Lowry Calls For Rural Road Funding
Lowry calls for Rural Road Funding
Independent TD Michael Lowry, has requested that all Tipperary’s newly elected TD’s unite to ensure that necessary future funding for rural roads be made an immediate priority for the 32nd Dáil.
“The Rural Road Network throughout county Tipperary is crumbling. The principle factor is the lack of investment and continuous decrease in monies made available to local County Councils. The National Roads Fund decreased from €608 million in 2008 to a current figure of €294 million. In 2011 both North and South Tipperary got a total of €45 million for roads. In 2015 this had fallen to €28 million, with a further €3 million of reductions this year.
This decrease in funding has had a huge negative impact on rural communities, with many of our roads becoming extremely hazardous. Daily struggles are arising for rural school buses, and other essential service providers. In many cases these erosive conditions are creating obstacle courses which are bordering on the impassable. Drivers find themselves in dangerous situations where they are forced to drive erratically to avoid deepening potholes. Each day my office receives countless complaints from vehicle owners, where their vehicles are being damaged, tyres have been ripped off and issues are arising with steering and suspension, brought about by potholes which rapidly merge to form giant craters.
The people of Tipperary are extremely frustrated with this outgoing government and justifiably point out that as citizen’s they pay heavy car taxes, numerous charges and levies, yet the horrendous state of rural roads tolerated on a day-to-day basis in Tipperary would never be permitted to exist in our capital city. It is evident that this current administration continues to cultivate a two track society; one which offers fast urban centres, while rural Ireland is permitted to remain abandoned.
I have spoken to the CEO of Tipperary County Council, requesting that an inventory of all roads, which need repair and replacement works right across the county, be immediately established and should include reasonable estimates for all repairs and refurbishments.
I will work alongside my elected colleagues, in seeking the appropriate funding for this crisis, while exerting my influence on the introduction of a proper roads network program into the future. I have also requested that the management of the council ensure that they get satisfactory value and return for all money spent, while all future work practices remain up to a recognised standard, using quality material and ensuring proper road drainage is put in place.
The total neglect of our rural roads now requires urgent attention and the present scenario of drastically reduced infrastructural funding must be immediately reversed,” concluded Deputy Lowry.
Tribute to Cllr Willie Kennedy RIP
It is with a heavy heart I attempt to pay tribute to the life of Willie Kennedy. All of us are sad and lonely.
When I heard of Willie’s sudden death my stomach flipped, my head spun, I was numb with disbelief. Part of me died with Willie on that road in Stradbally.
As word spread the awful finality that the man we revered had departed this life struck us like a thunderbolt. A major cloud descended and we all felt an overwhelming sense of loss and sadness.
We congregate here today as family, neighbours and friends of Willie Kennedy. We are acutely aware that a special person has gone from among us. Indeed so great was our affection for our friend Willie that his untimely departure from this life felt like the death of a family member.
We respectfully extend our sincere sympathy to Betty, Jer, Mairead, and Elizabeth. Today we feel some of your pain and we try to share some of your sorrow. We thank you for your magnificent support to Willie. We acknowledge and appreciate the many sacrifices you made to enable Willie share his time with all of us. As a family you can be very proud of his service to the public and his many achievements.
As a Councillor he was legendary. He was successful in 5 County Council elections. He enjoyed the confidence and support of his people for a total of 26 years as their Public Representative. His greatest political moment was his comeback from the defeat of 2009. During his absence from the Council Chamber he showed remarkable courage in the face of adversity. He never gave up. His resilience and commitment was amazing. He worked and clawed his way back. We all rejoiced in his personal victory of 2014. It was a spectacular endorsement of a great man.
As a Councillor, Willie had a unique style and craft. He was always moving with purpose. He was attentive and patient with every individual, always thoughtful and considerate, generous with his time, with his knowledge and advice and tenacious in his pursuit of solutions to problems.
In the conduct of his Council duties he was respectful of officials and honourable with his Councillor colleagues.
Willie’s life represented the worthwhile values that one associates with a rural community. He was country at heart. He embodied everything that is good about rural life. His wisdom, decency, manliness, patience and friendship, touched the lives of many.
As a husband and father he was loving and caring. Willie was extremely proud and content with Elizabeth and Mairead’s choice of husbands. He told me himself that Tom and Philly were “two sound lovely chaps and his girls had chosen wisely”. In the same conversation he said that all his brothers had retired young and he was thinking of making life easier for himself with a lot more farming in mind for Jer.
As a person he was intelligent, courteous, good humoured, gentle and kind. To find these values in such abundance in any one person is indeed rare.
His views were always clear and inspired. His values were never going to be compromised. His belief in fairness and equality tempered his discussions and contributions on many issues. He treated everyone equally and made a genuine effort to take special care of the vulnerable.
Willie’s brightness and vision enabled him to embrace positive change and modernize his attitude and outlook. He had the mental agility to accept and adapt to the challenges of today’s fast moving and ever changing lifestyle.
Willie understood and celebrated his sense of place in Glastrigan and sense of Parish in Templederry. He was wedded to the parish and took pride in his own place. He had huge regard and respect for the dignity of others in his community. He was never brash, never boastful always gentle. He was always tolerant and never judgemental.
As an individual Willie was religious, compassionate and caring. He had an impish roguish sense of humour. He was the essence of discretion. When required he was a master at evasiveness. If ever under pressure from a question he would cannily respond by asking two questions of his own. He was a man of great integrity and total reliability. He enjoyed the simple things in life. Extravagance never entered his lifestyle. He loved his family home. He had a special relationship with his neighbours and always spoke highly of them.
Willie was brilliant to me personally. We campaigned together as friends for over 30 years. I listened to him. I learned from him. He was ever present. He rejoiced with me on the good days. He defended me against criticism. He was always there for me. He was rock solid. He was the glue of my organisation. He was my right hand man. He looked out for me every waking day. I trusted his advice. I trusted his judgement. Above all I appreciated his friendship and total loyalty.
Going through life we all have family, colleagues and friends. Then we have those chosen few that are deep in our hearts. I am no different. Deep in my heart Willie was a special one. A true and genuine friend.
Willie has left an indelible mark on our lives.
He has left memories that will never fade.
Slan abhaile, Willie Mo Chara.
Michael Lowry T.D. 2016 Election Launch
Tipperary Hurling Star Eoin Kelly Launches Deputy Michael Lowry Election Campaign 2016
Speaking at the launch of his forthcoming 2016 general election campaign last Friday night, Michael Lowry T.D. spoke extensively on the need to progress rural Ireland forward to reflect the recovery being experienced in more easterly urban areas.
The event launched by Eoin Kelly, was without doubt one of the most successful political campaigns ever witnessed in County Tipperary. The event, which took place in the Anner Hotel, Thurles saw the venue swamped to capacity, with supporters travelling dangerous icy roads, from north and south of the County. Two large television screens were conveniently placed in the hotels foyer and main bar area. Both assets allowed for late comers, many who were unable to enter the main ballroom area, to watch proceeding live.
Deputy Lowry’s previous efforts in the retention of South Tipperary General Hospital and his recent prominence in the need to retain the Rural Practice Allowance Scheme for GP’s had not gone unnoticed. Support for his efforts saw people travel from Clonmel, Ballylooby, Bansha, Cahir, Ballyporreen, Carrick-on- Suir, and Cashel. His work rate was acknowledged also by his constituent members who flocked from the towns and villages of Upperchurch, Kilcommon, Nenagh, Silvermines, Roscrea and Templemore, to name but a few.
A number of guest speakers addressed over 600 supporters, discussing issues of current importance in relating to communities throughout the County. The topics discussed related to Education, Crime, Agriculture, Food Production, Sport, Special Education, Health, Youth Affairs and the Elderly. From the floor of the venue came discussions from varying sports personnel, members of the farming communities and small businesses pledging their thanks and support.
At the event, Deputy Lowry praised the magnificent efforts of numerous voluntary bodies throughout the county. He acknowledged the many excellent resources available today in the villages and towns of the county, but stated that rural Tipperary now felt neglected by the present decision makers.
Failure to install new CT scanner at South Tipperary General Hospital is causing unnecessary inconvenience to seriously ill patients
Deputy Lowry Highlights CT Scanner Issues at South Tipperary General Hospital
A current CT scanner which is over 16 years old and presently installed at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel has malfunctioned yet again. The immediate consequence of this equipment failure is that Tipperary patients are being transported to other hospitals in the region, to undergo urgent and necessary CT Scans.
“The absurdity of this issue, which I highlighted today, becomes even more ludicrous when we discover that there already exists a brand new CT scanner still packed in its box, waiting to be installed at the South Tipperary facility for almost 3 years. While it is understood that works are underway to install this new scanner I have been informed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that it will be towards the end of 2016 before same is available for patients use.
As a result of the old CT scanner breaking down yet again, Hospital staffs are now obliged to transport urgent patients to facilities believed to include Waterford (52 min or 47.1km or 30 mls) and Limerick (1h-24 min or 82.6km or 51mls) depending on availability, for necessary CT Scans.
This incompetent state of affairs is causing unnecessary inconvenience to seriously ill patients, c the ambulance service and an overworked hospital staff, while also costing an already underfunded HSE unnecessary extra expense” concluded Michael Lowry T.D.
Deputy Michael Lowry has called for immediate action in relation to the current Bansha GP crisis
Lowry demands better HSE viability for GP care Rural Ireland health care under attack
Deputy Michael Lowry has called for immediate action in relation to the current Bansha GP crisis. With the current General Practitioner retiring, the position to fill this post has been advertised; however, with the closing date for applications fast approaching, no interest in securing this position has, as yet, been registered.
“In the past a ‘Rural Practice Allowance’, was paid to assist Doctors with essential operating costs. This allowance is no longer being offered to replacement physicians. The withdrawal of this ‘Rural Practice Allowance’ to such areas automatically deprives patients the right to attract doctors into rural communities; making GP practices no longer viable.
Medical General Practices are dying nationally but in particular the area of County Tipperary. Post after post in the Irish countryside are falling vacant, with no incentive to attract health professionals, many of whom have left this country in favour of superior opportunities abroad.
This most recent issue further highlights the challenges that rural dwellers face on a day-to-day bases. The village of Bansha and its surrounding areas is yet another example of how rural Ireland is constantly under attack. In recent months, Bansha has lost most of its transport services involving the transfer of very ill individuals to hospitals for treatment or appointments. Having lost the services of their local post office, they now also face the genuine possibility that they will lose the most basic of human rights; that of any local health care.
Bansha’s heath care centre currently provides professional quality service to the local community, together with parts of Cahir, Golden and the Glen of Aherlow. Presently between Medical Card holders & private patients, the local area takes care of over 2,000 individuals. With free GP care being rolled out nationally for under 6’s and over 70’s, it is ludicrous to think that those now eligible will find themselves in acute emergency cases where no doctor will be found in the village of Bansha.
I have been in contact with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and have requested that they immediately make a fully focused and determined effort to viably attract a GP to fill this rural position” concluded Michael Lowry.
The refusal by the Health Service Executive to approve services at Scoil Aonghusa Cashel is causing unwarranted hardship and inconvenience.
The refusal by the Health Service Executive to approve services at Scoil Aonghusa Cashel is causing unwarranted hardship and inconvenience.
The experience of parents and their teachers regarding children with special educational needs over the lifetime of this government has become a national disgrace. Continuous muddled government policies over how to provide for such children, together with the shortage of resources and the non-availability of facilities, consign many to what can only be described as ‘bureaucratic purgatory’.
These problems are further exacerbated by parents being forced to lurch from crisis to crisis trying to ensure that their children receive a basic education appropriate to their needs, while also endeavouring to locate a continuous and safe environment. All too often, parents with children of special needs, spend a large proportion of their earnings, not to mention months of precious time, to find that there are insufficient services or they have to wait weeks, months, even years before they can get therapy and support for their child.
Last Monday night, I attended a meeting in ‘Scoil Aonghusa’ school in Cashel. This co-educational school which facilitates 85 individuals with multiple physical, emotional and other learning difficulties. These pupils need immediate specialist services and are receiving very little support or funding from the Health Service Executive. I am aware that this is a national issue but similarly, another school ‘Scoil Cormaic’ based too in Cashel who assist to 223 children and young adults also see the constant reoccurrence of minimal services being provided.
The introduction of the Progressive Disability Services for Children and Young Children established by the Health Service Executive to change the way services are provided, is a haphazard, unpredictable, ‘billy- to- jack’, delivery of service and therapy. This project is not going to alleviate any problem. We need services delivered consistently and cohesively and in collaboration with parents and teachers. We need to start listening to parents and teachers who care for these children every day. Both are acutely aware of what needs to be undertaken and how efficient delivery of such services can be fully achieved.
Children with special needs should have access to all the specialist therapy and supports they require not out of luxury, but out of necessity. Lack of funding for services is the current governments daily recited turn of phrase that parents and teachers hear repeatedly, but shouldn’t we find that funding, and shouldn’t funding for children with special needs be a first priority? We need to ensure that everything is in place for them to be enabled to reach their full potential. Instead, without funding and adequate numbers of therapists the government is guilty of preventing these children from reaching their potential, when life has already put enough obstacles in their way.
Yes, we have moved on in terms of assessing and diagnosing children, but support and services for children with special needs has not. Children with special needs are still not receiving the support they need and deserve, in this country. What good is an assessment or a diagnosis, without follow up therapy and support from specialists? It just gives parents and teachers a keyword to research on ‘Google’.
It is evident that this continued chaos of care and services is not at fault with psychologists or therapists, their caseloads are simply too big to meet the needs of so many children. In the absence of services, our teachers are to be applauded for the incredible work they are undertaking to meet the requirements of these children and the after school support they are also providing to parents.
In our last budget we heard that there are more resource and learning support teaching positions being sanctioned. It is obvious that these posts are vital and should continue to increase, however what you don’t hear and what these announcements hide is the fighting, pleading and justification that schools and parents have to make to get these posts. What you don’t hear is how overwhelmed teachers and parents are, to meet the needs of children when there are little or no therapists or services. We need more specialist therapists and psychologists and we need them available to schools, to parents and ultimately to the children with additional needs who deserve them. We need this as a matter of priority.
Deputy Michael Lowry calls for the immediate approval of all TAMS II applications without delay
TAMS II Applications Must Be Approved Without Delay
“Following repeated requests from Tipperary Dairy Farmers I am calling on Minister Simon Coveney and the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, to process applicants to the various TAMS II Schemes without further delay stated Deputy Michael Lowry.
These delays have caused unparalleled stress and anxiety for the Farmers in question. It is ludicrous to suggest Farmers should have to wait until first approvals to go out in January for the TAMS II Scheme. All applications for TAMS II are made under a tranche-based approach the first Tranche of the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme closed seven weeks ago and the first Tranche of the Dairy Equipment Scheme closed over three weeks ago. Minister Coveney surely understands that these cows and Heifers are already in Calf at the moment and they will Calf when they are ready and not when the Minister dictates.
In addition, to the obvious time constraints to complete necessary storage and housing work there is also a clear animal welfare issue here while Farmers are waiting for approval. I am calling on the Minister of Agriculture Food and the Marine to process these applications without delay and give urgently authorisation to all the TAMS II Schemes applications.
This issue is extremely frustrating for dairy farmers who must carry out work while herds are dried off and this must be resolved without delay concluded Deputy Lowry.”
Michael Lowry demands action on the future of the Lisheen Mine
Michael Lowry demands action on the future of the Lisheen Mine.
“Time to lift the prevailing veil of secrecy.”
“Following repeated requests for openness on the future plans for Lisheen Mine, the official response has been one of continuous drawn out silence,” stated Michael Lowry TD.
“In 2012, I sent a written letter to Taoiseach Enda Kenny requesting state intervention and to this end a ‘Task Force’ was set up to assist in identifying alternative sources of employment. To date this Task Force has remained silent in relation to details of any future developments which may be pending. In November 2014, I again raised this issue in the Dáil, stressing the extreme gravity of this situation and the need for immediate and pressing action.
“The closure of the Lisheen Mine, first established in1997, has been one of the most important sources of employment here in Co. Tipperary in recent years. However despite my repeated appeals for immediate action, this same industry will soon contribute to the long term detrimental effect of the local economy,” continued the Deputy.
“The negative effects, which will be felt by both Tipperary and indeed the greater national economy can be forecasted as follows”, stated Lowry :-
- Unemployment for a workforce of 380 people; amounting to some €28 million in wages and salaries lost annually, much of which is spent in the local economy.
- The immediate loss, by supportive local service industries, particularly in the areas of transport, fuel, tyres, general hardware, etc.; with an estimated loss expected to be in the order of some €14 million.
- Lisheen Mine has also been a major source of support and funding to local clubs, amenities and charities.
- A large well-appointed and resourced site, for the foreseeable future, will be left to lie, for the most part, redundant.
“This massive imminent loss to Co. Tipperary continues to be placed on the long finger. Despite Lisheen Mine Management having regularly informed their workforce regarding the dwindling reserves and future limited employment prospects at the mine; the mine site has huge potential for future investment.
With major access via Rail and Motorway nearby, this 1200 acre site is ideally suited to big industry. An existing powerful 38 kV electricity supply is one of the biggest in the country and with on site extensive modern offices and outbuildings, this site is ready for immediate occupation.” stated Lowry.
“This site boasts a massive underground aquifer capable of supplying millions of gallons of water daily, but most importantly, Lisheen has an adaptable, highly committed workforce with an impeccable industrial relations record. Surely the whole package would not be too difficult to sell to a major investor!” continued the Deputy.
“Lisheen Mine has huge future potential for investment, yet Tipperary and its surrounding rural areas are now destined to slide backwards into a period of prolonged and totally unnecessary economic uncertainty. With the rural economy continuing to decline, I now call upon the Task Force to report direct to Tipperary County Council membership and all elected membership for the county, so that established facts can be assembled and debated.
I have formally requested the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton, to acknowledge the full consequences of this imminent closure and to ensure that State Agencies come forward to play a real meaningful role in directing alternative industry to the site.
The local community have heard of promised replacement projects and jobs creation. They have heard of ‘sensitive discussions’, however the reality is that truly nothing tangible has materialised.
This issue must appear from behind its current veil of secrecy,” concluded Michael Lowry.
Michael Lowry TD condemns the chaos & heartbreak caused by Bank Repossessions across Tipperary
Michael Lowry TD condemns the chaos & heartbreak caused by Bank Repossessions
Following a review undertaken by Deputy Michael Lowry TD; he is now aware that appearing before the Court in Nenagh on Thursday last, financial institutions sought 86 applications for home repossessions, with similar figures being repeated in Clonmel and Nenagh every couple of months. The majority of these applications are causing intense anxiety, distress and disruption to Tipperary individuals and their families, who remain, firmly, the victims of a banking industry which has been permitted to run out of control.
This same banking industry was led by exorbitantly well-paid executives with all of the resources of economists, blue-chip accountancy firms, together with consultants, at their finger-tips. Despite this scenario, their corporate structure fully succeeded in detonating a massive, caustic explosion within the Irish economy, not just demoralising their customers but collapsing the very foundations of its own structures. Despite this financial catastrophe, the Irish Government and tax-payers combined to bail out these financial institutions at huge costs, thus saving them from their own avaricious negligence and wilful recklessness.
Deputy Michael Lowry now probes the question:
“What have the Irish people gained from these financial institutions, in return for their largesse and support?”
“While we are still caught in a difficult and dangerous situation and ‘on the hook’ for tens of billions, which these banks, through absolute avarice, have cost this country; we nevertheless still have these same arrogant bankers treating ordinary house-holders and their families with ruthless aggression. Do not be misled by Government propaganda; their Insolvency Service is just another quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation; a quango if you will, with banks still allowed to hold a veto over all mortgage arrangements.
“Mortgage holders presently in financial difficulty are being treated in horrendous ways; terrorised out of their homes without any proper or real engagement; designed to restructure mortgages and achieve civilised and humanitarian solutions. On top of this, we have the disgraceful situation of huge regulatory fines being imposed on the parent banks of some institutions operating and advertising here in Ireland; arising from the fraudulent manipulation of interbank benchmark rates and foreign exchange markets.
“I am almost on a daily basis, being confronted with appalling instances of financial institutions being allowed to ignore their own wrong-doings and trample on Irish borrowers. I have been consulted by one parent, in the building sector, who in addition to his family home and with a view to helping pay for his children’s education, bought just one ‘buy-to-let’ house in 2006. With the collapse of the building industry, he still managed to find occasional work, but fell into arrears. These arrears which, at their very worst, rose to just €5,500, had by 2013, been reduced to €1,600. However his financial institution still appointed a Receiver, sold his house and pursued him through the Courts to reclaim the balance.
“Yet another vulnerable family were convinced by a Broker that he could get them a Mortgage in circumstances where they should never have been approved. He took a fee of €2,500 from them for his work; got them a mortgage which realistically could never be paid and they in return are now being hounded out of their home by their financial institution, which accepts no responsibility in the matter.”
These are just two examples from numerous similar situations.
“At present, borrowers are being held to account for their behaviour, however financial institutions are permitted to sail completely free of having to take any share of the responsibility for the chaos, distress and heart-break, which has resulted from this present financial crisis. Again, I state that this recent crisis has been caused primarily by these same financial institutions, who had all the ‘top-notch’ advice and who have spent the past year before the Banking Inquiry, unable to recall their actions and refusing profusely to take any responsibility for their totally dissolute actions.
I firmly believe that borrowers, particularly distressed home-owners, should get some respite. Why should thousands of individuals and whole families be put on local authority housing lists, simply because bankers went fanatical; wildly encouraging people to borrow 100% loans, most often knowingly aware of peoples inability to repay?
“I demand a new deal for distressed home-owners under which our banks and Vulture Funds, which bought many of their Loan Books, will immediately be forced to enter into the following arrangements with borrowers. In other words, where a borrower is committed to an agreed affordable repayment situation (initially for a trial period of say 2 years), same should be permitted to keep their homes, on the condition that they abide by same pre-agreed affordable repayment. Legislation to compel these arrangements should be a priority for any incoming Government.”
Deputy Michael Lowry calls on the people of Tipperary to help in his re-election campaign.
Michael Lowry General Election Campaign
I wish to invite interested people in South & North Tipperary, regardless of their experience, to help in my re-election campaign.
I am an experienced, Independent politician with a track record of committed service and delivery to individuals and community in North Tipperary. I would like to offer the people of South Tipperary the benefit of my extensive knowledge of Government, both locally and nationally. It is likely that in the next Government, solid, Independent T.D.s will have a much enhanced influence.
Over the years, I have built up a network of contacts in Business, Farming, the Health Service, the Social Welfare Service and many other areas of Irish life. This affords me the advantage of being able to efficiently solve the numerous problems which people refer to me daily.
I have built an excellent support base, parish by parish in North Tipperary. This has taken place over a long period and has been achieved without the structures and support which is available to established party candidates. In the short period before the election, I cannot possibly achieve the same support base in the South of the county without the help of people who see in me a candidate worthy of their support.
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in helping me with my Election campaign, please phone 087 4329300 or email me on elections@michaellowry.ie