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18th December 2014 • Volume 21, Issue 46 Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
WE NEED
ACTION, Not Words The recent announcement by Transport Minister, Paschal Donohoe, that six transport options are on the table for North County Dublin, including a light rail system, is certain to exercise the electorate in the North County. It is now time for local residents to stand up and demand a proper transport system, and to say “Enough is Enough’ and that the only acceptable one is light rail. We don’t need more buses clogging up our roads. A light rail system serving Swords and the airport, with the city centre, is the only viable solution to our dire transport problems. It is now time to stop electioneering and
By Patrick Finnegan deliver on this promise at last. About €165 million has already been invested in the original Metro North plan before being shelved. Why is there any need to renegotiate this again? This would be an outrageous waste of money, were this not to proceed. The message from residents is very clear. They don’t need
any more buses, they want light rail. Fianna Fail have been using the promise of a light rail project for North County Dublin for the past three general elections. Under Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, they promised it’s delivery and the party’s election candidates in this constituency, have regularly used this as their principal issue in elections. They have never followed through on it. This, despite the country experiencing good economic times, and Fianna Fail being the main party in successive governments, that served full terms in office. Since then, not one, but two Luas systems have been delivered to the southside of the city. These excellent Luas systems have improved the standard of living and comfort for people there. All the vital services like hospitals and colleges, are now easily accessible along the Luas lines. The fact that we have an international airport in the North County, without light rail transport, beggars belief and must be a source of amazement for visitors to the country. In the last general election, all parties, including Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour, espoused the importance of what was then, Metro North. But once again, the government of the day, failed the electorate. Such a system would benefit the entire North County region, not just Swords. It would be used by commuters from Balbriggan, Continued on page 21
Molly On Special Santa Flight Little Molly McNally, the six year old Balbriggan girl, who suffers from Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, had a wonderful surprise last week. She, along with 30 children from Temple Street Children’s Hospital, got to visit Santa’s secret training ground in the skies. They were guests on the City Jet Santa flight, and Molly was given a special invitation by the company. She was joined by her father, Gerry and mother, Emma, as the children enjoyed an hour long flight in the company of Santa, his elves and his little helpers. The fun got underway at Dublin Airport, as the children enjoyed Christmas carols, face painting and party games, before taking to the air. Students from Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan.
entertained the children with carols, in the company of television presenter, Brian Ormond. A wonderful day’s activities concluded with a party at City Jet’s headquarters in Swords. Molly’s mam and dad, Emma and Gerry, were delighted that Molly was invited to join the children from Temple Street on the magical journey. “We want to thank everyone at City Jet for providing a special day for Molly, that will live long in the memory. It was a special moment when Santa appeared on the plane, by magic. It was a really wonderful occasion, which meant so much to Molly and all the children. Afterwards, we were treated to a party at City Jet headquarters in Swords, and we want to thank them for including Molly on this special day,” they said.
Little Molly is pictured, with the pilot and co-pilot, as she takes control of the plane, prior to take-off on the way to find Santa
O’Brien Selected As Sole FF Candidate As reported in last week’s edition of the County Leader, pay their mortgage and child care. They’re running just to Senator Darragh O’Brien has been selected as the sole stand still,” he said. “This cohort of people, who are paying Fianna Fail candidate, to contest the next General Election high child care costs and high mortgages need to be represented, and I look forward to helping them. Over the last in this constituency. three years, I have highlighted issues affecting O’Brien was chosen at the party’s selection North County Dublin. One such area, which is very convention, which took place on Tuesday last at important to me, is the issue of special needs and the Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords. The convenresources for children with special needs, such as tion was well attended, and included the presthe early intervention teams. That is disgraceful. ence of party leader, Micheál Martin. It’s also important to me that adult mental health Speaking to the County Leader immediately after services, don’t have a day hospital here. That, to the convention, O’Brien outlined his plans on how me is something that can be done. The areas of he will set about making life more manageable for disability, child care and policing, are areas that I local residents. He said, “This is a great honour want to be involved in after the next general elecfor me to be selected to represent the party, with Senator O’Brien tion,” he said. a chance to represent the electorate in the Dail. We get a sense from people that they are not feeling a He also promised to put the delivery of a light rail transport recovery. This is a young constituency, with people having solution, front and centre of his election campaign. major problems. They are working 40 hours per week, just to See interview with party leader Micheál Martin on page 20
Christmas Religious Services Guide See page 14 for a comprehensive list of Christmas Mass and Special Service times for The North County
Kyle O'Reilly (6) from Donabate is pictured with Santa, as Temple Street Children’s Hospital switched on their Christmas lights, with the help the man in red. It is hoped that the lights will keep the magic alive in the hospital and offer hope to the children who sadly won’t get to go home this Christmas.