Thursday, October 6, 2016

Very productive meeting with Health Minister, HAC and local Oireachtas representatives to discuss services at Roscommon Hospital


Senator Frank Feighan described last Thursday’s meeting between Minister for Health Simon Harris, members of the Hospital Action Committee and local Oireachtas public representatives as very productive. Senator Feighan facilitated the meeting in the Minister’s office at the request of the HAC.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who attended for contributing to a very productive and positive meeting with Minister Harris. The Minister engaged with those present on a range of issues relating to the hospital and local health services.
“This included the new Medical Rehab Unit; the need to fill the Rehab Consultant post as soon as possible; ambulance services; the Air ambulance service; the openings hours of the Medical Assessment Unit; a new Central Sterile Supply Department and progress on the new Sacred Heart Hospital project.
“Minister Harris took detailed notes of all the queries and said he would revert as soon as possible with the relevant information. I would like to thank the Minister for giving his time to discuss these issues in a very considered fashion.
“Minister Harris made it clear to all present that Roscommon Hospital is busy and he wants to make it even busier with the addition of more services. He said Rocommon Hospital was a good example of how hospitals are now taking the lead on certain services.

“With the new Endoscopy Unit open and with the Medical Rehab project about to get underway, it is clear that the long-term future of Roscommon Hospital is very secure.”

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Roscommon Hospital management actively addressing parking difficulties


th_Feighan
Senator Feighan has said that Roscommon Hospital management is actively addressing the parking difficulties currently being experienced at the hospital. Senator Feighan has been in ongoing discussions with hospital management about the issue.

“The current parking issues are predominately as a result of the on-going increase in attendances of patients for day case procedures, surgery, diagnostics and consultations. This is a certainly problem that many didn’t and couldn’t foresee five years ago.

“The main congestion occurs on week-days, from about 9am to 2pm each day, when there is a large percentage of patients attending the hospital,`when all services are fully operational and the majority of staff is on duty.

“Hospital management has informed me that it has had meetings with Roscommon County Council and An Garda Síochána regarding the issue which has included discussing the concerns of local residents. Hospital management has suggested to the council that double yellow lines be painted along the Ardsallagh Road to restrict parking in that area.

“The hospital has also expanded its security officer services in order to try to maximise parking usage on the campus. A security officer is now on duty from 7am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. By employing a security officer during busy periods, the hospital is now utilising 17 car parking spaces adjacent to the Urgent Care Centre hospital entrance for short term parking (maximum 2 hrs) and for set down/pick up. As a result, the hospital has informed me that there is now a much better turnover per car park spaces and it has ensured patients do not have to walk too far.  

“The security officer is also there to provide direction and advice to patients/service users in relation to spaces available throughout the site. Additionally, the car-park adjacent to Hyde Park is a public car park and staff/visitors have been advised that cars can be parked there, thus ensuring that patients can get much better and nearer access to the hospital.  This arrangement has been in place for more than two years now.

“From my discussions with hospital management, I know they are acutely aware of the limited parking currently available. They are doing everything possible to ensure that patients get priority and are allowed to park as close as possible to the hospital and avail of services. Thankfully too, Roscommon Hospital is still one of the few hospitals in the country that does not charge for car parking and I would encourage the management to ensure that it stays that way.”

Friday, September 23, 2016

Update 23rd September


Roscommon soldiers among those honoured by Government at Custume Barracks for their bravery at Siege of Jadotville
Mary Tiernan and Senator Frank Feighan
Senator Feighan said it was a great source of pride to be among the large attendance at Custume Barracks in Athlone last Saturday where a special event took place to formally honour the bravery of Irish soldiers who fought at the famous Siege of Jadotville 55 years ago.
“In 1961, 157 Irishmen fended off 3,000 enemy forces at the famous Siege of Jadotville in fierce exchanges which lasted six days. Three hundred enemy forces were killed during this battle in the Congo while there were no fatalities on the Irish side.
“The soldiers came from ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and were led by Commander Pat Quinlan. I was delighted to see a number of Roscommon men who were among that courageous group of soldiers honoured last Saturday.
“It was wonderful to see the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, present a Unit Citation to the Company at Custume Barracks in recognition of their bravery and heroism. 
“This is the first time a Unit Citation has been awarded within the Defence Forces and a copy of the citation was presented to each member or next-of-kin of the unit. 
“The Siege, which has now been made into a movie, is an incredible story of courage in the face of huge adversity.

“Unfortunately, the bravery of these Irish man was never fully recognised until last Saturday’s event and the emotion was very palpable among former soldiers and the families as the long wait for recognition was finally over.”

Monday, September 19, 2016

Flood Relief Minister's visit to Boyle

Flood Relief Minister visit to Boyle will allow him to talk directly to those affected by flooding - Feighan

Senator Frank Feighan has said that this evening’s visit (Monday, September 19th) to Boyle by the Minister responsible for the OPW and Flood Relief, Sean Canney, will give him the opportunity to talk directly to those who have been severely affected by flooding.
Timetable
2:00 - 2.40pm Lough Funshinagh / Ardmullen
3.15 - 3.45pm Athleague / Correal Turlough
4.30 - 5:30pm Castleplunkett/Bushfield/Brackloon Turloughs
6:00 - 7:00pm Boyle Turloughs 

“As part of a county wide tour of Roscommon today which includes Lough Funshinagh, Athleague and Castleplunkett, Minister Canney will also visit Boyle this evening to look at turloughs which have been associated with severe flooding of homes and farms last Winter.
“Minister Canney is well aware of my numerous representations on this issue and the need for the OPW to carry out a technical examination of these turloughs. I am glad the Minister is now visiting Boyle to see these flood-hit areas at first hand and talk directly to those who have been severely affected.
“One of the flooding turloughs the Minister will be visiting this evening is at Lisserdrea beside the home of Ann and Vincent Brady, who are still reeling from the flooding devastation they suffered last Winter.
“With funding assistance from the severe weather fund, Roscommon County Council did raise the road near the Brady home and I understand that the council recently opened a swallow hole towards the end of turlough. These works revealed a slow flow of water which may indicate a blockage of some type.
“As part of the agreed monitoring programme of turloughs nationally between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Geological Survey of Ireland, this Lisserdrea turlough is among those selected for a technical examination which will involve the use of a dye-trace. It is hoped this examination will help inform workable solutions to address the flooding problem.

“This turlough examination and the analysis of the results must happen as soon as possible in order to meaningfully address a flooding crisis, which has caused so much stress and anxiety to the Brady family.”

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Feighan highlights Garda recruitment campaign

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed the ongoing Garda recruitment campaign, which was launched recently by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald.

"I would encourage all those interested in joining An Garda Síochána to visit the website of the Public Appointments Service and submit their application at www.publicjobs.ie. The closing date for applications is Thursday, September 29th 2016. The existing recruitment campaign was launched last November and successful candidates will continue to be called from this ongoing campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017"

“This new recruitment campaign continues the accelerated recruitment to fulfil the Government’s commitment to increase the strength of the force to 15,000 members. Minister Fitzgerald fully recognises the need to ensure An Garda Síochána is provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service in all areas. Garda presence on the streets is very important and it is extremely positive that growth is continuing to take place within the force.”


***Closing date for applications is Thursday, September 29th.*** 

New LEADER funding programme

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed the news that Roscommon LEADER Partnership is planning to launch the new LEADER funding programme for the county next month.
“The LEADER 2014-2020 Funding Agreement for Roscommon has already been signed by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys. I now understand Roscommon LEADER Partnership is planning to launch the new LEADER programme for the county in mid-October, which is very good news for rural communities.
“As part of this new LEADER programme, more than €8.85m is available for groups and enterprises in Roscommon. This funding will be provided to projects that are selected by local action groups, made up of local representatives from both the public and private sector.

“The money will fund projects across a range of areas, such as enterprise development, rural tourism, enhancement of rural towns and the provision of basic services for hard to reach communities

“Investing in our rural economies and supporting communities across rural Ireland is a top priority for this Government.  LEADER 2020 is a very important initiative for rural Ireland and is a key part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.


“In total, the programme will provide funding of €250 million to enterprises and community groups throughout rural Ireland.”

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

€7.85m Medical Rehab Unit at Roscommon Hospital

Feighan welcomes €1.5m in funding for planning and design of €7.85m Medical Rehab Unit at Roscommon Hospital

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed today’s funding announcement of €1.5m for the planning and design of the €7.85m Medical Rehab Unit at Roscommon Hospital.

“Today, the Minister for Health Simon Harris confirmed this funding, which is part of the €7.85m capital funding approved for this major development at the hospital.

“I have always expressed confidence that this ten-bed facility would be built and today’s announcement of funding for the planning and design phase puts to bed any concerns surrounding the project.

“This is great news on the day Minister Harris also officially opened the €6m Endoscopy project at the hospital.

 “The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire is the only comprehensive rehabilitation facility in the Republic of Ireland for patients with physical and cognitive impairments.

“Currently, there are no dedicated rehab units in the West and this stand-alone Rehab Unit at Roscommon will relieve pressure on existing services and waiting times in Dún Laoghaire and will also allow patients to be treated in their own community.

“When built, the unit will operate as a satellite centre to the National Rehabilitation Hospital and will operate under its auspices.

“From a geographical perspective, Roscommon Hospital is ideally located for this development, being so central to the West and to Dublin.


“It was always the plan that this capital development would proceed once the Endoscopy Unit was complete. This is what is now happening and I look forward to the Medical Rehab Unit project taking shape at Roscommon Hospital.”

Health Minister turns sod on new Boyle Primary Care Centre



 Senator Frank Feighan said he was delighted that the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, turned the sod on the new Primary Care Centre in Boyle this morning, Wednesday, September 7th.


“I am delighted that Minister Harris accepted my request to turn the sod on this project, which is currently under construction on the grounds of the Plunkett Home.

“Minister Harris today performed the ceremony before he travelled to Roscommon Town to officially open the new Endoscopy Unit at the County Hospital.

“This is a great day for Roscommon where the Minister for Health will personally endorse two significant health facilities for the county.

“The Boyle Primary Centre is scheduled to open from September of next year and will offer a range of services to the local community.


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

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Update 31st August

Health Minister to turn the sod on new Boyle Primary Care Centre next Wednesday
Senator Frank Feighan has confirmed that the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, will turn the sod on the new Primary Care Centre in Boyle on Wednesday morning next, September 7th.
“I am delighted that Minister Harris has accepted my request to turn the sod on this project, which is currently under construction on the grounds of the Plunkett Home.
“Minister Harris will perform the ceremony before he travels to Roscommon Town to officially open the new Endoscopy Unit at the County Hospital.
“This is a great day for Roscommon where the Minister for Health will personally endorse two significant health facilities for the county.
“The Boyle Primary Centre is scheduled to open from September of next year and will offer a range of services to the local community.
 “The centre will ensure that the local community has improved access to a greater range of health services on their own doorstep and under the one roof.”


Monday, August 29, 2016

Feighan welcomes 160 new Vistamed jobs in Carrick-on-Shannon


 Senator Frank Feighan has said that the creation of a further 200 new jobs at Vistamed in Carrick-on-Shannon is a major endorsement for the pool of talent which exists in Leitrim and the surrounding region.

“This significant jobs boost is clear evidence that counties like Leitrim have the skilled talent and infrastructure to attract major international companies.

 “Today’s jobs announcement has given another huge vote of confidence to the community of Carrick-on-Shannon and Rooskey where its other plant is located. This jobs boost follows on from another major jobs announcement made by the company only two years ago.

 “Vistamed’s total workforce is now more than 525, making it a vital employer in this region. This is very clear evidence that Leitrim and this part of the country has the capacity to deliver even more jobs of this type.


“I want to pay tribute to Vistamed for this further investment of €10m which underlines its long-term commitment to the plants in Carrick-on-Shannon and Rooskey.”

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Update 25th August



Feighan welcomes visit of Health Minister next month to officially open new €6m Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon Hospital

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed the confirmation that Health Minister Simon Harris will officially open the new €6m Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon Hospital on Thursday, September 8th.
“I’m delighted that Minister Harris has accepted my invitation to formally open the Endoscopy Unit, which is already operational.
“This 14,000 square foot state-of-the-art unit will become a diagnostic centre for the whole Western region.  
“It is facilitating a range of scope procedures for patients, including colonoscopies, and the new unit will perform three times as many endoscopy procedures at the hospital than previously.
“This multi-million euro investment ensures that the number of patients treated in Roscommon will continue to rise and add substantially to the general increase in activity at the hospital.

 “I gave a commitment to secure significant investment for Roscommon Hospital and the Endoscopy Suite is part of a €20m investment earmarked for the hospital.”

Update 25th August - Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon Hospital opening

August 25th 2016

Feighan welcomes visit of Health Minister next month to officially open new €6m Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon Hospital

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed the confirmation that Health Minister Simon Harris will officially open the new €6m Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon Hospital on Thursday, September 8th.
“I’m delighted that Minister Harris has accepted my invitation to formally open the Endoscopy Unit, which is already operational.
“This 14,000 square foot state-of-the-art unit will become a diagnostic centre for the whole Western region.  
“It is facilitating a range of scope procedures for patients, including colonoscopies, and the new unit will perform three times as many endoscopy procedures at the hospital than previously.
“This multi-million euro investment ensures that the number of patients treated in Roscommon will continue to rise and add substantially to the general increase in activity at the hospital.

 “I gave a commitment to secure significant investment for Roscommon Hospital and the Endoscopy Suite is part of a €20m investment earmarked for the hospital.”

Monday, August 22, 2016

Senator Feighan calling on Health Minister to consider Carrick-on-Shannon as part location for European Medicines Agency



 Senator Frank Feighan is calling on the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to consider Carrick-on-Shannon as part location for the European Medicines Agency.

“The EMA is an EU regulatory body responsible for the protection of public and animal health through the scientific evaluation and supervision of medicines. Because of the Brexit vote in the UK, the agency will now have to move from Canary Wharf in London and this could provide a real opportunity for the North-West region here.

“This agency has many areas of expertise. For example, it has seven committees that carry out its scientific assessments. Some of this activity could be located in Carrick-on-Shannon because there is plenty of office space in the town and in other local towns in the region.

“Carrick-on-Shannon is well placed geographically too. It is widely acknowledged now that you can make it to the Leitrim county town in an hour and half from Dublin Airport whereas you will find it very difficult to get from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf in that time.

“The EMA employs about 900 people and locating part of this agency to this side of the country would be a huge boost for the regional economy along with its additional spin-offs.

“I have already had recent discussions with industry professionals about the possibility of locating some EMA activity  to this region. This meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon was also attended by Sligo/Leitrim TD Tony McLoughlin and local councillor, Finola Armstrong-McGuire. 

“I know that the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, is preparing a bid to bring the EMA to Dublin but I will be raising with him the importance of considering this North West region as a possible part location for the EMA.

“This region has a rich pool of highly skilled graduates who no doubt would love the opportunity of working on their own doorstep with this prestigious agency. I will certainly be working closely with the Minister to ensure that this opportunity is explored.”

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Boyle Primary Care Centre complete by August 2017

HSE confirms new Boyle Primary Care Centre will be complete by August 2017

Senator Frank Feighan has received confirmation from the HSE that the new Primary Care Centre in Boyle is due to be completed by the end of August next year.

“Following its completion, the HSE informed me that the Centre will be open from September 2017 and will offer a range of services to the local community.

“It’s great to see that construction on the 17,000 square foot two-storey building, on the grounds of the Plunkett Home, is well underway.

“The facility will offer GP suites, consulting rooms, dental services, physiotherapy and occupational therapy suites along with a separate dental wing.

"Mental health outpatient clinics, paediatric physiotherapy and occupational therapy and ophthalmology clinics are among the other services which will be located there.

“The centre, which I helped to secure funding for, will ensure that the local community has improved access to a greater range of health services on their own doorstep and under the one roof.”

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Major N61 road safety works

August 9th 2016

Major N61 road safety works near Boyle are on target for completion in November

Senator Frank Feighan has said that the major road safety works being carried out on the N61 are on target for completion in November.

The Senator said that Roscommon County Council has confirmed that the ongoing major road realignment works near Boyle is set to be finished by that time as the council are planning a second road diversion in order to complete the works.

“When completed, these significant safety improvement works near Boyle will see the realignment of approximately 1.1 km of road on two sections of the N61 at Treanagry and Rathallen.

“These realignment works will finally remove two of the most dangerous stretches of road in Roscommon, which have been there since the foundation of the State. In the last Government, I was very pleased to have secured the €6m in funding needed to carry out works which are so considerable, roads unfortunately have to be closed.

“This road between Boyle and our County Town was in need of an upgrade and while more work is required, the results of these realignment works will reflect the ongoing improvement of the road.
“As many motorists and local communities already know and are affected by it on a daily basis, a road closure is already in place between Boyle and Caldra. The works will now involve another significant road diversion which will see the closure of the road from Tulsk to Fourmilehouse from Monday, August 29th to Friday, September 23rd inclusive.

 “While I strongly welcome these safety works being carried out, I do hope that this road scheme will be finished by the target date in order to remove the inconvenience and disruption for those most affected by the roadworks. Full details of the planned second road closure and the new diversion are on the Roscommon County Council website.”
Ends

Contact Senator Feighan, (086) 833 1234

Monday, July 18, 2016

Senator Feighan raises possible extension of Boyle Garda Station opening hours

Senator Feighan raises possible extension of Boyle Garda Station opening hours with Justice Minister

Senator Frank Feighan has raised the issue of extending Boyle Garda Station’s opening hours with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.

“I have written to Minister Fitzgerald to establish if there are resources available to extend the opening hours at Boyle Garda Station.

“The station’s opening times were always subject to review and I have asked the Minister to examine the opening hours in Boyle in this context.

“When the new opening times were introduced early last year, Minister Fitzgerald explained that these arrangements were designed to free up Garda personnel for outdoor policing duties who otherwise would be engaged in keeping the station open to the public.

“I think now is a good time for a formal examination of the existing opening hours and to establish if resources are available to further extend these hours to the public.”

Thursday, July 7, 2016

77 outstanding compensation claims by Arigna miners

Senator Frank Feighan has been informed by the Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, that there are 77 outstanding compensation claims by Arigna miners currently being processed.

Minister Varadkar informed Senator Feighan in the chamber today of the number of outstanding claims being investigated by the Department of Social Protection regarding Arigna miners seeking disablement benefits because of work-related illnesses.

“The Minister informed me today that since 2010 to date, his Department has received a total of 247 claims for disablement benefit from former Arigna miners in respect of a variety of diseases and injuries. Of these, 89 have been awarded, 81 were found to be ineligible and 77 are still under investigation,

“Regarding the majority of the 77 cases, the Department is waiting for additional information or evidence to be supplied by the claimants. A small number of these are awaiting a medical assessment by a Department medical assessor.

“In 2010, the National Coalminers Group secured agreement with the Department of Social Protection to extend disablement benefit to former miners suffering from work related illnesses.

“Since this review scheme was established in October 2010, which I strongly lobbied for on behalf of coalminers, hundreds of miners have applied for and received disability arrears under this scheme.


“I hope that all of those who still meet the criteria under this scheme will receive payment as soon as possible.”



Wednesday, February 10, 2016

TLICN Westminster Reception, 9 February 2016.

TLICN Westminster Reception, 9 February 2016.
Paul Coggins and Martin Mockler , London Irish Construction Network, Brexit debate in House of Commons

Frank Feighan with Alasdair McDonnell, Leader SDLP



Many thanks for inviting me today. 

I would like to preface my remarks by saying that as the 31st Dail was dissolved earlier this month, I am today speaking here essentially as a private citizen, and my views are my own. So if you take issue with what I am about to say, I alone am responsible!

During the last Dail I was privileged to hold the offices of co-Chairman of the British-Irish Parliamentary Association (BIPA) and Chairman of the Oireachatas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. And in these roles I took, and indeed still take, a keen interest in Ireland’s relationship with the UK, as well as developments in Northern Ireland.

Indeed when BIPA last met, the implications of a possible UK exit from the EU was the topic of substantial and lively discussion, not only among elected members of the Irish and Westminster Parliaments, but also among members of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who had their own perspectives on the debate. 

Whatever your views, it’s clear that the coming referendum will have profound implications for the UK, including its devolved nations, as well as for Ireland and the rest of the EU.

So this gathering today is important, and also timely, coming after the publication of a draft basis of agreement by EU Council President Tusk. Governments will be studying this text very closely, and we can expect substantial discussions and intensive negotiations in the weeks ahead. We may see the referendum take place as soon as this summer.

Let me be clear that Irish people naturally respect the right of UK citizens to determine their own future. But Ireland is a close friend and neighbour of the UK, and there are huge trade, social and historical ties between our countries. Members of the London Irish Construction Network understand that well. So of course Ireland takes a keen interest in this debate.

I personally would not like to see, for example, an EU border run through the island of Ireland. And any changes to the UK’s EU membership are bound to impact the very substantial trade between Ireland and the UK, valued at over €1 billion each week in goods and services, which takes place under the umbrella of the EU’s common market. And the EU has, of course, been a substantial investor in Northern Ireland.

It is for reasons such as these that, as the Taoiseach has stated, Ireland is working as far as practicable to ensure the UK’s concerns are addressed in the negotiations. And from the draft text which has been published, we can see that far-reaching changes to the workings of the EU are on the table.

I hope that an agreement can be reached which accommodates the concerns and needs of the UK. Ireland sees the UK as a close ally and friend within the EU. It is without doubt better for Ireland that the UK remains in the UK. It is also better for the EU that the UK remains a full member. But I also firmly believe that it is in the UK’s own best interests to remain a member of a reformed EU.

For these reasons I have no doubt that I and my fellow countrymen and women will be watching the debate on the UK’s future relationship with the EU in the coming months with great interest.

On that note, may I sincerely congratulate the organisers for this evening’s most timely event, and thank you again for the opportunity to share my views.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Loughglynn ambulance base

Loughglynn ambulance base to be operational on February 1st – Feighan

Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the news that the Loughglynn ambulance base will become operational on February 1st.

"I’m pleased that agreement has been reached between unions representing ambulance personnel and the HSE at the Workplace Relations Commission on deploying resources to Loughglynn.

"This facility for communities in West Roscommon and East Mayo will significantly help to improve emergency response times in these ambulance blackspot areas.

 “In terms of ambulance resources in Roscommon, it is important to point out that we have more resources in place since 2011 and it is important that these are used in the most effective way possible.

“Prior to 2011, Roscommon Town had 2 emergency ambulances by day and 1 emergency ambulance at night. Since 2011, it has an extra ambulance by day and one extra by night; that now means 3 ambulances by day and 2 by night in operation.

“The 24/7 Advance paramedic response car is also based out of Roscommon town and in addition, there is a 24/7 emergency ambulance operating out of Boyle and a 24/7 Emergency Ambulance operating out of Carrick-on-Shannon. 

“The Carrick-on-Shannon ambulance also improves the availability in South Leitrim and North Roscommon. We also have the very successful air ambulance service with an advanced paramedic on board.

“I look forward to the Loughglynn base opening next week.”