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28th February 2012 • Volume 19, Issue 07 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Has Reilly’s Time Come? The decision of An Bord Pleanala not to grant planning By Patrick Finnegan permission for the new National Children’s Hospital at the Mater Hospital site, may well be a blessing in contrast to the original Mater Hospital site, where access was one of the main stumbling blocks, according disguise for the North County. The shock decision has caused a mini crisis in govern- to opponents of the hospital being located there. The use of the Port Tunnel to access a potenment, but Minister for Health and local tial Children’s Hospital here, within TD, Dr James Reilly may well be in a posiminutes must also be factored into the tion to turn this to his, and the North equation. County’s advantage. One of the alternaThe Government are committed to having tive measures being proposed is that of a this project ready for use by 2016, which Green Field site. There are many who means that a decision will have to be believe that such a site in the made very quickly. The job creation North County area would be both pracopportunities in the construction phase, tical and sensible. are incalculable. Local carpenters, There are lots of advantages to locating Dr. James Reilly TD plumbers, electricians, bricklayers and such a vital infrastructural project here. Firstly, the proximity of the area to the city centre stands other trades are being forced to make the short journey out as a compelling reason. The M50 and M1 routes to Dublin Airport to seek employment in far flung provide direct access to the area, from all locations in places, like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. What the Greater Dublin area and beyond. This is in stark an opportunity this would be for them!
Pictured enjoying Nicola Markey's 26th birthday at Wrights in Malahide are Carole Smilie, Linda Mc Guinness, Gillian Keogh, Thelma Stack, Deirdre McAndrew, Nicola Markey and Yvonne McGovern.
Prior to the last General Election, Dr Reilly, then in opposition, was adamant that a world class health facility, located in Swords, was one of his prime objectives to be met, once in government. Reilly’s idea of a potential hospital, university and medical school in the heart of the North County would bring the necessary growth required to get us back on our feet. Permanent positions, like nursing, porters, clerical assistants and general hospital workers, could also be filled from this area. The North County is full of highly qualified professionals, who are willing and ready for the call to employment. Is there any compelling reason why the North County should miss out on this golden opportunity to breath life into the local economy?
Local Fine Gael activists have made the point that their deputy leader would be well advised to examine the voracious work of his party colleague, Leo Varadkar in neighbouring Dublin West in bringing jobs and opportunities to his area. Some of these have included major road improvements and the proposed opening of a railway station. They now view the demise of the Children’s Hospital at the city centre site, as a ‘not to be missed’ opportunity for Minister Reilly to provide the hard pressed electorate in his own constituency with a chance to improve their lifestyles dramatically. A genuine effort by Dr Reilly to locate this massive project in the North County is bound to be viewed very sympathetically by our hard hitting electorate.
TRY SOMETHING NEW IN 2012 Balbriggan Will Miss Frank Carson
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The news of the death of two separate occasions. well known and loved “It’s my favourite place in comedian, Frank Carson, the world,” he said. who spent many happy Carson, who spent his years in Balbriggan, has honeymoon in the area been received with great said, “it always brings sadness in the town. He back happy memories.” was best known for the Frank leaves a wife, Ruth, catch phrases “It’s a daughter Majella and cracker” and “It’s the way sons Tony and Aidan, as I tell ‘em”. He passed well as 10 grandchildren. away at his home in The news has shocked the Blackpool, Lancashire, people in Balbriggan, as Legend Frank Carson with Bridget Gaffney and Nancy aged 85. Carson had Simpson were at the Balbriggan Summer Fest in July 2010. Frank Carson spent a lot of suffered from years here. Robert residents. Despite his show busipoor health. Cashell, who lived beside Frank for ness career, the comedian also A native of Belfast, he had a particmany years told the County Leader served as Mayor of Balbriggan on ular love for Balbriggan and it’s Continued on page 8
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