Monday, May 25, 2015

Beef Data and Genomics scheme




Feighan to meet Minister Coveney to discuss concerns over Beef Data and Genomics scheme 
 
Roscommon/South Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, is to meet Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, on Tuesday next, May 26th to discuss farmers’ concerns over the new Beef Data and Genomics programme.
“I will be among a number of Fine Gael TDs who will meet Minister Coveney in Leinster House to discuss issues which have emerged in relation to the operation of the scheme.
“While everyone welcomes the move to improve the genetic quality of the beef herd and the €300m investment in the suckler herd, farmers are expressing significant concerns about the workings of the scheme. 
 “Clear issues have arisen around the mandatory six year contract requirement and the scheme’s general complexity, including the star ratings element. It is important that all of these issues are sufficiently addressed in order to give farmers the confidence to buy into the scheme.
“I also hope that any concerns about the lack of consultation will be looked as it is important there is full clarity and certainty for farmers in order they can give this programme the vote of confidence.”



Contact: Deputy Feighan, 086 833 1234.

Fall in unemployment rate

Press Statement
May 22nd 2015




Feighan welcomes fall in unemployment rate to below 10%

Roscommon/South Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, has welcome confirmation from the CSO that the unemployment rate has fallen below 10% for the first time in 7 years. 
“This fall below the 10% figure is a significant milestone given that at the height of the recession, the unemployment figure stood at more than 15%.
“At the same time, we know some regions are growing faster than others and that is why this Government is putting in place the €250m Regional Action Plan for Jobs to accelerate jobs growth in every region. 

“By the second half of the year we will have specific Action Plans for each of the 8 regions, backed up by extra Government funding and coordinated by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. This will build on the strengths of each individual region and accelerate the jobs growth in each region.

“The priority now is to ensure that the economic recovery is felt in every corner of the country and positive change can be expected in all regions of the country over the coming months.
“I warmly welcome the news that unemployment level has fallen below 10% and I feel encouraged by the fact that our young people are getting back to work and that those who have been stuck in the welfare trap are entering the labour market.”

ENDS


Contact: Deputy Feighan, 086 833 1234.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Refurbishment of playgrounds

Press Statement
May 20th 2015



Feighan welcomes €20,000 for refurbishment of playgrounds in Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon


Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has welcomed €20,000 for the refurbishment of playgrounds in Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon. The funding allocations were announced by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly, under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation.

“I am pleased that €10,000 has been allocated to Roscommon County Council for the refurbishment of Castlehill playground in Roscommon.

“Leitrim County Council is also to receive €10,000 for refurbishment works at Aura Playground in Carrick-on-Shannon.

“This funding is among total payments of €250,000 nationally to improve the quality of children’s play and recreation projects right across Ireland.

“Minister Reilly also noted that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs Play and Recreation Capital Grants Scheme 2015 was oversubscribed and competitive.

“Successful applications were those that best met the criteria developed for the scheme. Matched funding is being provided in each case by the relevant Local Authority.”


ENDS


Contact: Deputy Feighan, 086 833 1234..

Thursday, May 14, 2015

New fibre broadband network

Press Statement May 14th 2015


Roscommon Town and Carrick-on-Shannon to be included in first phase of new fibre broadband network 


Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, said today that  Roscommon Town and Carrick-on-Shannon are to be included in the first phase of Ireland’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network, offering speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps to 500,000 premises in fifty regional towns, revolutionising the broadband market in Ireland.  An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White unveiled SIRO as the new brand of ESB and Vodafone Ireland’s fibre broadband joint venture company.   

“Roscommon Town and Carrick-on-Shannon are to be included in the first phase of this new broadband venture which is set to deliver the most powerful network in the country.  SIRO, backed by Vodafone and ESB, is investing €450 million in building Ireland’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network, offering speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps to 500,000 premises in fifty regional towns, revolutionising the broadband market in Ireland.

“This phase is expected to be fully rolled-out by the end of 2018 and is part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan. SIRO’s 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network will be deployed on ESB’s existing overhead and underground infrastructure, ensuring a fast and cost efficient roll-out to every county in Ireland and reversing the digital divide between the capital and regional towns.  

“Fine Gael in Government believes that high speed broadband is a necessity for all Irish homes and businesses as we aim to reach full employment by 2018.  These developments are part of National Broadband Plan, which is in the process of delivering high speed broadband to every home, school and business in Ireland, regardless of its location.

“This is a very positive development that will drive welcome competition in the market and much needed investment in broadband infrastructure across regional Ireland.” 

ENDS


Contact Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.

€7.85m funding approval for 10-bed Medical Rehab Unit

Press Statement May 14th 2014

€7.85m funding approval for 10-bed Medical Rehab Unit a major investment boost for Roscommon Hospital

*Unit to create up to 50 jobs when fully complete

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed confirmation that the HSE has approved €7.85m in funding for the design and build of a stand-alone 10-bed Medical Rehabilitation Unit on the grounds of Roscommon Hospital.

 “This is fantastic news for Roscommon Hospital which will see the initial development of a 10-bed inpatient ward accommodation on a greenfield site on the hospital campus. Another 10 beds is also expected to be delivered over a phased basis.

“The Rehab Unit will operate as a satellite centre to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire and will operate under its auspices. The Dun Laoghaire hospital does marvellous work for patients with a range of neurological needs such as brain and spinal injuries.

“However, almost a quarter of patients treated at NRH normally reside in the HSE West region as currently, there are no dedicated rehab units in the West. This satellite Rehab Unit planned for Roscommon will relieve pressure on existing services and waiting times at NRH and will also allow patients to be treated in their own community.

 “I’m also delighted to say that due to the range of specialist therapy services to be provided, it’s estimated that once the Rehab Unit becomes fully operational, it will create 25 jobs initially and up to 50 jobs when all phases are complete. These jobs are apart from the employment which will be created during the construction phase.

“The jobs required for the Rehab Unit will be across a range of disciplines including a dedicated consultant, nursing, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists, clinical psychologists, dieticians, chiropodists, administration and varied support services.

 “The Rehab project is one of three major capital developments being planned at Roscommon Hospital; the other two are an Endoscopy Unit, which will be ready to open in September, and a Hospice Care Centre.

“I expect that work on the Rehab Unit will commence immediately after the opening of the Endoscopy Unit. I said I would deliver for Roscommon Hospital and this is more hard evidence that the hospital has a very bright long-term future. As a Government TD, I have used my influence at the highest level to help deliver these major developments for Roscommon.”

ENDS

Contact Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.




€1.3m for group water and sewage schemes

Press Statement May 14th 2015


€1.3m for group water and sewage schemes in Roscommon and Leitrim


Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said that €1.3m worth of funding for group water and sewage schemes in Roscommon and Leitrim will improve water quality and upgrade local water conservation works.

“Respective allocations of €1.08m and €216,000 for Roscommon and Leitrim are aimed at improving water quality in group water schemes, and at upgrading water conservation works in group water scheme distribution networks.  

“The programme also provides funding for group sewerage schemes. The Roscommon allocation is the third highest in the country.

“The news was announced by the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government. The Rural Water Programme benefits from funding under the European Regional Development Fund.

“The Government has also accepted a recommendation from the National Rural Water Services Committee to investigate whether some elements of proposed new group schemes would merit a special contribution to help address funding shortfalls.

“We are supporting the Group Water sector as an important element of the water industry in Ireland and to continued investment in the sector to sustain and improve quality, standards and performance.”



ENDS


Contact: Deputy Feighan, (086) 833 1234.

Lifting of Boyle Water Notice in Boyle now imminent

Press Statement  May 1st, 2015
   

Lifting of Boyle Water Notice in Boyle now imminent


Roscommon/South Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, has said he understands that the lifting of the boil water notice affecting 6,000 people in the Boyle area is set to happen any day now.  
“The new Boyle Water treatment plant has been operational since January 2015 but has been undergoing a formal review and testing since then. 
“However, I am glad to say that the HSE is now ready to lift the boil water notice which has been in place since May 2013 after cryptosporidium was detected in the water supply.

“I welcome this news which will bring to an end the constant boil water notices affecting businesses and consumers in Boyle for the last two years.
“I am pleased to learn that people in this area will finally be able to use the local water supply safe in the knowledge that it is clean and safe. The frustration felt many is almost over.”

Ends

Contact Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.

Lifting of Boyle Water Notice

Press Statement  May 1st, 2015

Lifting of Boyle Water Notice in Boyle very welcome news for businesses and local community – Feighan

Roscommon/South Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, has said the lifting of the Boil Water Notice in Boyle today is very welcome news for local businesses and the wider community.
“Official confirmation from Irish Water and Roscommon County Council that the Boil Water Notice has been lifted on the Boyle Ardcarne, Boyle and Hughestown water supplies has been long-awaited after such restrictions being in place for the last two years.

“Today’s news brings to an end the constant boil water notices affecting businesses and consumers in Boyle since May 2013 after cryptosporidium was detected in the water.

 “6,000 people in the Boyle area people will finally be able to use the local water supplies safe in the knowledge that it is clean and safe. 
 “The frustration felt by many is now over.”


Ends

Contact Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.

Primary Care Centre in Boyle

Press Statement
April 22nd 2015



Feighan welcomes funding approval for new Primary Care Centre in Boyle

Roscommon/South Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, has warmly welcomed the European Investment Bank’s approval of €70m in loan funding for 14 new Primary Care Centres, which includes the new facility planned for Boyle.

“The new Boyle Primary Care Centre is part of a Public Private Partnership Project, involving fourteen Primary Care Centres, which will be delivered using a design, build, finance and operate model. 

“This funding approval of  €70m from European Investment Bank (EIB) will represent the first Irish project to benefit from lending under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).  It is also the first EIB support for healthcare investment in Ireland to be procured as a Public-Private Partnership.

“I’m very pleased to see that the Boyle project is very much on schedule.  Tenders from the preselected candidates, submitted in early February, are currently being assessed and analysed.

“The preferred tenderer will be selected shortly and I understand that construction will begin in early 2016. When complete, this 17,000 square foot two-storey Primary Care Centre, being developed on the grounds of the Plunkett Nursing Home, will include GP suites, consulting rooms, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The Centre will ensure that the local community has improved access to a greater range of health services on their own doorstep.

I am also delighted that the construction of this Boyle project will provide a welcome jobs boost for North Roscommon.”

ENDS

Contact, Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.

Roscommon People Letter March 20th 2015

Dear Editor

In response to recent letters in your newspaper on the issue of Roscommon Hospital, I want to repeat again that the future of the hospital has never been more secure or safe.
In 2011 only 9% of  the people with Roscommon addresses used the  hospital and  consultants working there had warned that things were spiralling out of control and could not stand over the safety of patients.
As the only Government TD in the constituency, I have exercised my influence at the highest level to ensure an investment programme of €20m is being injected into the hospital. Over the last four years, I have attended hundreds of meetings at every level to ensure the long-term future of the hospital.
At the heart of these major investment plans on the grounds of Roscommon Hospital are an Endoscopy Suite, which is due to open in a few months time: a Medical Rehabilitation Centre which will serve the Western region and a major Palliative Care Centre. The plans have also included the introduction of a range of new services, which are substantially increasing activity.
Since July 2011, Roscommon Hospital is a much safer and much busier hospital. The consultants and management at the hospital are fully supportive of the changes in the delivery of the type of services there. Two consultants at hospital have gone on the public record to confirm categorically that the hospital is safer and busier.
As I have said before, I invite people and politicians to go in and ask the experts working in the hospital about these developments, which have been enhanced by other support services such as the introduction of the successful air ambulance service and advanced paramedics.
I also fully believe that if I had walked away, Roscommon wouldn’t have a voice at the highest level, not just in relation to the hospital but in relation to a range of other important local and national issues such as jobs, farming and infrastructure. I have helped to deliver over €200m in infrastructural projects in this constituency.
There is no doubt that 2014 has been a challenging year for the people of Roscommon. We have been coming out of the most difficult recession in the history of the State and this does not happen overnight. Major progress has been made however, the economy is clearly picking up, and the same can be expected for 2015.
If I was interested in safeguarding my political career, I could have taken the easy option and walked away. However, I stood by this country and the people of Roscommon/South Leitrim in very difficult circumstances. Being a politician is not about being liked but about making the right decisions.
 Four years ago politicians and others said the hospital would close, funds would not be made available and people would die. The hospital is busier than ever, at least 50 lives have been saved by the introduction of the air ambulance and advanced paramedics and the hospital has a secure future.
Now I think it is time for those politicians and political commentators to apologise to the people of Roscommon for misleading them with their false accusations and inaccurate information. They have done more to undermine the confidence of the sterling work that Roscommon hospital does and cause confusion, unnecessary fear and hysteria with their comments which now have proven unfounded. This issue in the last 4 years has caused me a lot of personal hurt from people who should have known better, however I know that my actions have saved many lives and jobs in the hospital and history will prove me right.

Yours Sincerely,

Frank Feighan, TD

Boyle Community College

March 2nd 2015


Feighan welcomes funding approval for works at Boyle Community College

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed funding approval for roof repair works at Abbey Community College in Boyle.
 “I’m very pleased that funding has been granted for these works.
“This welcome allocation has been sanctioned by the School Building Unit at the Department of Education.”