Environment

Doyle urges people in Wicklow to “Be Winter Ready”

Andrew 2015, Agriculture, Defence, Environment, Wicklow - East Carlow

Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael TD, Wicklow/Carlow East speaking after the launch of the Be Winter Ready Campaign 2015-2016 has urged everyone at home, at business, at sea or on farms to take extra care during the winter period and take all safety precautions during adverse weather conditions

“Through a dedicated website www.winterready.ie, advice is being made available from a number of sources including Government Departments and Agencies, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, the Office of Public Works, Local Authorities and the transport providers. The advice has been categorised under various headings including: the Home, Road Safety, Schools, the Farming Community and the Business Sector. A synopsis of the information available has been compiled into a redesigned “Be Winter Ready” booklet, which can be downloaded from the website

“Everyday tasks that we often take for granted become more difficult and hazardous in severe weather conditions and while we have not experienced the same number of winter storms as last year, it is important to be take heed of the weather warnings especially in exposed coastal areas.

“For the farming community many accidents and deaths are reported during these months. The dangers to the fishing industry are always to the fore during these winter months. It’s important for all sectors to be cautious and to take the necessary preventative safety measures. Given the focus on farm safety, it is welcomed to see the Farm Safety Scheme introduced under the Targetted Agricultural Measures Scheme (TAMS) has been well subscribed.

“The main objective of the “Be Winter Ready” campaign is to provide practical advice on how best to prepare for the winter, to ensure people are aware of where advice can be found and to provide reassurance that arrangements are in place to ensure a coordinated response to severe weather events.

“The Wicklow terrain, with its mountains and coastal areas, does present challenges during the winter so I believe it is worthwhile to become familiar with the advice that is available and to be as well- equipped as possible as we all go about our business for the remainder of the winter season.” Concluded Doyle

 

 

Opportunity to proceed with the redevelopment of Wicklow Courthouse should not be missed

Andrew 2015, Defence, Environment, Tourism

NWS_20130306_UNC_003_26753122_I1Andrew Doyle has raised the issue of the redevelopment and reopening of the Wicklow Courthouse in the context of the allocation of resources as announced recently in the Capital Investment 2016-2020 plan.

Speaking on Topical Issues in the Dail Doyle said there is an opportunity not to be missed here in terms of the future of the Wicklow town Courthouse with a view towards expansion and development of a four-court campus in Wicklow town.

“I welcomed the decision taken by the Courts service a number of years ago to develop four-court campus at the location of the old courts. The County registrar at that time confirmed that all the required property adjacent to the court had been acquired with the aim of proceeding to planning stages.

“This project was then stalled, with the resulting loss of all judicial activity in Wicklow town as court services were gradually relocated to Bray. Wicklow’s status as the County town has since been undermined, not to mention the economic impact of losing court services in the town on local businesses.

“I have continued to campaign over the years to restore the Courthouse with its significant historic value dating back to the Victorian era, which has been used many times as a film location, as well as the ability of the Courthouse to complement the historic Wicklow Gaol, now a major tourist attraction.

“A redeveloped Courthouse would enhance the historic attraction of this part of Wicklow town as well as recognising and strengthening the town’s position as the county administrative town. The gradual movement of court services from Wicklow town to Bray is not feasible in the long term. It has proven to be expensive and the buildings don’t have the capacity to cater for a full range of court services. It is totally inadequate and is not a long term solution.

“The €875 million in capital funding allocated in Capital Investment 2016-2020 to the justice sector is very welcome. Minister Fitzgerald herself stated that it is only right as we update our laws we should also update our Courts infrastructure.

“While the Courts service has not been in a position to proceed with plans to redevelop Wicklow town courthouse, I welcome its continued intention and commitment to redevelop and reopen the courthouse in Wicklow town and I strongly urge the Ministers with relevant responsibility to work with the Courts service and to seize the opportunity now presented through Capital Investment 2016-2020; to remove the uncertainty and to prioritise plans to restore and reopen the courthouse in Wicklow town.”

 

ENDS