during her shift, which potentially endangered the residents.
The carer was discovered ion the morning by another support worker who was to replace her on the morning shift. The disabled woman was sitting in the kitchen all night. The residential care centre conducted an external investigation of the incident. The carer was cautioned and returned to overnight shifts.
This is a perfect example of human rights abuse, as the fact that the carer kicked out a resident out of her own bed didn’t matter – all that was investigated was the fact that the carer slept during her shift, which potentially endangered the residents.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Motorist parked in disabled space
From the Connaught Telegraph March 31st Edition
Motorist parked in disabled space
A SLIGO man with 13 previous traffic convictions was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment at Ballina Co. Mayo district Court last week.
The court heard Gregory Lynagh, Cullens, Sligo, was parked in a disabled parking bay at Abbey Street, Ballina, when Garda Martin McNicholas observed that his vehicle had no insurance disc or NCT disc.
The tax disc had expired in June of 2006. The defendant had 13 previous traffic convictions. The defendant told Judge Mary Devins he was parked in the disabled bay for 5 minutes when he went to buy a bag of chips.
There was no parking elsewhere in the area. He said he was unemployed and lived on his own in Dromore West. Judge Mary Devins told the defendant he could park his car elsewhere and walked to the chip shop instead of parking in a disabled bay.
She fined him €1,000 for not having insurance and disqualified him from driving for 5 years and sentenced him to 28 days imprisonment.
In relation to not having his car taxed, no NCT or driving license, Judge Devins fined the defendant a total of €900.
Motorist parked in disabled space
A SLIGO man with 13 previous traffic convictions was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment at Ballina Co. Mayo district Court last week.
The court heard Gregory Lynagh, Cullens, Sligo, was parked in a disabled parking bay at Abbey Street, Ballina, when Garda Martin McNicholas observed that his vehicle had no insurance disc or NCT disc.
The tax disc had expired in June of 2006. The defendant had 13 previous traffic convictions. The defendant told Judge Mary Devins he was parked in the disabled bay for 5 minutes when he went to buy a bag of chips.
There was no parking elsewhere in the area. He said he was unemployed and lived on his own in Dromore West. Judge Mary Devins told the defendant he could park his car elsewhere and walked to the chip shop instead of parking in a disabled bay.
She fined him €1,000 for not having insurance and disqualified him from driving for 5 years and sentenced him to 28 days imprisonment.
In relation to not having his car taxed, no NCT or driving license, Judge Devins fined the defendant a total of €900.
Mayo advertiser April 17, 2009
Mayo advertiser April 17, 2009
Newport woman to appeal disqualification for parking in disabled spot
Recognizance was fixes to appeal the sentence handed down by judge Devins to a Newport woman who she disqualified from driving for a year for parking in a disabled space.
Lena Mulchrone Derrylahan Newport, Co Mayo who was not in court or represented at the original hearing applied to the court to fix recognizance to appeal the circuit court which was granted.
Judge Devins asked Mulchrone you were supposed to appear in Castlebar Distict Court on April 1, why did you not show up? To which Mulchrone replied I was stressed out at the time and had a lot going on in my head and forgot about it. However Judge Devins was less than sympatric and replied; So stressed out that I convicted you of parking in a disabled space and you weren’t here you can tell that to the circuit court when you appeal.
Judge Devins fixed recognizance at €500 and an €1,000.
Newport woman to appeal disqualification for parking in disabled spot
Recognizance was fixes to appeal the sentence handed down by judge Devins to a Newport woman who she disqualified from driving for a year for parking in a disabled space.
Lena Mulchrone Derrylahan Newport, Co Mayo who was not in court or represented at the original hearing applied to the court to fix recognizance to appeal the circuit court which was granted.
Judge Devins asked Mulchrone you were supposed to appear in Castlebar Distict Court on April 1, why did you not show up? To which Mulchrone replied I was stressed out at the time and had a lot going on in my head and forgot about it. However Judge Devins was less than sympatric and replied; So stressed out that I convicted you of parking in a disabled space and you weren’t here you can tell that to the circuit court when you appeal.
Judge Devins fixed recognizance at €500 and an €1,000.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Connaught Telegraph 2nd June 2009
Woman drivers disqualified for parking in disabled bays
Two female motorists who parked in disabled bays in a Castlebar car park have each been put off the road for one year.
A van belonging to Mary Collins of 35 Lui na Greine, a disabled space in the Castlebar Street car park in June 5 last. Her vehicle wasn’t displayed a permit. A fixed penalty notice is –sued, but wasn’t paid. In the second case, a vehicle owned by Lena Mulchrone from Derrylahan, Newport was found in a disabled space in the same car park on June 30 without a valid permit. Similarly, a ticked issued but wasn’t paid. Both women were fined €300 by Judge Mary Devins plus €150 costs and they were banned from driving for one year.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Parting shot at Minister as Chambers warns of implications for Newport
TUESDAY, 10 MARCH 2009
Parting shot at Minister as Chambers warns of implications for Newport
Neill O’Neill
COUNCILLOR Frank Chambers attended his last hometown meeting as an elected representative yesterday (Monday), and used the opportunity to call on the County Council not to allow the electoral area division in Newport divide the people of the town.
Cllr Chambers called the re-drawing of the electoral area boundary through the heart of Newport a ‘disgraceful decision by any minister’ and expressed his concern that it could divide the town in that people on either side of the river would now be subject to the workings of different council offices and personnel. Cllr Chambers said the unity that exists among the people of Newport is integral to the local community, and sounded warnings that unless a concerted effort is made to protect this, Newport could end up in a situation like Charlestown and Bellaghy.
“One thing I don’t want to see happening is Newport town itself being divided by these new boundaries,” Cllr Chambers said. “There needs to be a unity among the groups in Newport such as the Tidy Towns and the Newport Development Company. We now have a situation where people will have to meet two separate engineers in order to get anything done on either side of the river, and separate offices will be deciding on funding and what can be done in different parts of Newport, even though it is the same town. The integrity of the town is fundamental and going forward things like planning need to be done for the whole town, and not just for some areas.”
Cllr Chambers used the example of how the river meanders in and out of different council areas as it enters Newport. He said this would lead to a lot of duplication and confusion over, for example, which engineer was in charge of the area and where applications or submissions should be made.
“We do not want to be divided,” he said. “In electoral terms we already are, but the community does not want to be.”
Cllr Margaret Adams agreed with her party colleague and called the redrawing of the boundary through Newport ‘unreasonable’. Cllr John O’Malley went one further and said it was ‘pure mad’ and among the ‘daftest’ things he had ever heard.
“The only thing we can do now is work to keep the town cohesive,” he said, as Cllr Adams called for a liaison officer to be appointed to deal with the issues Cllr Chambers had raised.
The decision to redraw the electoral area boundary through Newport forced Cllr Chambers to opt out of politics, according to Cllr O’Malley, with Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Martin Keane, describing the decision as an ‘absolute disgrace’. Cllr Keane wished Cllr Chambers and his wife and family all the best for the future, and thanked him for his service to the Westport area over the past 30 years. These sentiments were echoed around the table, with Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley saying that he found it difficult to believe that Mayo had seen the end of Frank Chambers’ political career.
Director of Services in the Westport Electoral Area, Mr Peter Hynes, said that there were some advantages to the boundary change, adding that Newport would now have eight councillors with money to spend rather than four. He said that Mayo County Council is very aware of the need for integration in Newport and is keen to preserve it
Parting shot at Minister as Chambers warns of implications for Newport
Neill O’Neill
COUNCILLOR Frank Chambers attended his last hometown meeting as an elected representative yesterday (Monday), and used the opportunity to call on the County Council not to allow the electoral area division in Newport divide the people of the town.
Cllr Chambers called the re-drawing of the electoral area boundary through the heart of Newport a ‘disgraceful decision by any minister’ and expressed his concern that it could divide the town in that people on either side of the river would now be subject to the workings of different council offices and personnel. Cllr Chambers said the unity that exists among the people of Newport is integral to the local community, and sounded warnings that unless a concerted effort is made to protect this, Newport could end up in a situation like Charlestown and Bellaghy.
“One thing I don’t want to see happening is Newport town itself being divided by these new boundaries,” Cllr Chambers said. “There needs to be a unity among the groups in Newport such as the Tidy Towns and the Newport Development Company. We now have a situation where people will have to meet two separate engineers in order to get anything done on either side of the river, and separate offices will be deciding on funding and what can be done in different parts of Newport, even though it is the same town. The integrity of the town is fundamental and going forward things like planning need to be done for the whole town, and not just for some areas.”
Cllr Chambers used the example of how the river meanders in and out of different council areas as it enters Newport. He said this would lead to a lot of duplication and confusion over, for example, which engineer was in charge of the area and where applications or submissions should be made.
“We do not want to be divided,” he said. “In electoral terms we already are, but the community does not want to be.”
Cllr Margaret Adams agreed with her party colleague and called the redrawing of the boundary through Newport ‘unreasonable’. Cllr John O’Malley went one further and said it was ‘pure mad’ and among the ‘daftest’ things he had ever heard.
“The only thing we can do now is work to keep the town cohesive,” he said, as Cllr Adams called for a liaison officer to be appointed to deal with the issues Cllr Chambers had raised.
The decision to redraw the electoral area boundary through Newport forced Cllr Chambers to opt out of politics, according to Cllr O’Malley, with Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Martin Keane, describing the decision as an ‘absolute disgrace’. Cllr Keane wished Cllr Chambers and his wife and family all the best for the future, and thanked him for his service to the Westport area over the past 30 years. These sentiments were echoed around the table, with Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley saying that he found it difficult to believe that Mayo had seen the end of Frank Chambers’ political career.
Director of Services in the Westport Electoral Area, Mr Peter Hynes, said that there were some advantages to the boundary change, adding that Newport would now have eight councillors with money to spend rather than four. He said that Mayo County Council is very aware of the need for integration in Newport and is keen to preserve it
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Hammered woman didn't hammer TD
Hammered woman didn't hammer TD
Athlone Advertiser, March 27, 2009.
By Finian Coghlan
A woman who attempted to assault Deputy Mary O'Rourke with an inflatable hammer on the reviewing stand of the St Patrick's Day parade had her case adjourned until early next month, at the District Court this week (March 25).
“F**k Fianna Fail and f**k the recession,” she was alleged to have shouted at the TD in her abortive attempt at some sort of political protest in front of a host of the town's dignitaries at the platform on the town bridge last Tuesday week.
The woman, a local in her fifties, has been charged with one public order offence on foot of her alleged drunken behaviour.
She appeared briefly in the District Court on Wednesday to hear Judge Elizabeth McGrath adjourn the hearing of her case until April 8 after the defendant's solicitor Paul Connellan told the court a medical certificate had not yet been completed on his client.
“It was one of the funniest things I ever saw,” said one of the people sharing the platform.
Athlone Advertiser, March 27, 2009.
By Finian Coghlan
A woman who attempted to assault Deputy Mary O'Rourke with an inflatable hammer on the reviewing stand of the St Patrick's Day parade had her case adjourned until early next month, at the District Court this week (March 25).
“F**k Fianna Fail and f**k the recession,” she was alleged to have shouted at the TD in her abortive attempt at some sort of political protest in front of a host of the town's dignitaries at the platform on the town bridge last Tuesday week.
The woman, a local in her fifties, has been charged with one public order offence on foot of her alleged drunken behaviour.
She appeared briefly in the District Court on Wednesday to hear Judge Elizabeth McGrath adjourn the hearing of her case until April 8 after the defendant's solicitor Paul Connellan told the court a medical certificate had not yet been completed on his client.
“It was one of the funniest things I ever saw,” said one of the people sharing the platform.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Campaigner welcomes Minister Maloney’s speech
Campaigner welcomes Minister Maloney’s speech
Dear editor
The Centre for Independent Living (CIL) Carmichael House launched, its
Strategic Plan (2009-2014) by Mr. John Moloney TD for Equality, Disability and Mental Health along with the DVD of Strasbourg Freedom Drive (2007) in the Park Inn Hotel on Saturday 31st January 2009. Proinsias De Rossa, MEP and Mary Lou McDonald, MEP both attended the launch and described the Strasbourg Freedom Drive campaign as the most effective lobbying campaigns targeting the EU Parliament.
Mr. Moloney stated in his opening speech that he would like to “reassure people with disabilities that their services and rights will not be hit even though we are facing very difficult times” He confirmed that he specifically would not be using the line of economic downturn in relation to disability sector. This was warmly welcomed by Disability Campaigner Tom Chambers Newport Co Mayo.
Chairperson of CIL. Michael McCabe highlighted the concerns of disabled people in relation to the cutbacks. “The disability sector in Ireland in the last number of years made some progress and the quality of services provided improved significantly. This must be protected despite the worsening economic climate” He also said that he was pleased that Ireland has signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and hoped that its ratification and implementation will be supported by all parties.
The Minister invited CIL Carmichael House to put Direct Payments on the agenda for the quarterly meetings he committed to direct payments are cash paid to individuals to enable them to employ, either directly or indirectly, individuals to assist them with their everyday tasks. This system proved to be a very efficient way of Personal Assistance (PA) service delivery in the UK and Sweden. Ireland still does not have legislation on this. Minister Moloney said that he is fully supporting the area of Direct Payments and recognizes that several savings can be made by implication of this.
“Politicians are not experts on disability, people with disabilities are,” said Ms. McDonald. “So continue planning, strategizing and raising voices at your campaigns.”
“In the current economic climate we are all going to take a hit one way or the other,” said Mr. De Rossa. “However people with disabilities should not be expected to pay the price.”
Finally, Mr. Chambers informed MEPs that attended the launch of the 2009 Strategic plan that the Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009 which will be coordinated by Ireland supported from Germany the date is set for the week of 9th September. He also will be making contact with his local MEPs.
Yours truly,
Tom Chambers
Disability Campaigner
The Billy Ranch
Newport
Co Mayo
Is this more promises said Tom Chambers
HOME News €150,000 Mill Street
€150,000 Mill Street
Monday, 16 March 2009
€150,000 Mill Street upgrade should get under way shortly
Neill O’Neill
PLANS are at an advanced stage to revamp Westport’s longest street, in a project that will cost upwards of €150,000.
Work should begin as soon as the public consultation period of six weeks is finished, and the aim of the project will be to bring Mill Street in line with other streets in the town, with projected tree bays, street crossings and general upgrade works to footpaths and kerbing.
Westport Town Architect, Simon Wall, told last week’s monthly meeting of Westport Town Council that there will be three raised street crossings as part of the plan – in front of Paddy Powers, in front of the new physiotherapy practice and in front of the Tidy Towns monument on The Fairgreen. There will be projected tree bays at a number of locations, including at the Mill Times Hotel, Herterich’s Butchers and Navin’s Funeral Home, to name a few. Two loading bays will be in place, one either side of the entrance to the hotel car park, while the work will mean the loss of six car-parking spaces.
However, Mr Wall also stated that parking spaces will be lined out on the street which will make for even more spaces than currently exist, and could negate the number of spaces lost to as low as one. Upgrades to kerbing and footpaths, including disability works, will also form part of the project, though the level of the street surface will not be raised. The trees used in the project will be among the biggest semi-mature trees ever brought into Ireland.
Another feature of the works will be the continuation of the footpath in front of the car-parking spaces at The Fairgreen, which will be marked out by a different colour surface, and should eliminate the practice of double-parking in the area.
Cllr Dave Keating, who has long campaigned for Mill Street to be upgraded, said he would not be complaining about this kind of investment, but called for the parking spaces outside the Grove Medical Centre to remain, and for the wishes of the residents to be part of the plan.
There were also calls to ensure that safety was the priority and not aesthetics, and Cllr Declan Dever asked that car-parking also be facilitated outside the pharmacy on Mill Street.
Cllr Tereasa McGuire questioned the wisdom of placing a loading bay outside private houses, and said she had reservations about the area around the clock where Mill Street, High Street, Bridge Street and Shop Street converge. Cllr Brendan Mulroy agreed with this assessment, saying the clock area needs to be re-negotiated as part of this proposal. He suggested re-opening the avenue at the back of the clock to free up traffic.
Westport Town Manager, Mr Peter Hynes, said that while the practicality and safety concerns of the proposal were key concerns, he would make no apology for considering the beauty of the town as an important part of this plan.
“A lot of the commerce of this town is dependent on its pretty image,” he stated
€150,000 Mill Street
Monday, 16 March 2009
€150,000 Mill Street upgrade should get under way shortly
Neill O’Neill
PLANS are at an advanced stage to revamp Westport’s longest street, in a project that will cost upwards of €150,000.
Work should begin as soon as the public consultation period of six weeks is finished, and the aim of the project will be to bring Mill Street in line with other streets in the town, with projected tree bays, street crossings and general upgrade works to footpaths and kerbing.
Westport Town Architect, Simon Wall, told last week’s monthly meeting of Westport Town Council that there will be three raised street crossings as part of the plan – in front of Paddy Powers, in front of the new physiotherapy practice and in front of the Tidy Towns monument on The Fairgreen. There will be projected tree bays at a number of locations, including at the Mill Times Hotel, Herterich’s Butchers and Navin’s Funeral Home, to name a few. Two loading bays will be in place, one either side of the entrance to the hotel car park, while the work will mean the loss of six car-parking spaces.
However, Mr Wall also stated that parking spaces will be lined out on the street which will make for even more spaces than currently exist, and could negate the number of spaces lost to as low as one. Upgrades to kerbing and footpaths, including disability works, will also form part of the project, though the level of the street surface will not be raised. The trees used in the project will be among the biggest semi-mature trees ever brought into Ireland.
Another feature of the works will be the continuation of the footpath in front of the car-parking spaces at The Fairgreen, which will be marked out by a different colour surface, and should eliminate the practice of double-parking in the area.
Cllr Dave Keating, who has long campaigned for Mill Street to be upgraded, said he would not be complaining about this kind of investment, but called for the parking spaces outside the Grove Medical Centre to remain, and for the wishes of the residents to be part of the plan.
There were also calls to ensure that safety was the priority and not aesthetics, and Cllr Declan Dever asked that car-parking also be facilitated outside the pharmacy on Mill Street.
Cllr Tereasa McGuire questioned the wisdom of placing a loading bay outside private houses, and said she had reservations about the area around the clock where Mill Street, High Street, Bridge Street and Shop Street converge. Cllr Brendan Mulroy agreed with this assessment, saying the clock area needs to be re-negotiated as part of this proposal. He suggested re-opening the avenue at the back of the clock to free up traffic.
Westport Town Manager, Mr Peter Hynes, said that while the practicality and safety concerns of the proposal were key concerns, he would make no apology for considering the beauty of the town as an important part of this plan.
“A lot of the commerce of this town is dependent on its pretty image,” he stated
Sunday, March 22, 2009
With the upbeat campaign message and song of "Things can only get better!" Labour's Cllr Keith Martin is hoping to make a historic breakthrough in south-west Mayo and take one of the four seats in the Westport Electoral Area.
But campaigning in an area as big as County Louth is no easy task, especially when one considers the number of boreens, bog roads and back roads than Cllr Martin must travel up to meet the those thousands of elusive voters who do not live in the towns and villages of west Mayo
So to allow him to meet the electorate in a bit of comfort and privacy Cllr Martin has converted a small caravan into a mobile clinic which travels the electoral area allowing him to work from his office-no matter where he is.
"It was a case of Mohammad going to meet the mountain as this is one of the largest electoral areas in the country and my constituents are spread out from the town of Westport out to Clew Bay and Clare Island, down to the boarder with County Galway and back up to Westport. This mobile clinic allows me to meet people in comfort and privacy. Its also great for my canvassers and I to have a base to operate from."
The caravan is decked out with Labour Party logos and Cllr Martin's website and contact details, and inside it is kitted out with a gas stove and sink, shelves of books and application forms and a desk for paperwork and a laptop.
"Its not super high tech but we do have Sat-Nav, wireless broadband and tea and coffee facilities on board and I use the shower room as a soundproof area to use the phone for my radio interviews and when discussing sensitive or confidential issues. Its not Air Force One but it does the job. In fact, we call the caravan Labour Force One and it's getting a great reaction from the public who often wave or give a honk on the car-horn when we pass by."
In addition to setting up shop in villages and on the side of the road Cllr Martin is taking his clinic to every church in the area to maximise the number of voters he can meet before polling day on June 5th. From a speaker system in the towing car Cllr Martin addresses a crowd wherever he can find them and when on the road the speakers blare out the 1990s hit "Things can only get better!" by D:Ream.
A Town Councillor in Westport for the past five years Cllr Martin is ready to take the step up to Mayo County Council and while very familiar with the challenges faced by towns like Westport he is very aware of the rural issues like broadband, clean water and housing.
"Working on my Uncle's farm I know what it is to milk cows, cut and save hay and turf and even to help make butter in a plunge churn. I know that farming in Mayo is hard work for little return and that cattle and sheep farmers are hurting since the last budget. The issues are those of jobs, housing and basics like water, roads and broadband.
"Tip O'Neil once said that 'All politics is local' and I believe the same can be said for economics. I believe that we need to fight the recession at a local level here in Mayo and I am ready to lead that fight. Already I have proposed a three point plan for businesses of Rates freezes, Rent reductions and Rates rebates for start up businesses which will keep people in work and help to create new jobs and opportunities. We also need Mayo County Council to start work on a new N5 link to Mullingar."
Once elected Cllr Martin has given a commitment to keep his mobile clinic on the road so that voters will see as much of him after he's elected as they did before.
"I think the message has to be one of hope. People are tired of recrimination and blame and we all know who is responsible for putting us in this mess. My message is one of hard work and hope. I believe if we're positive, if we work together then things can only get better!"
Contact:
Keith Martin
086 0691182 Mobile
098 24852 Office
www.thingscanonlygetbetter.ie
But campaigning in an area as big as County Louth is no easy task, especially when one considers the number of boreens, bog roads and back roads than Cllr Martin must travel up to meet the those thousands of elusive voters who do not live in the towns and villages of west Mayo
So to allow him to meet the electorate in a bit of comfort and privacy Cllr Martin has converted a small caravan into a mobile clinic which travels the electoral area allowing him to work from his office-no matter where he is.
"It was a case of Mohammad going to meet the mountain as this is one of the largest electoral areas in the country and my constituents are spread out from the town of Westport out to Clew Bay and Clare Island, down to the boarder with County Galway and back up to Westport. This mobile clinic allows me to meet people in comfort and privacy. Its also great for my canvassers and I to have a base to operate from."
The caravan is decked out with Labour Party logos and Cllr Martin's website and contact details, and inside it is kitted out with a gas stove and sink, shelves of books and application forms and a desk for paperwork and a laptop.
"Its not super high tech but we do have Sat-Nav, wireless broadband and tea and coffee facilities on board and I use the shower room as a soundproof area to use the phone for my radio interviews and when discussing sensitive or confidential issues. Its not Air Force One but it does the job. In fact, we call the caravan Labour Force One and it's getting a great reaction from the public who often wave or give a honk on the car-horn when we pass by."
In addition to setting up shop in villages and on the side of the road Cllr Martin is taking his clinic to every church in the area to maximise the number of voters he can meet before polling day on June 5th. From a speaker system in the towing car Cllr Martin addresses a crowd wherever he can find them and when on the road the speakers blare out the 1990s hit "Things can only get better!" by D:Ream.
A Town Councillor in Westport for the past five years Cllr Martin is ready to take the step up to Mayo County Council and while very familiar with the challenges faced by towns like Westport he is very aware of the rural issues like broadband, clean water and housing.
"Working on my Uncle's farm I know what it is to milk cows, cut and save hay and turf and even to help make butter in a plunge churn. I know that farming in Mayo is hard work for little return and that cattle and sheep farmers are hurting since the last budget. The issues are those of jobs, housing and basics like water, roads and broadband.
"Tip O'Neil once said that 'All politics is local' and I believe the same can be said for economics. I believe that we need to fight the recession at a local level here in Mayo and I am ready to lead that fight. Already I have proposed a three point plan for businesses of Rates freezes, Rent reductions and Rates rebates for start up businesses which will keep people in work and help to create new jobs and opportunities. We also need Mayo County Council to start work on a new N5 link to Mullingar."
Once elected Cllr Martin has given a commitment to keep his mobile clinic on the road so that voters will see as much of him after he's elected as they did before.
"I think the message has to be one of hope. People are tired of recrimination and blame and we all know who is responsible for putting us in this mess. My message is one of hard work and hope. I believe if we're positive, if we work together then things can only get better!"
Contact:
Keith Martin
086 0691182 Mobile
098 24852 Office
www.thingscanonlygetbetter.ie
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Castlebar gardaí warn of zero tolerance over
Castlebar gardaí warn of zero tolerance over
Mayo Advertiser, March 13, 2009.
A 31 per cent increase in the number of people failing breath tests over the month of February in County Mayo, shows the battle against drink-driving is never ending. If St Patrick's Day revellers decide to drive drunk, they had better have more than the 'luck of the Irish' to cover the financial consequences of a drunk driving arrest. A campaign is being launched in Mayo which will tie into the Road Safety Authority’s message to “Never, ever, drink and drive”.
“Twenty-nine is an unacceptably high figure, and we are disappointed that so many people have risked their own and other people's safety by getting behind the wheel while over the limit,” said Noel Gibbons, road safety officer for Mayo County Council.
“Because St Patrick's Day is a notorious drinking holiday, we are launching an aggressive campaign to address drunk and other dangerous driving behaviour that puts our families at risk,” said Sergeant Joe McKenna, Castlebar Garda headquarters.
“Rest assured that in the coming year we will continue our efforts to educate motorists to the dangers of drink-driving, as well as enforcing the law. Everyone is being given ample warning that there will be zero tolerance for those caught getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”
Mayo Advertiser, March 13, 2009.
A 31 per cent increase in the number of people failing breath tests over the month of February in County Mayo, shows the battle against drink-driving is never ending. If St Patrick's Day revellers decide to drive drunk, they had better have more than the 'luck of the Irish' to cover the financial consequences of a drunk driving arrest. A campaign is being launched in Mayo which will tie into the Road Safety Authority’s message to “Never, ever, drink and drive”.
“Twenty-nine is an unacceptably high figure, and we are disappointed that so many people have risked their own and other people's safety by getting behind the wheel while over the limit,” said Noel Gibbons, road safety officer for Mayo County Council.
“Because St Patrick's Day is a notorious drinking holiday, we are launching an aggressive campaign to address drunk and other dangerous driving behaviour that puts our families at risk,” said Sergeant Joe McKenna, Castlebar Garda headquarters.
“Rest assured that in the coming year we will continue our efforts to educate motorists to the dangers of drink-driving, as well as enforcing the law. Everyone is being given ample warning that there will be zero tolerance for those caught getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”
Division of Newport into two electoral areas is ‘crazy stuff’
Westport area briefs
Mayo Advertiser, March 13, 2009.
By Geraldine Carr
Division of Newport into two electoral areas is ‘crazy stuff’
With the last Westport area meeting in Newport, due to the change in electoral boundaries, Fianna Fáil councillor Frank Chambers commented that it was “crazy stuff” that half of Newport would fall under the Belmullet Electoral Area, before he added that it was a “disgraceful decision” and said that “the unity of the town” needed to be maintained as Newport “does not want to be a divided community”.
Party colleague Cllr Margaret Adams said that the decision was “off the wall” and “totally unreasonable”, before she commended Cllr Chambers for his hard work representing Newport over the past 30 years.
Fine Gael councillor John O’Malley said that it was an “unfair decision” which forced Cllr Chambers to opt out of politics and wished Cllr Chambers and his family well in the future, while Cllr Martin Keane said that what happened to Cllr Chambers in his own electoral area was “a disgrace”.
Houses and grants delayed due to lack of funding
Martin Keating, executive housing officer, outlined that the Kilmeena housing units and community centre is progressing, but that the Killeen project is delayed as there was still no capital allocation given from the department. This allocation also affected the provision of housing grant funding.
Cllr John O’Malley said that he was bombarded with people contacting him every day about the essential repairs grants, with many submitting their application a year ago and still awaiting a response. The Fine Gael councillor said that it was ironic that the “green Minister” has announced €100 million for insulation, where every “Tom Dick and Harry” whose house was built before 1996 without a means test can apply, yet the old and vulnerable cannot get their windows and door replaced with the essential repairs grants.
Fianna Fáil councillor Adams said that it was important to focus on what has been done, with many looked after by the mobility grants, and Cllr Adams said that she looks forward to second round of funding for maintenance grants.
Mr Keating explained that at present there is some €2 million worth of housing grant approvals and until the council receives an allocation, expected after the forthcoming budget, further work will not be approved.
Councillors disappointed with Westport United’s planning refusal
The recent decision by An Bord Pleanála to turn down a planning application for Westport United’s new pitch, which was raised at the meeting by Cathaoirleach of the town Councillor Martin Keane, led to councillors offering their support to the club if needed and condemning the decision as “disappointing”.
Cllr Adams said that both town and area councillors had pledged money to upgrade the road leading to the ground if a planning decision was granted and that with the “disappointing decision” the doors are still open to Westport United if they need further assistance.
Her party colleague Cllr Chambers said that this decision was a disappointment for the community’s needs, and that with the draft development plan of the town being reviewed the needs of the community must be taken on board with greater focus on quality of life of people.
Fine Gael councillor John O’Malley said that he was “absolutely devastated “by the news and couldn’t understand the mentality of stopping a sports group from being developed, while Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley said that the turning down of the development resulted in the stagnation of other projects in the area.
Childcare facility for Louisburgh
Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley welcomed the news that disposal of land at Ard Caher, Louisburgh, would enable a childcare project— which has capital funding and planning permission to construct such facilities.
Road reconstructed in Newport
Engineer Michael Lyons told area members that the regional road R311 in the townlands of Clooneshill and Cuilemore, Newport would be realigned and reconstructed for 790 metres towards Newport, with the acquisition of land from three landowners.
Cllr Chambers said there should be a verge in the road to allow people to walk or cycle on it. Cllr Adams concurred that all new roads should have walk or cycle lanes
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Newport will have one voice
Cllr Keith Martin says Newport will have a strong voice in Mayo County Council when he is elected to Mayo County Council in June. Cllr Martin made his comments when wishing outgoing Newport County Councillor Frank Chambers a "happy and restful retirement" following Cllr Chamber's decision to bow out of politics after 30 years of service.
Cllr Keith Martin pledged that he will hold clinics on "both sides of the Black Oak River" to ensure that Newport's issues are addressed and raised in Mayo County Council following Cllr Chamber's departure.
According to Cllr Martin "I will represent the people of Newport town from the river to Furnace whether or not they can vote for me in June. It defies logic and common sense to include Newport in the Belmullet Electoral Area. Newport and Westport are only miles apart and for Newport's administration to be based out of Belmullet 60 miles away makes no sense. It was a lazy way for the Electoral Boundaries Commission to solve a problem for the Belmullet Electoral Area at the expense of the people of Newport.
"Newport is the social and community centre for a large area on both sides of the river and I will ensure that Newport is serviced effectively by Mayo County Council and that the voice of Newport from Meddicott Street to Knocknageeha is heard as one voice in the chamber of Mayo County Council, and not two.
"I will be holding clinics in the coming weeks in Newport and I expect these to be well attended by people from both sides of the river and they will be most welcome. There will be no discrimination based on a silly decision from Dublin!"
086 0691182
Cllr Keith Martin pledged that he will hold clinics on "both sides of the Black Oak River" to ensure that Newport's issues are addressed and raised in Mayo County Council following Cllr Chamber's departure.
According to Cllr Martin "I will represent the people of Newport town from the river to Furnace whether or not they can vote for me in June. It defies logic and common sense to include Newport in the Belmullet Electoral Area. Newport and Westport are only miles apart and for Newport's administration to be based out of Belmullet 60 miles away makes no sense. It was a lazy way for the Electoral Boundaries Commission to solve a problem for the Belmullet Electoral Area at the expense of the people of Newport.
"Newport is the social and community centre for a large area on both sides of the river and I will ensure that Newport is serviced effectively by Mayo County Council and that the voice of Newport from Meddicott Street to Knocknageeha is heard as one voice in the chamber of Mayo County Council, and not two.
"I will be holding clinics in the coming weeks in Newport and I expect these to be well attended by people from both sides of the river and they will be most welcome. There will be no discrimination based on a silly decision from Dublin!"
086 0691182
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Right to read
Right to read
Increased library opening hours, a literacy programme aimed at young parents and their children and council-backed homework clubs are just some of the measures being proposed by Labour's Cllr Keith Martin to tackle illiteracy and to promote reading in Mayo.
Cllr Keith Martin, who is a Branch Librarian at Westport Library, is backing "The Right to Read campaign" which is directed towards education in the community and uses the resources of Local Authorities to back up vital literacy programmes like Homework Clubs, Home-Reading initiatives and Public Libraries. The campaign is backed by the children's charity Barnardos, unions SIPTU, INTO, TUI, ASTI and the National Adult Literacy Agency.
Cllr Martin says "Children who go to primary school, must 'Learn to Read so that they Read to Learn' when they move up to secondary school. According to the latest Census figures 19% of secondary students in Mayo drop out of school when they reach 15 or after their junior certificate. Many, but not all, do so because they have difficulty with reading and writing.
"Nationally there are at least half a million adults that are functionally illiterate. Many of these people are doomed to low incomes or long term unemployment, especially in the current economy. We must work to eliminate illiteracy and to create an literate and confident society and workforce.
"Also there are huge personal benefits to reading, for example reading stimulates the mind (unlike television), reading improves our vocabulary, concentration, focus and memory and allows us to develop our creativity. In addition to this its great fun, whether its escapism in good novel or a DIY or cookery book to help us around the home.
Cllr Martin concludes "I am committed to implementing the Right to Read programme when I am elected to Mayo County Council. We must make sure that no child or adult is left behind, we must also ensure that everyone learns to read, for education and for fun. Libraries offer great value for money, with free membership for children up to 18 and a maximum annual membership cost of just €3. For that you get to borrow five books, CDs, DVDs for free, free internet access and access to a huge amount of reference and support materials. The Right to Read campaign aims to highlight these opportunities and to promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading in Mayo."
CORE Initiatives
Increase library opening hours, especially in the evenings after school.
Ensure that all libraries publish community outreach plans and work with schools and community groups to maximise participation in library activities amongst all age groups.
Increase the number of activities in libraries to promote reading.
Expand the mobile library service.
Encourage literacy amongst young parents with the promotion of 'Baby Books Bundle' by the library service.
Encourage all Local Authorities to establish Right to Read Committees involving elected members and appropriate officers from council management.
'Family Learning through Football' courses (Sunderland F.C. model) encouraging positive parenting and family literacy through sport in association with sporting organisations run in council community centres.
A greater volume of multi-lingual textbooks in our library service.
A greater roll out of schemes like the 'Beano Comic Initiative' as sponsored by Dublin City Council across the country
Increased library opening hours, a literacy programme aimed at young parents and their children and council-backed homework clubs are just some of the measures being proposed by Labour's Cllr Keith Martin to tackle illiteracy and to promote reading in Mayo.
Cllr Keith Martin, who is a Branch Librarian at Westport Library, is backing "The Right to Read campaign" which is directed towards education in the community and uses the resources of Local Authorities to back up vital literacy programmes like Homework Clubs, Home-Reading initiatives and Public Libraries. The campaign is backed by the children's charity Barnardos, unions SIPTU, INTO, TUI, ASTI and the National Adult Literacy Agency.
Cllr Martin says "Children who go to primary school, must 'Learn to Read so that they Read to Learn' when they move up to secondary school. According to the latest Census figures 19% of secondary students in Mayo drop out of school when they reach 15 or after their junior certificate. Many, but not all, do so because they have difficulty with reading and writing.
"Nationally there are at least half a million adults that are functionally illiterate. Many of these people are doomed to low incomes or long term unemployment, especially in the current economy. We must work to eliminate illiteracy and to create an literate and confident society and workforce.
"Also there are huge personal benefits to reading, for example reading stimulates the mind (unlike television), reading improves our vocabulary, concentration, focus and memory and allows us to develop our creativity. In addition to this its great fun, whether its escapism in good novel or a DIY or cookery book to help us around the home.
Cllr Martin concludes "I am committed to implementing the Right to Read programme when I am elected to Mayo County Council. We must make sure that no child or adult is left behind, we must also ensure that everyone learns to read, for education and for fun. Libraries offer great value for money, with free membership for children up to 18 and a maximum annual membership cost of just €3. For that you get to borrow five books, CDs, DVDs for free, free internet access and access to a huge amount of reference and support materials. The Right to Read campaign aims to highlight these opportunities and to promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading in Mayo."
CORE Initiatives
Increase library opening hours, especially in the evenings after school.
Ensure that all libraries publish community outreach plans and work with schools and community groups to maximise participation in library activities amongst all age groups.
Increase the number of activities in libraries to promote reading.
Expand the mobile library service.
Encourage literacy amongst young parents with the promotion of 'Baby Books Bundle' by the library service.
Encourage all Local Authorities to establish Right to Read Committees involving elected members and appropriate officers from council management.
'Family Learning through Football' courses (Sunderland F.C. model) encouraging positive parenting and family literacy through sport in association with sporting organisations run in council community centres.
A greater volume of multi-lingual textbooks in our library service.
A greater roll out of schemes like the 'Beano Comic Initiative' as sponsored by Dublin City Council across the country
Friday, January 30, 2009
AN insurance company had made allegations of fraud against a man left paraplegic in a road accident when there was no evidence to sustain the claims, a judge said yesterday.
Mr Justice John Quirke made the remark in the High Court after Quinn Direct withdrew claims that John Deegan (45), of Fortlawn Park, Clonsilla, Dublin, had sustained his injuries in a fall from a third- storey balcony in the Ballymun flats and not as a result of the road accident, as Mr Deegan had claimed. The judge said it was a "very serious" matter that such grave allegations were made in open court by "a very substantial and well-resourced company" when there was no evidence to support them and at a time when the company had in its possession a garda report stating there was no such evidence.
Des O'Neill, for Quinn Direct, said the allegation was made arising from false reports by others, including a report concerning a fall from a balcony.
The company now accepted the injuries sustained by Mr Deegan could not have resulted from a balcony fall, counsel said.
After exchanges between counsel and the judge yesterday, the insurance company withdrew all claims of fraud in the case but is also insisting Mr Deegan must fully prove all the facts of the road accident.
Mr Justice Quirke said he would not permit the company to allege fraud without providing specific particulars of that claim. Nor would he allow the company to reserve its position and see what emerged from the evidence. Mr Deegan is paraplegic and has a range of other severe injuries requiring full-time care for the rest of his life, the court heard.
He says these injuries were sustained after the car in which he was travelling as a passenger went out of control while travelling at speed on St Margaret's Road, Ballymun, on the night of November 5, 2001 and ended up overturned in a field close to the Ballymun flats.
Counsel for Mr Deegan said they had just yesterday received a crucial document from Quinn The action is expected to last several weeks
Mr Justice John Quirke made the remark in the High Court after Quinn Direct withdrew claims that John Deegan (45), of Fortlawn Park, Clonsilla, Dublin, had sustained his injuries in a fall from a third- storey balcony in the Ballymun flats and not as a result of the road accident, as Mr Deegan had claimed. The judge said it was a "very serious" matter that such grave allegations were made in open court by "a very substantial and well-resourced company" when there was no evidence to support them and at a time when the company had in its possession a garda report stating there was no such evidence.
Des O'Neill, for Quinn Direct, said the allegation was made arising from false reports by others, including a report concerning a fall from a balcony.
The company now accepted the injuries sustained by Mr Deegan could not have resulted from a balcony fall, counsel said.
After exchanges between counsel and the judge yesterday, the insurance company withdrew all claims of fraud in the case but is also insisting Mr Deegan must fully prove all the facts of the road accident.
Mr Justice Quirke said he would not permit the company to allege fraud without providing specific particulars of that claim. Nor would he allow the company to reserve its position and see what emerged from the evidence. Mr Deegan is paraplegic and has a range of other severe injuries requiring full-time care for the rest of his life, the court heard.
He says these injuries were sustained after the car in which he was travelling as a passenger went out of control while travelling at speed on St Margaret's Road, Ballymun, on the night of November 5, 2001 and ended up overturned in a field close to the Ballymun flats.
Counsel for Mr Deegan said they had just yesterday received a crucial document from Quinn The action is expected to last several weeks
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