Navan Road Briefing – February 2008

7th February, 2008

Senator Paschal Donohoe Update – Navan Road Community

Dear Constituent,

As a member of the Oireachtas representing the Navan Road community I am writing to give you an update on my work in Seanad Eireann on your behalf. I also want to update you on matters that may be of interest to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to raise any local or national matter with me.


REPRESENTING YOU IN SEANAD EIREANN

As a Senator I work on legislation and issues that are important nationally and which have an impact on our local community. The main areas that I am focusing on at the moment include:-

· The Dublin Transport Authority: legislation due later this month to set up an organisation to deliver strategic planning for the transport needs of the Dublin region.

· Standards in rental accommodation: to ensure that updated legislation is stronger to protect both those living in and near private rental accommodation.

· Health Service Executive Funding of Local Facilities: working to make sure that local health centres and facilities are not jeopardised by HSE cutbacks.

UPDATE ON ASHTOWN TRAIN STATION

As a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport I have raised the issue of the future of Ashtown train station with Iarnrod Eireann. I am concerned that the opening of the Phoenix Park train station could lead to a reduction in the services available at the Ashtown station. Mr Richard Fearns, Chief Executive of Iarnrod Eireann responded to me recently. He confirmed that the services stopping at Ashtown will not be affected by the opening of a new adjacent station. I have also been informed that electronic ticket machines will be provided at this station in the near future. Iarnrod Eireann is completing a procurement process for the machines at the moment. This should make it quicker for commuters to get tickets during busy periods.

PLEASE TURN OVER

In a recent Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting I raised the unsatisfactory train service at this station with the senior Iarnrod Eireann management. Trains are too frequently full when local commuters seek to board them at peak times. I was informed that additional carriages will be provided for key services in 2008 to alleviate over-crowding. As a member of the Oireachtas Committee dealing with transport issues and policy I will continue to campaign on this issue to deliver an improvement in the quality of service available at our local station.

NAVAN ROAD COMMUNITY POLICING

Ensuring that the community policing team in Cabra Garda station are fully resourced is essential for effective policing in the Navan Road community.

UPDATE ON LOCAL PLANNING DECISIONS

Two decisions made by Dublin City Council in our local area have been appealed to An Bord Pleanala. Local residents appealed against the City Council decision to grant planning permission to an apartment complex on 375 Blackhorse Avenue. The decision by An Bord Pleanala is due on 1st April. A similar appeal was made against an apartment development at the intersection of the Navan Road and Nephin Road (Cabra Farm). This decision is due on 24th March.


PROVIDING BETTER SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Fine Gael has led the recent campaign to improve the educational services available for families and children dealing with autism. We believe that it is vital that the state provide more choice and resource for family who live with this condition. In order to better represent effected families on this important issue I would be grateful if you could contact me with any experience you have of schools or other services in dealing with this condition.

VISITS TO LEINSTER HOUSE

Finally, I am honoured to be a new member of Seanad Eireann. Prior to my election I had rarely visited Leinster House to see the Houses of the Oireachtas and understand how they work. If you are interested in visiting our national parliament please contact me and I would be delighted to arrange a tour for you and any of your family or friends.

I am privileged to serve you in Seanad Eireann. If I can ever be of help to you please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Senator Paschal Donohoe

FINE GAEL – DUBLIN CENTRAL