Niall Ó Brolcháin

Senator O Brolchain confirms that Western Rail Corridor will progress

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:20:52 +0000

Galway Senator, Niall Ó Brolcháin, has reaffirmed that the next section of the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead, despite reports to the contrary last week.

Senator Ó Brolcháin has met with Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey, who has confirmed the next stages of the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead as planned.

“I have received a firm commitment from the Transport Minister that the next stages of the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“Any reports to the contrary are quite simply scaremongering.

“I will continue to lobby the Minister in this regard to protect the WRC from any cutbacks,” concluded Senator Ó Brolcháin.

Ó Brolcháin pushes for world first mobile phone health warning system

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:04:02 +0000

Galway Senator Niall Ó Brolcháin, is pushing for landmark legislation which will make Ireland the first country in the world to warn of the potential dangers of mobile phones through a unique labelling system.

Senator Ó Brolcháin has published the mobile phone labelling bill along with Green Party Senator Mark Dearey and Senator Mark Daly (FF).

“If passed, the legislation will ensure mobile phones are labelled with important information regarding radiation levels,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“A warning label would be placed on handsets and packaging to show the possible health effects of using mobile phones.”

“The bill would require mobile phone providers to warn both adults and children of the health effects of over-exposure and ensure that mobile phones meet with the required International Commission for Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standard.”

“Staff employed in mobile phone stores, or any store licensed to sell mobile phones, will also have to be sufficiently informed on all health matters relating to mobile phones.”

“There is growing scientific evidence of a risk to health by long term use of mobile phones and this bill is a practical proposal to warn the public about a potentially serious health problem.”

“Ireland proved that it could take bold decisions when it comes to health when it pioneered the smoking ban.”

“The labelling of mobile phones with information on levels of non-ionizing radiation and the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of each phone is being discussed around the world and I hope that Ireland can once again lead the way in implementing this legislation,” he concluded.

Green Senator slates Fine Gael’s irresponsible approach to planning in Galway

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:32:26 +0000

Suggestions by Fine Gael Senator, Fidelma Healy Eames that measures to regulate quarries in the new planning act should be dropped is irresponsible according to Green Senator, Niall Ó Brolcháin.

“Her suggestion that a light touch regulatory approach to quarries is the way to create jobs beggars belief, as this approach is precisely what led to the housing bubble in the first place”, said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“At the same time, the Fine Gael led county council has heavily criticized the Minister for the Environment for daring to put in place a planning review of Galway County in light of the relatively high number of planning applications granted by the council but subsequently turned down by An Bord Pleanala”.

“To suggest that planning in Galway County is beyond question, ignores the fact that Oranmore from where Senator Healy Eames comes, is struggling with a chronic lack of community facilities due to bad planning and over zoning by councilors including Senator Healy Eames herself, when she was on the Council”, said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“It also ignores that the fact that satellite towns such as Oranmore, Barna, Claregalway and Moycullen are notoriously badly planned, with flooding, major traffic problems, lack of sewage facilities, poor access to schools, water problems, inadequate community facilities and inappropriate developments. It is only because county planners, An Bord Pleanala, local residents and community groups such as Pobal Bearna regularly opposed dodgy planning applications by well connected developers that we have any sort of coherence to our planning system in Galway at all”.

“The new planning act and the planning review are attempting to bring a far more consistent approach to planning in Galway in the future”, concluded Senator O Brolchain, “and it appears that Senator Healy Eames and the Fine Gael party have learned precisely nothing from the excesses of the Celtic Tiger era”.

Contributions on the Stag Hunt…

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:13:01 +0000

Contributions on the Stag Hunting Bill in the Seanad. FG 58%, Green 27%, FF 14%, Other 1%.

Stag Hunting Bill finalised in…

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:17:54 +0000

Stag Hunting Bill finalised in the Seanad and off to the President. Thank God for that.

WRC represents value for money – Ó Brolcháin

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:26:13 +0000

Galway Senator, Niall Ó Brolcháin, has welcomed confirmation from the Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey that the second phase of the Western Rail Corridor is on track to open at the end of next year.

Senator Ó Brolcháin believes the opening of the Western Rail Corridor represents real value for money and is pleased that Minister Dempsey has reaffirmed his commitment to the project.

“I am pleased that Minister Dempsey has this month reaffirmed his commitment to opening the second phase of the WRC from Athenry to Tuam,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“In fact, he has said it may be completed ahead of time and it is on track to be finished by the end of next year.

“This is great news for the people of Galway as it is an economic lifeline for the West.

“Already, the number of passengers using the recently opened Limerick to Galway section has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. And the re-opening of the section between Ennis and Athenry cost less that €2 million per kilometer.”

“The real value of this can be seen when you compare it to the cost of the new Dublin to Cork motorway, which opened recently.”

“The new motorway and high-grade triple carriageway cost almost €11 million per kilometer, the final cost coming in at €2.6 billion.”

“It shows just how economically viable the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor actually is.”

“The figures speak for themselves and I have no doubt there will be strong passenger demand for the Galway to Tuam section when it is completed at the end of next year,” he concluded.

Invitation to ‘Green’ Tea and Coffee Morning Sat June 26

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:46:01 +0000

You are cordially invited to a ‘Green’ tea and Coffee Morning this Saturday, June 26.

The event will take place from 11am – 1pm at the office of Galway Senator Niall Ó Brolcháin at 52 Lower Salthill Galway. The event will have a Japanese flair with a special Green Tea ceremony.

There will also be regular tea, coffee and pastries on hand! Reverend Patrick Towers will be the guest speaker at the event.

Best Regards,

Niall

I look forward to seeing you there.

Ó Brolcháin welcomes Galway County Council planning review

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:37:46 +0000

Galway Senator, Niall Ó Brolcháin has welcomed the announcement by Minister John Gormley of a review of Galway County Council’s planning laws and policy as one of six local authorities around the country.

Senator Ó Brolcháin has said the review will focus on consistency and transparency in the planning process and the proper implementation of Government policy and guidelines.

“I welcome the review of how Galway County Council exercises its planning functions,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin.

“Galway County Council was selected for the review process due to the unusually high level of planning permissions overturned by An Bord Pleanala.

“The purpose of the review is not to examine particular planning decisions but to assess the processes and systems that enable such decisions to be made.

“There are ongoing concerns about planning permission, quarries, flood plains, and over-development in parts of the County, which has caused distress for many people.

“The lack of proper sewerage treatment facilities, often promised but not delivered, has also caused a lot of heartache for homeowners.

“The review will allow for openness and transparency in this area, which is vital if we are to move forward, and ensure the consistent implementation of planning law.

“It will focus on how existing planning legislation, Government policy and guidelines are being implemented and whether local authorities have the correct powers and tools to deliver on their responsibilities.

“Independent planning experts will review Galway County Council’s responses to the Department and will make recommendations if needed,” concluded Senator Ó Brolcháin.

City Council must take cycling seriously – Ó Brolcháin

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:13:08 +0000

Galway Senator, Niall Ó Brolcháin has accused Galway City Council of not taking cycling policy seriously.

Senator Ó Brolcháin was speaking in the wake of a decision to close part of the road at Newtownsmyth last week as part of a cycle lane pilot scheme and the ongoing controversy surrounding plans to upgrade Seamus Quirke road.

“City Hall need to start taking cycling seriously,” said Senator Ó Brolcháin, “and I am calling on the new Mayor not to drop the ball on this one.”

“Closing off part of Newtownsmyth was not the way forward and only served to cause serious hassle for motorists and local businesses without really encouraging cyclists.”

“It was a ridiculous move by the City Council and has created bad publicity for Cyclists and for City Hall.”.

“Galway is a University City with a young population and the potential for encouraging cycling as a safe, quick, clean form of transport is enormous. Many people who want to cycle, don’t, as it is not particularly safe to cycle in Galway as cycle routes have not been thought through. Most other university cities in Europe are very cycle friendly. It is time we got our act together.”

“Instead of ‘solo runs’ by the City Council, we need to have some level of co-ordination and joined up thinking in order to progress this issue.”

“I am calling on the City Council to adopt an integrated approach to cycling and to liaise with all relevant organisations with a view to putting in place a proper cycling infrastructure.”

Amazing opinion poll. Great fo…

Senator Ó Brolcháin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:32:29 +0000

Amazing opinion poll. Great for Labour. Greens getting closer to FF every day. Kenny and Cowen both in trouble. Politics at a very low ebb.