KEEPING IN TOUCH Michael McCarthy TD Dunmanway News
THANK YOU Firstly, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, the people of Dunmanway, for the courtesy and kindness shown to my canvass team and I throughout the general election campaign. The level of support we received from the local community was heartening and in return, I hope to provide the people of my native hometown with a first-class public service. It is a great honour to be the 4th Labour TD elected from Dunmanway since the foundation of the State. It is a great honour for me to win a seat previously held by other Dunmanway men, Michael Bradley, T.J. Murphy, and William J. Murphy. There are various issues that are of concern to people here - unemployment, access to healthcare, and education, to name but a few. We live in challenging times, however we are not without hope. The
new Government, tasked with an overwhelming mandate from the Irish people, are already putting right some of the wrongs imposed on our country by the previous administration. Reform, fairness and jobs are at the centre of Labour Party policy, and I hope to put those issues at the centre of life here in Dunmanway. I hope you enjoy this newsletter, which aims to provide you with a good insight into the work that I have been carrying out on your behalf since my election to Dáil Eireann in February. Please do not hesitate to get in contact if there are any local issues you wish to bring to my attention.
Kind regards,
MINISTER OPENS CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Minister of State Kathleen Lynch officially opened my constituency office at the end of June in what was a very special occasion. The office and the work I am carrying out on the ground is the culmination of the effort and tenacity of many local people who were present at the opening. I was delighted that that former Oireachtas members William J. Murphy and Michael Calnan were also there. The office, which is based on the Market Square, is my main constituency base and is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please feel free to drop in at any time or call 023-8855705 if you have an issue or query you need assistance with.
DUNMANWAY CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND I was pleased to see repair works at the children’s playground get underway recently. It follows on from enquiries I made to Cork County Council about the problems there, which were brought to my attention by several people in the community. The repairs see issues such as the broken climbing frame fixed and generally make the playground brighter and safer for our children. Well done to the council for getting the work completed within a reasonable timeframe.
DUNMANWAY ENTERPRISE NETWORK I recently attended a breakfast meeting in Joanne’s Restaurant organised by the Dunmanway Enterprise Network. Around 40 local people were present and were told by Andrew Healy, Chair of the Network, that there was a need for local businesses to support one another given the current difficult trading conditions. Speaking at the meeting, I outlined my plan to use my new role as a Government Deputy to bring about positive change to businesses in Dunmanway. The enthusiasm at the event was extremely encouraging and bodes well for the future.
Padraig McCarthy (Vice Chairman DEN), Peter Walsh (Treasurer & PRO DEN), Michael McCarthy TD, Jim Daly TD, Andrew Healy (Chairman DEN) and Geraldine Collins (Secretary DEN).
MINISTER VISITS LOCAL HEALTHCARE UNITS
Michael and Minister Lynch with Nellie O'Mahony at the Day Care Centre.
Minister of State Kathleen Lynch and I visited Dunmanway Hospital and the Dunmanway Day Care Centre during her recent trip to the town. At the hospital, Minister Lynch, who has special responsibility for equality, older people, disability and mental health, did a meet-and-greet with staff and patients, before being taken on a tour of the facility by Matron Catherine White. She also received a very warm reception at the Day Care Centre.
WORK BEGINS ON ALDI IN DUNMANWAY I welcome the work that has recently begun on the much-anticipated Aldi store in Dunmanway. In particular, I welcome the news that up to 100 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, with a further 15 coming on stream when it opens in December. The presence of a competitivelypriced store like Aldi in the town will not only encourage people from Dunmanway to shop in Dunmanway, but it will also bring people from outside areas into the town. It’s also the first major retail name to open in the town for years and hopefully signals a new era of vibrant retail activity in the area.
DUNMANWAY SWIMMING POOL The re-development of Dunmanway Swimming Pool is an issue which I have been championing for many years in my capacity as Senator, and one which I will continue to actively pursue now as TD. In a recent Parliamentary Question, I asked the Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Sport Jimmy Deenihan to provide an update on the project. Minister Deenihan’s response was as follows: “My Department has received a proposal from Cork County Council on behalf of Dunmanway for the refurbishment of the existing pool together with an extension to accommodate additional facilities including a gym. A Preliminary Report on this proposal was approved in March 2001. I understand that the Council expects to have Contract Documents submitted to the Department for approval by December 2011.” I have also corresponded with Cork County Council on this issue, who have assured me that work is progressing and that the County Architect’s Department are working on a detailed design of the pool. I also welcome the very recent announcement that the tender process to appoint a consulting team for the works has begun. Once the applicants are shortlisted, they will be invited to submit tender prices for the project.
Michael speaking at this year's St. Patrick's Day parade
Michael at the Dunmanway Agricultural Show recently with (left) Andrew Healy from Supervalu and Paul O'Neill, winner of the vintage category at the show
GET IN CONTACT I am always interested in hearing your views on issues of concern to you. If you wish to get in contact, call my office on 023-8855705.
Michael McCarthy TD
Alternatively you can email michael.mccarthy@oir.ie
Michael with Patricia Collins and Ellen O'Brien at the Dunmanway Fashion Show in the Parkway Hotel, which was organised in aid of the Dunmanway Agricultural Show. (Pic: Denis Boyle) 0612