Alzheimers Product Unit could mean huge boost for Drogheda- Cllr. Kevin Callan
Drogheda Borough Councillor, Kevin Callan has said that an opportunity exists to attempt to attract a foreign national company to County Louth and to Drogheda in particular and that he will be seeking the assistance of the Borough Council, the Economic Forum, the Chamber of Commerce and the Trades Council to open discussions to have the unit locate in Drogheda.
Councillor Callan, said that, “this is a huge potential investment opportunity for our town, I am raising it at the March meeting of the Borough Council and I will be in touch with the Chamber of Commerce, the Trades Council and the Economic Forum in the interim, we need to get moving in respect of this opportunity and any others that present themselves to get Drogheda moving and make it a competitive and relevant location for inward investment.
“Dr Pearse Lyons, originally a native of County Louth and creator of the Alltech Group in the United States is examining the possibility of a potential spin off brain disease unit that could be worth €500 million. Dr. Lyons, who has close links to the Muhammad Ali Foundation has his business based in Kentucky in the United States ,has hired professional advisors to approach major pharmaceutical companies and investors to examine a new product that could assist in alleviating alzheimer’s disease”.
Cllr Callan said that this investment would be a huge boost to Drogheda and is one of many examples of a case where we need to be coming together to attract foreign investment.
“We need a group consisting elected members led by the Mayor of Drogheda, members of the economic forum and the Chamber of Commerce and the Trades Council meet with these professional advisors to discuss Drogheda as a viable location, with a deep sea port, rail and road networks and with its proximity to Dublin. Drogheda also has a vast industrial estate which is mainly vacant and ready to go. This meeting must also include planning staff of the Borough Council and all other agencies such as the ESB involved.
Councillor Callan said it appeared that this product and the exploratory work being carried out by it could lead to a new business division.
“This could mean investment in Drogheda and expansion by the US based company into the European Union with Drogheda and Ireland being its base”.
The Alltech Group currently work in the area of nutrigenomics which is based on how foods and their mineral constituents affect genes and how that influences the effects of various diseases, the company currently has sales of €400million but this is due to double in the next three years
MAYOR KEVIN CALLAN Member of Drogheda Borough Council Contact 087 777 6648 kevinrcallanbl@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
New Business Incentive Scheme for Town Centre – Cllr Callan
New Business Incentive Scheme for Town Centre – Cllr Callan
Scheme to be in place in January 2011
Our town centre is to have a serious boost with a new business incentive scheme to encourage the use of vacant commercial premises in Drogheda Town Centre in the New Year which will offer a rate scheme which will have a phased implementation of charges to attract new businesses to fill vacant units.
Speaking to the Drogheda Independent, Cllr Callan said that he was extremely grateful to the council officials for working on the initial policy document he put forward in January as Deputy Mayor.
“This is a hugely positive move, our town centre has suffered greatly and this scheme will generate new business and new employment, in the same week we open our new tourist office in the Tholsel, we are definitely making moves in the right direction to getting Drogheda moving again”.
Speaking at the Council meeting on Monday night, County Manager Conn Murray referred to the proposed scheme as put forward by Cllr. Callan early in 2010 and said that the council had worked on the proposal and was implementing it in both Drogheda and Dundalk.
The policy document states that the aims of the scheme are to,“ actively promote the development and enhancement of retail floor space in key areas of Drogheda Town Centre most visibly affected by the economic downturn and to enhance the vitality of the Town Centre and commercial well-being of the town and job creation and employment”.
According to Cllr Callan, “We have opened our Tholsel building to the people of the town and to tourists, we are making good sound decisions about our town and this decision to have a business incentive scheme will help fill empty shop units that have been vacant for two years or more. The business incentive scheme will be run for two years only so we will see new businesses starting up in our town centre.
I am aware of the fact that the Borough Council will be advertising details of the scheme in the coming weeks and updating the public on the scheme but some important points to note are that the premises must be vacant for two years and will then be eligible for a grant of 50% of rates in year one and 25% in year two. The scheme is conditional on a three year lease being signed by the new occupier, evidence of which must be shown to the Borough Council.
Cllr. Callan also stated that the Council officials had followed his draft scheme by making provisions to ensure the scheme is not abused.
The Council will allow premises to be subject to the scheme for a shop as defined in the planning legislation and as office space, medical or health professional clinics or as a crèche, day nursery or day centre. Uses which will not be allowed include takeaways, amusement arcades or premises with gaming machines, head shops, betting offices, nightclubs, or premises where unauthorised development has taken place or which are subject to enforcement proceedings.
I hope that this scheme can help people who are interested in setting up their business in our town centre, who will create jobs. I think it sends out the message that Drogheda town centre is open for business and attractive as a location in which to do business. I thank my Council colleagues for their support and the officials of Louth County Council and Drogheda Borough Council for their work in the area.
Scheme to be in place in January 2011
Our town centre is to have a serious boost with a new business incentive scheme to encourage the use of vacant commercial premises in Drogheda Town Centre in the New Year which will offer a rate scheme which will have a phased implementation of charges to attract new businesses to fill vacant units.
Speaking to the Drogheda Independent, Cllr Callan said that he was extremely grateful to the council officials for working on the initial policy document he put forward in January as Deputy Mayor.
“This is a hugely positive move, our town centre has suffered greatly and this scheme will generate new business and new employment, in the same week we open our new tourist office in the Tholsel, we are definitely making moves in the right direction to getting Drogheda moving again”.
Speaking at the Council meeting on Monday night, County Manager Conn Murray referred to the proposed scheme as put forward by Cllr. Callan early in 2010 and said that the council had worked on the proposal and was implementing it in both Drogheda and Dundalk.
The policy document states that the aims of the scheme are to,“ actively promote the development and enhancement of retail floor space in key areas of Drogheda Town Centre most visibly affected by the economic downturn and to enhance the vitality of the Town Centre and commercial well-being of the town and job creation and employment”.
According to Cllr Callan, “We have opened our Tholsel building to the people of the town and to tourists, we are making good sound decisions about our town and this decision to have a business incentive scheme will help fill empty shop units that have been vacant for two years or more. The business incentive scheme will be run for two years only so we will see new businesses starting up in our town centre.
I am aware of the fact that the Borough Council will be advertising details of the scheme in the coming weeks and updating the public on the scheme but some important points to note are that the premises must be vacant for two years and will then be eligible for a grant of 50% of rates in year one and 25% in year two. The scheme is conditional on a three year lease being signed by the new occupier, evidence of which must be shown to the Borough Council.
Cllr. Callan also stated that the Council officials had followed his draft scheme by making provisions to ensure the scheme is not abused.
The Council will allow premises to be subject to the scheme for a shop as defined in the planning legislation and as office space, medical or health professional clinics or as a crèche, day nursery or day centre. Uses which will not be allowed include takeaways, amusement arcades or premises with gaming machines, head shops, betting offices, nightclubs, or premises where unauthorised development has taken place or which are subject to enforcement proceedings.
I hope that this scheme can help people who are interested in setting up their business in our town centre, who will create jobs. I think it sends out the message that Drogheda town centre is open for business and attractive as a location in which to do business. I thank my Council colleagues for their support and the officials of Louth County Council and Drogheda Borough Council for their work in the area.
Rathmullen Road Junction examination welcomed- Cllr. Kevin Callan
Rathmullen Road Junction examination welcomed- Cllr. Kevin Callan
Fine Gael Councillor Kevin Callan has said that the actions being taken by the Borough Council in the coming weeks in relation to the Rathmullen Road junction are to be welcomed. The Councillor placed the matter on the agenda of the meeting of the Borough Council (Monday 1st November) calling for the council to carry out a traffic management survey and look at the issue of safety at the junction.
In recent weeks I have received calls from residents of the Rathmullen Road who have complained about the long queues of traffic at the junction in the mornings where there is a very serious issue with traffic volumes and the junction is not currently fit for purpose for those living on the Rathmullen Road and who are trying to access the town, get to work and bring children to school.
One resident who contacted Cllr. Callan said that the situation was not acceptable. “We live in Riverbank, we are always seriously delayed by the junction, it is impossible to get out onto the main road or to the Bridge of Peace in the mornings. The junction is impossible, with traffic having to squeeze into a small area in the middle of the road and having to watch traffic coming in all directions”.
Cllr. Callan has also raised the issue of the current state of fencing along the footpaths and in particular beside the Ballsgrove Gate.
“Anybody using this junction will be aware of the very serious issue of people and young people in particular climbing under fencing adjacent to the Gate and accessing the road on a slope at the junction, there is a very serious risk of an accident due to this activity. I have received assurances from the Council that the fencing will be examined with a view to securing the area.
In relation to the junction itself the Council have informed me that they will examine and assess its current capacity. There is a possibility of improving the junction should the council deem it to fall below an acceptable standard.
Notice of Question
Will this Council carry out a traffic management survey at the junction at the bottom of the Rathmullen Road beside the Ballsgrove Gate. Will the Council consider improving the fencing along the footpath beside the Ballsgrove Gate in the interest of public safety as pedestrians, on occasion access the road through the existing fencing. Will the Council also consider the junction layout and the possibility of introducing a traffic light scheme similar to that recently introduced at the junction of Georges Street and Patrick Street. Will the Council consider the difficulties encountered by residents of the Rathmullen Road area when carrying out such a survey as residents continually have difficulty in exiting the Rathmullen Road at the above mentioned junction.
Council Reply
The Council will examine this junction and assess its current capacity. The possibility of improving the junction will be examined should the capacity of the junction to cater for existing traffic fall below an acceptable standard.
The fencing along the footpath will also be examined with a view to securing the area.
Fine Gael Councillor Kevin Callan has said that the actions being taken by the Borough Council in the coming weeks in relation to the Rathmullen Road junction are to be welcomed. The Councillor placed the matter on the agenda of the meeting of the Borough Council (Monday 1st November) calling for the council to carry out a traffic management survey and look at the issue of safety at the junction.
In recent weeks I have received calls from residents of the Rathmullen Road who have complained about the long queues of traffic at the junction in the mornings where there is a very serious issue with traffic volumes and the junction is not currently fit for purpose for those living on the Rathmullen Road and who are trying to access the town, get to work and bring children to school.
One resident who contacted Cllr. Callan said that the situation was not acceptable. “We live in Riverbank, we are always seriously delayed by the junction, it is impossible to get out onto the main road or to the Bridge of Peace in the mornings. The junction is impossible, with traffic having to squeeze into a small area in the middle of the road and having to watch traffic coming in all directions”.
Cllr. Callan has also raised the issue of the current state of fencing along the footpaths and in particular beside the Ballsgrove Gate.
“Anybody using this junction will be aware of the very serious issue of people and young people in particular climbing under fencing adjacent to the Gate and accessing the road on a slope at the junction, there is a very serious risk of an accident due to this activity. I have received assurances from the Council that the fencing will be examined with a view to securing the area.
In relation to the junction itself the Council have informed me that they will examine and assess its current capacity. There is a possibility of improving the junction should the council deem it to fall below an acceptable standard.
Notice of Question
Will this Council carry out a traffic management survey at the junction at the bottom of the Rathmullen Road beside the Ballsgrove Gate. Will the Council consider improving the fencing along the footpath beside the Ballsgrove Gate in the interest of public safety as pedestrians, on occasion access the road through the existing fencing. Will the Council also consider the junction layout and the possibility of introducing a traffic light scheme similar to that recently introduced at the junction of Georges Street and Patrick Street. Will the Council consider the difficulties encountered by residents of the Rathmullen Road area when carrying out such a survey as residents continually have difficulty in exiting the Rathmullen Road at the above mentioned junction.
Council Reply
The Council will examine this junction and assess its current capacity. The possibility of improving the junction will be examined should the capacity of the junction to cater for existing traffic fall below an acceptable standard.
The fencing along the footpath will also be examined with a view to securing the area.
New Tourist Signs Welcomed- Cllr. Kevin Callan
New Tourist Signs Welcomed- Cllr. Kevin Callan
Drogheda Fine Gael Councillor, Kevin Callan has said that the introduction of new street signs ahead of the summer tourist season are to be welcomed and will be a huge help to Droghedas tourist industry.
“These signs are fantastic and are in perfect keeping with the towns landscape and historical character. The recent opening of the towns tourist office at the Tholsel and these signs will greatly help tourists navigate their way around the town centre to historical locations such as Laurences Gate, Highlanes Gallery, Mayoralty House and many others which have also been given plaques showing the name of the building and its date of construction similar to those used by the national trust in the United Kingdom”.
Speaking to LMFM Cllr. Callan said that the Council was making great progress in regard to tourism for the summer season with the local authority working to have the Tholsel made the first stop on the Boyne Valley Trail in conjunction with Failte Ireland.
This summer is going to be hugely important to Drogheda, we need to make sure we are ready for tourists who come to town, we need to make sure everything is done that will keep them in town for as long as possible and these signs are a further step in this effort.
Cllr. Callan also said that the inclusion in the budget of funds to complete the Tholsel and the possibility of tourist coach parking in West Street beside the Tholsel would also be issues he would be pursuing in 2011.
Drogheda Fine Gael Councillor, Kevin Callan has said that the introduction of new street signs ahead of the summer tourist season are to be welcomed and will be a huge help to Droghedas tourist industry.
“These signs are fantastic and are in perfect keeping with the towns landscape and historical character. The recent opening of the towns tourist office at the Tholsel and these signs will greatly help tourists navigate their way around the town centre to historical locations such as Laurences Gate, Highlanes Gallery, Mayoralty House and many others which have also been given plaques showing the name of the building and its date of construction similar to those used by the national trust in the United Kingdom”.
Speaking to LMFM Cllr. Callan said that the Council was making great progress in regard to tourism for the summer season with the local authority working to have the Tholsel made the first stop on the Boyne Valley Trail in conjunction with Failte Ireland.
This summer is going to be hugely important to Drogheda, we need to make sure we are ready for tourists who come to town, we need to make sure everything is done that will keep them in town for as long as possible and these signs are a further step in this effort.
Cllr. Callan also said that the inclusion in the budget of funds to complete the Tholsel and the possibility of tourist coach parking in West Street beside the Tholsel would also be issues he would be pursuing in 2011.
Cllr. Kevin Callan welcomes agreement on Traffic Task Force for Town
Cllr. Kevin Callan welcomes agreement on Traffic Task Force for Town
Cllr. Kevin Callan told the Michael Reade Show on LMFM that he is very pleased with the support his proposal has received to see a traffic management group and public forum to deal with traffic issues such as congestion and estate parking has received at the monthly Borough Council meeting.
“I have brought this issue forward following the results of a GPS study which shows Drogheda to be the most congested town in Ireland based on the findings that traffic is travelling at less than 70% of the posted speed limit”.
Cllr Callan stated that the results of the survey were quite clear, we have a situation where Drogheda is the most congested town in Ireland with traffic travelling at under 70% of the posted speed limits.
“This is an issue that is letting the town down, all of the main routes including the Donore Road, Marsh Road, Dublin Road, Rathmullen Road, North Road, Termonfeckin Road are suffering from traffic congestion as is the town centre. We need to provide a task force made up of local groups, the Gardai, the roads and engineering sections of Drogheda Borough Council and a form of public consultation that allows people to have a say and an avenue to express their concerns around the area of traffic but also in the areas of parking as many residential areas are now being affected by pay parking in the town centre. Residential areas such as Anneville Crescent, Scarlet Crescent and Georgian Close are experiencing people parking in their estates and walking to work, we need to come up with solutions.
Cllr. Callan also referred to the Drogheda Transportation Study 2005 which set about addressing the many different transport issues.
“This document is excellent and was compiled following a detailed consultation process with the people of the town, this consultation is needed again”
Text of section of report referred to by Cllr. Callan at meeting;
“the public consultation took place over five days at Drogheda Town Centre from Nov 15th -19th 2004 between 9am and 6pm. Representatives of Drogheda Borough Council were in attendance at the display to assist the public in their consideration of the key issues of the study and to help in completing the questionnaire.
The format of the public display incorporated theme boards that identified specific issues in relation to traffic flow, public transport, parking and pedestrian and cyclist facilities in the town. Attendees were invited to view the boards accompanied by facilitators from Drogheda Borough Council and were then asked to complete a questionnaire in relation to the issues raised. In a significant number of cases the questionnaires were taken away by the public and returned to the Borough Council offices.
The public display attracted a high level of participation from the public and it was successful in terms of raising awareness of the study and identifying issues in relation to the future growth of Drogheda”.
From the study document it is clear to see that people in Drogheda are interested in the issue of traffic management, we need to continually consult with people from residential areas and from the business community to make sure we deal with the issues which are causing difficulties. We have a tourist stategy in place and we need to deal with traffic congestion ahead of the summer to ensure we don’t lose potential visitors to the town.
Notice of Motion
Will this Council consider the formation of a Traffic Management Task Force to deal with the serious issue of traffic congestion in Drogheda.
Will this Council also recognise the results of the recent Tom Tom Satellite Navigation group survey which shows Drogheda to be Irelands most congested town and the sixth worst traffic congested location in Ireland. The results of the research was based on real travel times database, compiled over years of researching and tracking road speeds with the help of millions of satellite navigation users worldwide. Travel information is sent anonymously to the above mentioned organisation every day when its users connect their device to the groups system. The result is realistic travel time information for every five minutes, every day of the week.
In this survey cities and towns are ranked according to how fast cars can travel on the street network. A city’s traffic is defined as congested if drivers can travel at only 70% or less of the posted speed limit, meaning that an hour-long commute would include 20 minutes or more of significant delays.
The percentages refer to the percentage of main roads (4 highest road classes) that experienced congestion as defined above during a day.
The full list of the most congested Irish cities and towns is:
NAME Percentage of congested roads
Galway 37.1%
Dublin 28.6%
Limerick 28.3%
Cork 27.5%
Waterford 19.7%
Drogheda 16.6%
Navan 8.2%
Castlebar 4.8%
Killarney 3.6%
Kildare 1.4%
Donegal 0.4%
Ennis 0.02%
From these figures, will Drogheda Borough Council form a task force comprising the relevant groups and organisations to attempt to improve the issue of traffic congestion.
Cllr. Kevin Callan told the Michael Reade Show on LMFM that he is very pleased with the support his proposal has received to see a traffic management group and public forum to deal with traffic issues such as congestion and estate parking has received at the monthly Borough Council meeting.
“I have brought this issue forward following the results of a GPS study which shows Drogheda to be the most congested town in Ireland based on the findings that traffic is travelling at less than 70% of the posted speed limit”.
Cllr Callan stated that the results of the survey were quite clear, we have a situation where Drogheda is the most congested town in Ireland with traffic travelling at under 70% of the posted speed limits.
“This is an issue that is letting the town down, all of the main routes including the Donore Road, Marsh Road, Dublin Road, Rathmullen Road, North Road, Termonfeckin Road are suffering from traffic congestion as is the town centre. We need to provide a task force made up of local groups, the Gardai, the roads and engineering sections of Drogheda Borough Council and a form of public consultation that allows people to have a say and an avenue to express their concerns around the area of traffic but also in the areas of parking as many residential areas are now being affected by pay parking in the town centre. Residential areas such as Anneville Crescent, Scarlet Crescent and Georgian Close are experiencing people parking in their estates and walking to work, we need to come up with solutions.
Cllr. Callan also referred to the Drogheda Transportation Study 2005 which set about addressing the many different transport issues.
“This document is excellent and was compiled following a detailed consultation process with the people of the town, this consultation is needed again”
Text of section of report referred to by Cllr. Callan at meeting;
“the public consultation took place over five days at Drogheda Town Centre from Nov 15th -19th 2004 between 9am and 6pm. Representatives of Drogheda Borough Council were in attendance at the display to assist the public in their consideration of the key issues of the study and to help in completing the questionnaire.
The format of the public display incorporated theme boards that identified specific issues in relation to traffic flow, public transport, parking and pedestrian and cyclist facilities in the town. Attendees were invited to view the boards accompanied by facilitators from Drogheda Borough Council and were then asked to complete a questionnaire in relation to the issues raised. In a significant number of cases the questionnaires were taken away by the public and returned to the Borough Council offices.
The public display attracted a high level of participation from the public and it was successful in terms of raising awareness of the study and identifying issues in relation to the future growth of Drogheda”.
From the study document it is clear to see that people in Drogheda are interested in the issue of traffic management, we need to continually consult with people from residential areas and from the business community to make sure we deal with the issues which are causing difficulties. We have a tourist stategy in place and we need to deal with traffic congestion ahead of the summer to ensure we don’t lose potential visitors to the town.
Notice of Motion
Will this Council consider the formation of a Traffic Management Task Force to deal with the serious issue of traffic congestion in Drogheda.
Will this Council also recognise the results of the recent Tom Tom Satellite Navigation group survey which shows Drogheda to be Irelands most congested town and the sixth worst traffic congested location in Ireland. The results of the research was based on real travel times database, compiled over years of researching and tracking road speeds with the help of millions of satellite navigation users worldwide. Travel information is sent anonymously to the above mentioned organisation every day when its users connect their device to the groups system. The result is realistic travel time information for every five minutes, every day of the week.
In this survey cities and towns are ranked according to how fast cars can travel on the street network. A city’s traffic is defined as congested if drivers can travel at only 70% or less of the posted speed limit, meaning that an hour-long commute would include 20 minutes or more of significant delays.
The percentages refer to the percentage of main roads (4 highest road classes) that experienced congestion as defined above during a day.
The full list of the most congested Irish cities and towns is:
NAME Percentage of congested roads
Galway 37.1%
Dublin 28.6%
Limerick 28.3%
Cork 27.5%
Waterford 19.7%
Drogheda 16.6%
Navan 8.2%
Castlebar 4.8%
Killarney 3.6%
Kildare 1.4%
Donegal 0.4%
Ennis 0.02%
From these figures, will Drogheda Borough Council form a task force comprising the relevant groups and organisations to attempt to improve the issue of traffic congestion.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tholsel granted €300,000 for Restoration- Cllr. Callan
Tholsel granted €300,000 for restoration- Callan
Deputy Mayor welcomes the first steps in attracting tourism
Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, Kevin Callan has said that he is delighted that the Tholsel has been granted €300,000 from the councils capital works programme to be spent in 2010. At the recent council meeting the figure was announced along with a further investment in tourism of €50,000 into tourism signage for the Drogheda area.
Cllr. Callan first raised the possibility of opening the building as a tourist office and a venue for council meetings at the monthly meeting in October, 2009. Since October the building has continued to deteriorate and the Deputy Mayor is extremely anxious that progress is made before the tourist season.
Speaking at the Council meeting, the County Manager stated that he had been in talks with Failte Ireland about the possibility of the building being opened as a tourist office and that these talks included the possibility of the building being the first stop in the Boyne Valley trail.
The Tholsel is a huge asset to our town, it is a piece of our history that can help our towns future. It is obvious that this building can help regenerate the centre of the town and boost tourist numbers if opened as our tourist office. With the summer season approaching, we stand to gain a great deal by having this gem of our towns architectural stock opened to visiting tourists and local people who have an interest in the towns history.
Cllr. Callan asked the Town Clerk, Ms. Joan Martin if it would be possible to have the ground floor level opened during the upcoming tourist season and Ms. Martin stated that the councils aim was to get the building opened as soon as possible. The meeting was informed that the councils engineers had already been inspecting the building.
“Last October when I raised this issue at council, it received huge support from all of my fellow councillors and I am very grateful to our officials are taking all the steps necessary to have this building opened as soon as possible.
The Tholsel and Mayoralty House are two Georgian buildings of huge local and architectural significance built between 1765 and 1770 and were designed by George and Hugh Darley.
According to Cllr. Callan, In recent times the Tholsel building has started to look run down and there has been damage done to one ground floor window. This building is very important in town and stands on the site of the original wooden Tholsel that stood on this site before 1770. Every year that it is not tended to causes the possible costs of repair to increase so it is in everybody’s interests that we breathe life into it as soon as possible and to throw open the doors to everybody, especially in these extremely difficult times for all local people.
Deputy Mayor welcomes the first steps in attracting tourism
Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, Kevin Callan has said that he is delighted that the Tholsel has been granted €300,000 from the councils capital works programme to be spent in 2010. At the recent council meeting the figure was announced along with a further investment in tourism of €50,000 into tourism signage for the Drogheda area.
Cllr. Callan first raised the possibility of opening the building as a tourist office and a venue for council meetings at the monthly meeting in October, 2009. Since October the building has continued to deteriorate and the Deputy Mayor is extremely anxious that progress is made before the tourist season.
Speaking at the Council meeting, the County Manager stated that he had been in talks with Failte Ireland about the possibility of the building being opened as a tourist office and that these talks included the possibility of the building being the first stop in the Boyne Valley trail.
The Tholsel is a huge asset to our town, it is a piece of our history that can help our towns future. It is obvious that this building can help regenerate the centre of the town and boost tourist numbers if opened as our tourist office. With the summer season approaching, we stand to gain a great deal by having this gem of our towns architectural stock opened to visiting tourists and local people who have an interest in the towns history.
Cllr. Callan asked the Town Clerk, Ms. Joan Martin if it would be possible to have the ground floor level opened during the upcoming tourist season and Ms. Martin stated that the councils aim was to get the building opened as soon as possible. The meeting was informed that the councils engineers had already been inspecting the building.
“Last October when I raised this issue at council, it received huge support from all of my fellow councillors and I am very grateful to our officials are taking all the steps necessary to have this building opened as soon as possible.
The Tholsel and Mayoralty House are two Georgian buildings of huge local and architectural significance built between 1765 and 1770 and were designed by George and Hugh Darley.
According to Cllr. Callan, In recent times the Tholsel building has started to look run down and there has been damage done to one ground floor window. This building is very important in town and stands on the site of the original wooden Tholsel that stood on this site before 1770. Every year that it is not tended to causes the possible costs of repair to increase so it is in everybody’s interests that we breathe life into it as soon as possible and to throw open the doors to everybody, especially in these extremely difficult times for all local people.
Fairegreen Works Budget of €130,000 Welcomed- Cllr. Callan
Fairgreen Works Budget of €130,000 Welcomed- Cllr. Callan
Back in November, Cllr Callan raised the issue of the poor state of the roads at the Fairgreen and the level of discontent amongst customers, employees and businesses on the Fairgreen as the area continued to suffer from lack of maintenance on the part of Drogheda Borough Council. The area however has been granted funds to have the roads resurfaced and remarked at the recent meeting of Drogheda Borough Council.
Deputy Mayor, Kevin Callan who met with traders of the area in November and has been working with officials to see that the necessary works carried out has said that this capital works funding is great news and will really assist the Fairgreen as a business community.
I met with local business owners on the Fairgreen after receiving complaints back in 2009 and met with the Borough Engineer and other members of the councils staff to go through the issues that were causing problems for local businesses, customers and the public and to see what actions could be taken.
“There is a very real problem along the Fairgreen, there are three groups of people who are being affected, local customers, local employees and local businesses. The area which is right at the centre of the town is suffering from dreadful neglect and actions are needed immediately to make the area safe and usable as it currently is an absolute mess. The road surface is unsafe for loading or unloading of goods by forklift, there are no road markings, extremely poor street lighting and cars are parking two and three deep.
According to Cllr. Callan, the €130,000 that has been granted is absolutely necessary.
“I am aware of several car crashes, a bus recently could not turn down onto Trinity Street without hitting off a corner wall. We need a plan for the area which employs over seventy local people and which is home to local businesses.
“Deliveries to the area are impossible anytime after 8am and before 7pm. Many people who park in the area find that when they return to their cars, they have been blocked from leaving by other cars that are simply abandoned all over the area. Staff cannot leave to go home in the evenings and this is not acceptable. The access points along Trinity Street and Georges Street have to be reviewed in the interests of health and safety as well. I will be in touch with the Gardai in relation to this matter as we need to get moving to make the area more customer friendly and to assist those who’s jobs depend on the provision of adequate parking and street lighting on the Green.
Cllr. Callan also said that he will be asking the officials to look at the issue of anti social behaviour in the area as well as the steps to Trinity Gardens continue to experience problems.
It is in everyone’s best interests that the Fairgreen receive attention immediately. I am delighted that adequate funds have been allocated for 2010 to get these works are carried out.
Back in November, Cllr Callan raised the issue of the poor state of the roads at the Fairgreen and the level of discontent amongst customers, employees and businesses on the Fairgreen as the area continued to suffer from lack of maintenance on the part of Drogheda Borough Council. The area however has been granted funds to have the roads resurfaced and remarked at the recent meeting of Drogheda Borough Council.
Deputy Mayor, Kevin Callan who met with traders of the area in November and has been working with officials to see that the necessary works carried out has said that this capital works funding is great news and will really assist the Fairgreen as a business community.
I met with local business owners on the Fairgreen after receiving complaints back in 2009 and met with the Borough Engineer and other members of the councils staff to go through the issues that were causing problems for local businesses, customers and the public and to see what actions could be taken.
“There is a very real problem along the Fairgreen, there are three groups of people who are being affected, local customers, local employees and local businesses. The area which is right at the centre of the town is suffering from dreadful neglect and actions are needed immediately to make the area safe and usable as it currently is an absolute mess. The road surface is unsafe for loading or unloading of goods by forklift, there are no road markings, extremely poor street lighting and cars are parking two and three deep.
According to Cllr. Callan, the €130,000 that has been granted is absolutely necessary.
“I am aware of several car crashes, a bus recently could not turn down onto Trinity Street without hitting off a corner wall. We need a plan for the area which employs over seventy local people and which is home to local businesses.
“Deliveries to the area are impossible anytime after 8am and before 7pm. Many people who park in the area find that when they return to their cars, they have been blocked from leaving by other cars that are simply abandoned all over the area. Staff cannot leave to go home in the evenings and this is not acceptable. The access points along Trinity Street and Georges Street have to be reviewed in the interests of health and safety as well. I will be in touch with the Gardai in relation to this matter as we need to get moving to make the area more customer friendly and to assist those who’s jobs depend on the provision of adequate parking and street lighting on the Green.
Cllr. Callan also said that he will be asking the officials to look at the issue of anti social behaviour in the area as well as the steps to Trinity Gardens continue to experience problems.
It is in everyone’s best interests that the Fairgreen receive attention immediately. I am delighted that adequate funds have been allocated for 2010 to get these works are carried out.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Deputy Mayor condemns senseless attack on seven men in Drogheda
Cllr. Callan has condemned the senseless attack last night in the town centre where seven young men were stabbed and is thinking of those in hospital following the incident.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Shannonside radio: Calls for Roscommon to follow Drogheda Head-shop owner's lead
The Roscommon anti-head shop campaigners are to put pressure on the landlord of the High Times store in the County Town to see if he will seek an injunction against the products being sold in it.It follows a decision by a Judge at Drogheda District Court, who this week instructed a Head Shop in the town to stop selling legal highs.Meanwhile Experts are warning that a new highly dangerous drug may be about to hit Britain.At a court sitting in Drogheda this week Justice Matt Deery placed an injunction on the premises and told the operator of the shop to revert to its original fancy dress costumes and party goods business.The action was brought by the landlord of the building who said the use of the premises as a head shop was directly affecting his ability to get his insurance which is in breach of his tenancy agreement. He also said he took the action after he realised the shop had been converted and following recent arson attacks on such stores in Dublin.Its understood the injunction is the first of its type and shows there is now an avenue for owners to stop these activities on their premises.Speaking to Shannonside News this morning the Roscommon campaigners say while they are not fully awarde of the tenacy agreement for the High Times store, they will be pursuing this issue with the Landlord.Meanwhile Experts are warning a new highly dangerous drug - NRG-1 may be about to hit Britain.The drug is thought to be even more deadly than Mephedrone - the legal high which is about to be banned and is reportedly even stronger than cocaine, more addictive than heroin and costs just 25 pence per hit.
LMFM Podcast about Head Shops
LMFM PODCASTS
The Michael Reade Show
The Michael Reade Programme Thursday April 8th 2010
Today: Head Shops. Michael meets Mangor Dise in the Samsara Herbal Shop. Mangor's been working in the shop since it opened two weeks ago but arrived yesterday to discover the shop broken into and the 'legal high' products stolen. Mangor tells Michael he finds the legal highs to be less potent than street drugs and that because the proprietor leased the premises on the basis that it would be a Head Shop, he expects they'll operate in Drogheda for many years. The town's Deputy Mayor says however, these drugs are ruining lives. Kevin Callan has been successful in convincing landlords to revoke the leases of two of these shops recently and he tells Michael this shop won't reopen and another shop, Purple Haze, will close its doors today. Dermot Jewell of the Consumers Association explains his concerns as petrol prices soar. Fine Gael TD, Shane McEntee, wants to establish if pyrite has been used constructing the M3 and if the taxpayer will foot the bill should it prove problematic. The ASTI explains why the proposal on public sector pay and reform should be rejected. And local councillors Ray Butler & Brian Curran pay tribute to the former Mayor of Trim, Danny O'Brien, who passed away suddenly last night. As usual, there's much comment and reaction from the phones and text messages, an integral part of the programme.
The Michael Reade Show
The Michael Reade Programme Thursday April 8th 2010
Today: Head Shops. Michael meets Mangor Dise in the Samsara Herbal Shop. Mangor's been working in the shop since it opened two weeks ago but arrived yesterday to discover the shop broken into and the 'legal high' products stolen. Mangor tells Michael he finds the legal highs to be less potent than street drugs and that because the proprietor leased the premises on the basis that it would be a Head Shop, he expects they'll operate in Drogheda for many years. The town's Deputy Mayor says however, these drugs are ruining lives. Kevin Callan has been successful in convincing landlords to revoke the leases of two of these shops recently and he tells Michael this shop won't reopen and another shop, Purple Haze, will close its doors today. Dermot Jewell of the Consumers Association explains his concerns as petrol prices soar. Fine Gael TD, Shane McEntee, wants to establish if pyrite has been used constructing the M3 and if the taxpayer will foot the bill should it prove problematic. The ASTI explains why the proposal on public sector pay and reform should be rejected. And local councillors Ray Butler & Brian Curran pay tribute to the former Mayor of Trim, Danny O'Brien, who passed away suddenly last night. As usual, there's much comment and reaction from the phones and text messages, an integral part of the programme.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Two more Head Shops Close in Drogheda- Cllr. Kevin Callan
Two More Head Shops Close- Cllr. Callan
Deputy Mayor- We must keep Head Shops out of our Town.
Deputy Mayor, Kevin Callan who has been working with owners and landlords to ensure that the activities of head shops cease in the town has said that the owners have made a huge difference to the town and our young peoples safety by taking these steps in closing two more head shops.
Cllr Callan said that Drogheda has seen a huge number of shops spring up in recent times in the town and that the town is unique in having the shops close in such a short period of time.
“I am very grateful to the owners of the latest shops that closed for working constructively with me. Purple Haze on the Quays and Samara at Peter Street have ceased trading. This town and the business community are leading the way in having these shops close down. I am also grateful to all the owners who have been proactive in removing tenants who chose to sell dangerous substances to our young people. To date property owners have taken this course of action in Drogheda, the direct result of these actions is that the possibility of young people accessing the substances has been seriously reduced”.
Cllr. Callan has thanked the Chamber of Commerce for its assistance in notifying its members of the need to exercise caution when leasing commercial properties in the town to people who may be seeking to operate as head shops.
“We have seen a number of shops close, these tenants will be looking for new premises in the town and we need to make sure that they are not allowed to fool any letting agents or owners of properties, to date members of the business community have behaved in a very decent and cooperative manner in stopping this activity and this needs to be recognised.
On the 5th May at 8pm in the Westcourt Hotel, The Drogheda Community Drugs and Alcohol Forum will be holding a Head Shop Illegal High Information evening with Dr. Des Corrigan, Head of Pharmacy at Trinity College and Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee of Drugs and with qualified counsellors in the area of assisting parents in drug proofing children.
“I think this evening will be of great help to parents and all people working with children and will be worth attending as there will be question and answer sessions and information documents. There are many different substances, side affects and dangers and these will all be discussed at the meeting.
Deputy Mayor- We must keep Head Shops out of our Town.
Deputy Mayor, Kevin Callan who has been working with owners and landlords to ensure that the activities of head shops cease in the town has said that the owners have made a huge difference to the town and our young peoples safety by taking these steps in closing two more head shops.
Cllr Callan said that Drogheda has seen a huge number of shops spring up in recent times in the town and that the town is unique in having the shops close in such a short period of time.
“I am very grateful to the owners of the latest shops that closed for working constructively with me. Purple Haze on the Quays and Samara at Peter Street have ceased trading. This town and the business community are leading the way in having these shops close down. I am also grateful to all the owners who have been proactive in removing tenants who chose to sell dangerous substances to our young people. To date property owners have taken this course of action in Drogheda, the direct result of these actions is that the possibility of young people accessing the substances has been seriously reduced”.
Cllr. Callan has thanked the Chamber of Commerce for its assistance in notifying its members of the need to exercise caution when leasing commercial properties in the town to people who may be seeking to operate as head shops.
“We have seen a number of shops close, these tenants will be looking for new premises in the town and we need to make sure that they are not allowed to fool any letting agents or owners of properties, to date members of the business community have behaved in a very decent and cooperative manner in stopping this activity and this needs to be recognised.
On the 5th May at 8pm in the Westcourt Hotel, The Drogheda Community Drugs and Alcohol Forum will be holding a Head Shop Illegal High Information evening with Dr. Des Corrigan, Head of Pharmacy at Trinity College and Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee of Drugs and with qualified counsellors in the area of assisting parents in drug proofing children.
“I think this evening will be of great help to parents and all people working with children and will be worth attending as there will be question and answer sessions and information documents. There are many different substances, side affects and dangers and these will all be discussed at the meeting.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Defence Forces should be deployed in Louth and Drogheda
Defence Forces should be deployed in County Louth
Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor Kevin Calln has called for the Defence Forces to be deployed in County Louth as part of a centrally co-ordinated National Emergency Plan.
Cllr. Callan has said that this is vital to help local authority staff to deal with the current weather crisis and must be implemented as a matter of urgency, and Defence Forces personnel and transport mobilised immediately to provide critical assistance to local authorities and address existing manpower shortages”.
“Road conditions across the county of Louth and Meath are getting worse, and many public transport routes suspended. With conditions set to worsen over the next few days, The County and the North East should be placed on an emergency footing.
“The Government must immediately:
• Mobilise the Defence Forces to provide manpower for Louth Local Authorities in gritting and clearing roads. In particular, military transport should be used to move people and supplies where required, particularly in mountainous areas;
• Implement a National Emergency Plan with the Office of Emergency Planning co-ordinating all relief efforts;
• The communications facility located in Agriculture House in Dublin, designed specifically for emergencies such as this, should be manned on a 24/7 basis so that all stakeholders, Government departments, State agencies, local authorities, the Gardaí, Defence Forces, Civil Defence and others, can channel information through a single location;
• Informed decisions can then be made and action taken at specific locations around the country.
“Our Local authorities are clearly trying but are unable to cope. Our towns and villages are being crippled by snow and ice, the economy is grinding to a halt, and many schools will be unable to open tomorrow. Yet the Government’s only response has been a deafening silence and the country is coming to a standstill. Without direct intervention and leadership the consequences will be grave indeed.”
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Brookville fence repairs proposed by Cllr Callan
Cllr. Callan has welcomed the support of fellow councillors and members of the towns joint policing committee in relation to his notice of motion at the meeting of the committee to have the fence at Brookville where serious antio social behaviour has been happening repaired and maintained.
"This notice of motion relates to an area where residents have lived in fear for too long, they have been intimidated and had property damaged, we need this fence repaired and maintained and I am delighted that the Gardai support the proposal and have given assurances that they will increase policing in the area".
"This notice of motion relates to an area where residents have lived in fear for too long, they have been intimidated and had property damaged, we need this fence repaired and maintained and I am delighted that the Gardai support the proposal and have given assurances that they will increase policing in the area".
Cllr. Callan Disappointed with An Bord Pleanala Decision for North Road
Cllr. Callan disappointed with decsion of An Bord Pleanala in relation to North Road Apartments
Cllr. Callan has said that he is deeply disappointed by the decision of the Board to grant permission for apartments at the North Road at the entrance to the Ashfield estate.
He has said that local residents eeply opposed this application and still have serious concerns about the overlooking element of the apartments and the issues of parking and the removal of Leinster Petroleums facility.
Cllr. Callan has said that he is deeply disappointed by the decision of the Board to grant permission for apartments at the North Road at the entrance to the Ashfield estate.
He has said that local residents eeply opposed this application and still have serious concerns about the overlooking element of the apartments and the issues of parking and the removal of Leinster Petroleums facility.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
1700 Drogheda PLC Applicants turned away- Cllr. Callan
1700 Drogheda PLC Applicants turned away- Callan
Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Kevin Callan has said that the turning away of 1,700 applicants for post leaving certificate courses from the Institute of Further Education in Drogheda was an absolute disgrace and a serious problem that would have to be addressed immediately.
“A massive number of applicants in Drogheda were unsuccessful due to the insufficient number of places on offer. These are the most up-to-date figures and highlight the short-sighted decision of the Government that has seriously affected Drogheda and its people when a cap was put on places in the town.
Cllr. Callan has said that he had received this information from those within the PLC sector who informed him that the huge increase in applications is largely as a result of mature students who have lost their jobs and wished to re-skill and retrain and students who have completed their Leaving Certificate and cannot get a job. This shows that people are trying to get back on their feet and to get onto local courses and are having their efforts hampered by central government.
“With over 8,000 people on the Live Register in Drogheda, re-training and re-skilling is central, not only to economic recovery in town , but also to producing a talented and flexible workforce. Last year, the Government announced the creation of 51,000 additional training places but these primarily went to FÁS. PLC courses are closely linked to the needs of industry but, last year, Central Government put a cap on the numbers of PLC places.
“This makes no sense. Instead of just handing over more resources to FÁS, this cap on PLC places should be lifted immediately as in Drogheda 2,500 people applied for 800 places, we have 1,700 people who were unsuccessful, not due to any issue other than the governments total failure to help and lift the cap in Drogheda. “Allowing the VEC to provide more PLC courses makes sense. The structures are already in place, the tutors have been hired, in many cases it would just be a matter of just extending current services. This could be done quickly and effectively and would account for a small portion of the funds being directed to new training places.
“The Government should be doing all in its power to encourage learning and training wherever possible. Instead, the Government is harming Ireland's ability to implement an achievable economic recovery programme by refusing to lift the cap on the number of PLC courses. This cap should be removed immediately.”
Notice of Motion ofr December meeting of Drogheda Borough Council.
Cllr. Callan is bring a notice of motion at the December meeting of the Council to call on central government to lift the cap on PLC places in Drogheda.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Kevin Callan has said that the turning away of 1,700 applicants for post leaving certificate courses from the Institute of Further Education in Drogheda was an absolute disgrace and a serious problem that would have to be addressed immediately.
“A massive number of applicants in Drogheda were unsuccessful due to the insufficient number of places on offer. These are the most up-to-date figures and highlight the short-sighted decision of the Government that has seriously affected Drogheda and its people when a cap was put on places in the town.
Cllr. Callan has said that he had received this information from those within the PLC sector who informed him that the huge increase in applications is largely as a result of mature students who have lost their jobs and wished to re-skill and retrain and students who have completed their Leaving Certificate and cannot get a job. This shows that people are trying to get back on their feet and to get onto local courses and are having their efforts hampered by central government.
“With over 8,000 people on the Live Register in Drogheda, re-training and re-skilling is central, not only to economic recovery in town , but also to producing a talented and flexible workforce. Last year, the Government announced the creation of 51,000 additional training places but these primarily went to FÁS. PLC courses are closely linked to the needs of industry but, last year, Central Government put a cap on the numbers of PLC places.
“This makes no sense. Instead of just handing over more resources to FÁS, this cap on PLC places should be lifted immediately as in Drogheda 2,500 people applied for 800 places, we have 1,700 people who were unsuccessful, not due to any issue other than the governments total failure to help and lift the cap in Drogheda. “Allowing the VEC to provide more PLC courses makes sense. The structures are already in place, the tutors have been hired, in many cases it would just be a matter of just extending current services. This could be done quickly and effectively and would account for a small portion of the funds being directed to new training places.
“The Government should be doing all in its power to encourage learning and training wherever possible. Instead, the Government is harming Ireland's ability to implement an achievable economic recovery programme by refusing to lift the cap on the number of PLC courses. This cap should be removed immediately.”
Notice of Motion ofr December meeting of Drogheda Borough Council.
Cllr. Callan is bring a notice of motion at the December meeting of the Council to call on central government to lift the cap on PLC places in Drogheda.
Termonfeckin Road/Newfoundwell Water Pressure
Termonfeckin Road/Newfoundwell Water Pressure- Cllr. Callan
Notice of Question to be brought at December Meeting of Council by Deputy Mayor
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kevin Callan has said that water pressure problems persist on the Termonfeckin Road and at Newfoundwell and that further investigations are needed to establish why homes in the area are still having difficulties with their water supply.
I have spoken with residents of the area in recent months and even this week the matter has arisen again, people have extremely low water pressure and even after the Council have sealed of leaks in pipes, the problem still exists. I have seen figures maintained by a local resident who has a water pump and they show water pressure levels rising and dropping severely and this is extremely worrying. I am presenting these figures to the engineering section and will be raising it at the monthly meeting of the Borough Council.
According to Cllr. Callan , “The findings of the annual report on service indicators for 2008 for local authorities showed that water leaks, unauthorised usage and metering errors are major problems for councils.
The Minister for the Environment has stated that he is highly critical of high volumes of drinking water going to waste and that councils who don't deal with such leaks could lose funding. Thee is clearly an issue of low water pressure in the area I am speaking about, I know that leaks have been repaired but there is a possibility that further leaks are causing this low pressure. I am concerned that the Minister has stated that he will hold back funding for water services from councils that failed to tackle the problem of drink water being wasted. We need to know why these problems are ongoing.
Cllr Callan said that the annual cost for treated drinking water in the State was €1 billion and that Drogheda Borough Council must establish why people are continuing to suffer from such low water pressure and to see that it is rectified as soon as possible.
Notice of Question for December Meeting of Drogheda Borough Council
Cllr. Kevin Callan
Deputy Mayor
“That this Council shall carry out investigations in relation to the matter of low water pressure which is occurring on the Termonfeckin Road and the Newfoundwell area.
Despite leak repairs carried out in the immediate area in recent times, water pressure is still a serious issue for local residents. Several homes in Beaulieu View estate and in College Rise have extremely poor and varied water pressure and this continues to be the case at the time of this notice of question”.
Notice of Question to be brought at December Meeting of Council by Deputy Mayor
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kevin Callan has said that water pressure problems persist on the Termonfeckin Road and at Newfoundwell and that further investigations are needed to establish why homes in the area are still having difficulties with their water supply.
I have spoken with residents of the area in recent months and even this week the matter has arisen again, people have extremely low water pressure and even after the Council have sealed of leaks in pipes, the problem still exists. I have seen figures maintained by a local resident who has a water pump and they show water pressure levels rising and dropping severely and this is extremely worrying. I am presenting these figures to the engineering section and will be raising it at the monthly meeting of the Borough Council.
According to Cllr. Callan , “The findings of the annual report on service indicators for 2008 for local authorities showed that water leaks, unauthorised usage and metering errors are major problems for councils.
The Minister for the Environment has stated that he is highly critical of high volumes of drinking water going to waste and that councils who don't deal with such leaks could lose funding. Thee is clearly an issue of low water pressure in the area I am speaking about, I know that leaks have been repaired but there is a possibility that further leaks are causing this low pressure. I am concerned that the Minister has stated that he will hold back funding for water services from councils that failed to tackle the problem of drink water being wasted. We need to know why these problems are ongoing.
Cllr Callan said that the annual cost for treated drinking water in the State was €1 billion and that Drogheda Borough Council must establish why people are continuing to suffer from such low water pressure and to see that it is rectified as soon as possible.
Notice of Question for December Meeting of Drogheda Borough Council
Cllr. Kevin Callan
Deputy Mayor
“That this Council shall carry out investigations in relation to the matter of low water pressure which is occurring on the Termonfeckin Road and the Newfoundwell area.
Despite leak repairs carried out in the immediate area in recent times, water pressure is still a serious issue for local residents. Several homes in Beaulieu View estate and in College Rise have extremely poor and varied water pressure and this continues to be the case at the time of this notice of question”.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Kevin Callan proposes Drogheda Employment and Business Commission
Kevin Callan proposes Drogheda Employment and Business Commission
With unemployment levels in Drogheda almost doubling over the last year, Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said that the time has come for Drogheda to pull together and create employment within the town. He is calling for the formation of a Drogheda Employment and Business Commission.
“In May, 2008 there were 3,859 people on the live register in the town, now this month there are 7,457. The time for complaining and giving out is over and the time for positive action has arrived. We as a town need to pull together and take on an inititative that sees our town’s unemployment levels decrease. Drogheda can be better”.
Mr. Callan is calling for a decisive local employment drive with the next Borough Councils lifetime of 2009-2014 in conjunction with local TD’s and the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and anyone who wants to help in securing investment in the town and employment for our people.
Mr. Callan has told the Drogheda Independent that one of his top priorities if elected to Drogheda Borough Council is to put forward a strategy that will see the town of Drogheda seeking inward investment and an end to the huge increases in our local live register figures.
“In Dundalk this month, there are 5,878 people on the live register, last year that figure stood at 3,254. These figures show that Drogheda not only has had more people unemployed but that our town has had a steeper rate of unemployment than Dundalk. We now have a town with vacant retail units, vacant shops in our town centre and so on. I have spoken to many people who have lost their jobs, who are on short weeks and who want something done. As a result I am asking all of the councillors elected in this election and all business people to come together to help our town and to get our town moving again.
Mr. Callan is seeking a comprehensive list of all vacant shops and units in the Drogheda area along with the names of their owners. He wants the Borough Council to assist on this front and also wants the Council with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce and local the local business community to get out to meet corporate bodies that could be drawn to Drogheda.
“I know we are in a recession, I know that we have to be realistic that jobs have been lost, but we should be out there fighting for our town, promoting our town and getting it moving again”.
“We need to see a range of measures to support and encourage economic activity in Drogheda, including a programme of meeting local business leaders and the establishment of a high level 'think tank’ to help stimulate business ideas. We also need a programme of visits to all of the major employers in the town, the establishment of an economic development sub-committee that would act as a business task force for the town; a fast-track system for planning applications for large economic development projects is in place; a major campaign to promote Drogheda as the ideal location in which to set up and do business is continuing; an examination of all council activities to ensure they are business friendly is undertaken immediately, we also need a review of the County Development Plan to ensure that policies are positive to those trying to establish new enterprises.
“I want to see a business expansion levy which provides for a 50 per cent reduction in development levies for expansions to existing business in town.
“This commission should, as a first task, identify and bring together representatives of the major employers and businesspeople in the town and get their input as to measures that should be taken in order to get business going again,” he said.
A second leg of Kevin’s plan is for a new tourism strategy and he has said that the next council must pull in all local people with an interest in the town’s history and get a strategy that will secure tourism for the town.
“If we look at our towns current strengths, we have a historic walled town, we are just out the road from Oldbridge and Bru na Boinne. We can build on this immediately and get a plan in place. Figures show that more and more Irish people are holidaying in Ireland and we have an opportunity here to get Drogheda on the Tourist map. It is a disgrace that it has not been a main centre for historical tourism up to this time and that has to change. I want to be able to make this possible and this would be of great help to our local economy.
People with any ideas, need to come out and get involved, together Drogheda can move on, we need to be committed to this goal and to put everything we have into getting Drogheda moving”.
With unemployment levels in Drogheda almost doubling over the last year, Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said that the time has come for Drogheda to pull together and create employment within the town. He is calling for the formation of a Drogheda Employment and Business Commission.
“In May, 2008 there were 3,859 people on the live register in the town, now this month there are 7,457. The time for complaining and giving out is over and the time for positive action has arrived. We as a town need to pull together and take on an inititative that sees our town’s unemployment levels decrease. Drogheda can be better”.
Mr. Callan is calling for a decisive local employment drive with the next Borough Councils lifetime of 2009-2014 in conjunction with local TD’s and the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and anyone who wants to help in securing investment in the town and employment for our people.
Mr. Callan has told the Drogheda Independent that one of his top priorities if elected to Drogheda Borough Council is to put forward a strategy that will see the town of Drogheda seeking inward investment and an end to the huge increases in our local live register figures.
“In Dundalk this month, there are 5,878 people on the live register, last year that figure stood at 3,254. These figures show that Drogheda not only has had more people unemployed but that our town has had a steeper rate of unemployment than Dundalk. We now have a town with vacant retail units, vacant shops in our town centre and so on. I have spoken to many people who have lost their jobs, who are on short weeks and who want something done. As a result I am asking all of the councillors elected in this election and all business people to come together to help our town and to get our town moving again.
Mr. Callan is seeking a comprehensive list of all vacant shops and units in the Drogheda area along with the names of their owners. He wants the Borough Council to assist on this front and also wants the Council with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce and local the local business community to get out to meet corporate bodies that could be drawn to Drogheda.
“I know we are in a recession, I know that we have to be realistic that jobs have been lost, but we should be out there fighting for our town, promoting our town and getting it moving again”.
“We need to see a range of measures to support and encourage economic activity in Drogheda, including a programme of meeting local business leaders and the establishment of a high level 'think tank’ to help stimulate business ideas. We also need a programme of visits to all of the major employers in the town, the establishment of an economic development sub-committee that would act as a business task force for the town; a fast-track system for planning applications for large economic development projects is in place; a major campaign to promote Drogheda as the ideal location in which to set up and do business is continuing; an examination of all council activities to ensure they are business friendly is undertaken immediately, we also need a review of the County Development Plan to ensure that policies are positive to those trying to establish new enterprises.
“I want to see a business expansion levy which provides for a 50 per cent reduction in development levies for expansions to existing business in town.
“This commission should, as a first task, identify and bring together representatives of the major employers and businesspeople in the town and get their input as to measures that should be taken in order to get business going again,” he said.
A second leg of Kevin’s plan is for a new tourism strategy and he has said that the next council must pull in all local people with an interest in the town’s history and get a strategy that will secure tourism for the town.
“If we look at our towns current strengths, we have a historic walled town, we are just out the road from Oldbridge and Bru na Boinne. We can build on this immediately and get a plan in place. Figures show that more and more Irish people are holidaying in Ireland and we have an opportunity here to get Drogheda on the Tourist map. It is a disgrace that it has not been a main centre for historical tourism up to this time and that has to change. I want to be able to make this possible and this would be of great help to our local economy.
People with any ideas, need to come out and get involved, together Drogheda can move on, we need to be committed to this goal and to put everything we have into getting Drogheda moving”.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Petrol & Diesel Figures 8th April
Petrol
Maxol Donore Road 106.9
TOP Donore 103.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 105.9
Esso Dublin Road 105.9
Waterfront Filling Station 105.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 105.9
Collon - McCloskeys 108.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 105.9
Maxol Duleek Street 105.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 105.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 105.9
Tenure Stores 108.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 106.9
Mell Topaz 105.9
DIESEL
Maxol Duleek Street 94.9
Maxol Donore Road 95.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 94.9
Esso Dublin Road 94.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 93.9
Collon - McCloskeys 96.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 95.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 95.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 94.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 93.9
Maxol Donore Road 106.9
TOP Donore 103.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 105.9
Esso Dublin Road 105.9
Waterfront Filling Station 105.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 105.9
Collon - McCloskeys 108.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 105.9
Maxol Duleek Street 105.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 105.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 105.9
Tenure Stores 108.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 106.9
Mell Topaz 105.9
DIESEL
Maxol Duleek Street 94.9
Maxol Donore Road 95.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 94.9
Esso Dublin Road 94.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 93.9
Collon - McCloskeys 96.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 95.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 95.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 94.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 93.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 28th March
Petrol
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 102.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 104.9
Esso Dublin Road 104.9
Waterfront Filling Station 104.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 104.9
Collon - McCloskeys 105.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 105.9
Maxol Duleek Street 105.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 104.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 105.9
Tenure Stores 105.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz 105.9
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 102.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 104.9
Esso Dublin Road 104.9
Waterfront Filling Station 104.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 104.9
Collon - McCloskeys 105.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 105.9
Maxol Duleek Street 105.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 104.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 105.9
Tenure Stores 105.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz 105.9
DIESEL
Maxol Duleek Street 95.9
Maxol Donore Road 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 92.9
Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 92.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 92.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 93.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 94.9
Maxol Duleek Street 95.9
Maxol Donore Road 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 92.9
Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 92.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 92.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 93.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 94.9
Friday, March 27, 2009
Petrol & Diesel Figures 21st March
Petrol
Garage
21st March
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 101.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 103.9
Esso Dublin Road 104.9
Waterfront Filling Station 103.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 104.9
Collon - McCloskeys 105.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 105.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 104.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 103.9
Tenure Stores 105.5
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Diesel
Garage
21st March
Maxol Duleek Street 95.9
Maxol Donore Road 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 92.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 92.9
Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 92.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 92.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 93.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Garage
21st March
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 101.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 103.9
Esso Dublin Road 104.9
Waterfront Filling Station 103.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 104.9
Collon - McCloskeys 105.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 105.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 104.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 103.9
Tenure Stores 105.5
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Diesel
Garage
21st March
Maxol Duleek Street 95.9
Maxol Donore Road 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 92.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 92.9
Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 92.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 92.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 93.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 14th March
Petrol
Garage
14th march
Maxol Donore Road103.9
TOP Donore100.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church102.9
Esso Dublin Road102.9
Waterfront Filling Station102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run)102.9
Collon - McCloskeys105.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 101.9
Maxol Duleek Street 102.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds102.9
Maxol Termonfeckon103.9
Tenure Stores105.5
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz102.9
Diesel
Garage
14th March
Maxol Duleek Street 92.9
Maxol Donore Road 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 91.9
Waterfront Filling Station 91.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 91.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 90.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 93.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Garage
14th march
Maxol Donore Road103.9
TOP Donore100.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church102.9
Esso Dublin Road102.9
Waterfront Filling Station102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run)102.9
Collon - McCloskeys105.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 101.9
Maxol Duleek Street 102.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds102.9
Maxol Termonfeckon103.9
Tenure Stores105.5
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz102.9
Diesel
Garage
14th March
Maxol Duleek Street 92.9
Maxol Donore Road 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 91.9
Waterfront Filling Station 91.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 91.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 90.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 93.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 7th March
Petrol
Garage
7th March
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 104.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 103.9
Maxol Duleek Street 102.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 102.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 103.9
Tenure Stores 0
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
7th March
Diesel
Garage
Maxol Duleek Street 93.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 91.9
Waterfront Filling Station 91.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 91.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 92.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Garage
7th March
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 104.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 103.9
Maxol Duleek Street 102.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 102.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 103.9
Tenure Stores 0
EMO (Popes Monument) 104.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
7th March
Diesel
Garage
Maxol Duleek Street 93.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 91.9
Waterfront Filling Station 91.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 91.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 92.9
TOP Donore 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 92.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 91.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 28th Feb
Petrol
Garage
28th Feb
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 100.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 102.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 103.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 103.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 102.9
Tenure Stores 0
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
Diesel
Garage
28th Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 96.9
Maxol Donore Road 94.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 94.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 95.9
Garage
28th Feb
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 100.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 102.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 103.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 103.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 102.9
Tenure Stores 0
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
Diesel
Garage
28th Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 96.9
Maxol Donore Road 94.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 94.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 95.9
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Petrol & Diesel Figures 21st Feb
Garage Petrol 21st Feb
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 100.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 102.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 104.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 103.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 102.9
Tenure Stores (Not DIsplayed)
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
Garage Diesel 21st Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 98.8
Collon - McCloskeys 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 94.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.8
Mell Topaz 95.9
Maxol Donore Road 103.9
TOP Donore 100.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 102.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 104.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 103.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 102.9
Tenure Stores (Not DIsplayed)
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
Garage Diesel 21st Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 98.8
Collon - McCloskeys 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 94.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.8
Mell Topaz 95.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 14th Feb
Garage Petrol 14th Feb
Maxol Donore Road 100.9
TOP Donore 98.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 99.9
Esso Dublin Road 99.9
Waterfront Filling Station 99.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 99.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 99.9
Maxol Duleek Street 101.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
Tenure Stores (Not Displayed)
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 100.9
Garage Diesel 14th Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 97.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 98.9
Maxol Donore Road 100.9
TOP Donore 98.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 99.9
Esso Dublin Road 99.9
Waterfront Filling Station 99.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 99.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 99.9
Maxol Duleek Street 101.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
Tenure Stores (Not Displayed)
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 100.9
Garage Diesel 14th Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 97.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 98.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 7th Feb
Garage Petrol 7th Feb
Maxol Donore Road 100.9
TOP Donore 98.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 102.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 101.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 102.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 102.9
Tenure Stores Not Displayed
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
Garage Diesel 7th Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 95.9
Maxol Donore Road 100.9
TOP Donore 98.5
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 102.9
Esso Dublin Road 102.9
Waterfront Filling Station 102.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 102.9
Collon - McCloskeys 103.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 102.9
Maxol Duleek Street 101.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 102.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 102.9
Tenure Stores Not Displayed
EMO (Popes Monument) 102.9
Mell Topaz 102.9
Garage Diesel 7th Feb
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys 99.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 95.9
Petrol & Diesel Figures 31st Jan Week 5
Garage Petrol 31st Jan
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
TOP Donore 95.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Esso Dublin Road 99.9
Waterfront Filling Station 98.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 99.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon98.9
Tenure Stores 99.8
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Mell Topaz 99.9
Garage Diesel 31st Jan
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 97.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.8
Tenure Stores 98.9
Mell Topaz 95.9
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Petrol & Diesel Costs Jan 24th 2009
Garage Petrol - week 4 Jan24
TOP Donore 95.9 Cheapest
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 97.9
Esso Dublin Road 97.9
Waterfront Filling Station 97.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 97.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Topaz Mell 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
Tenure Stores 99.8
Topaz Newfoundwell 99.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Garage Diesel -week 4 Jan24
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 95.9
Topaz Mell 95.9
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 97.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 98.9
TOP Donore 95.9 Cheapest
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 97.9
Esso Dublin Road 97.9
Waterfront Filling Station 97.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 97.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Topaz Mell 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
Tenure Stores 99.8
Topaz Newfoundwell 99.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Garage Diesel -week 4 Jan24
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 95.9
Esso Dublin Road 95.9
Waterfront Filling Station 95.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 95.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 95.9
Topaz Mell 95.9
Maxol Duleek Street 97.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 97.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
TOP Donore 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 98.9
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Any Issues? Contact me now!
If you have any issues in your area at present or if there is anything you are concerned about please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I would be delighted to come and meet with you to discuss your issues so I can represent or advise you as best as I can.
My mobile no is 087 7776648
Yours sincerely,
Kevin Callan
My mobile no is 087 7776648
Yours sincerely,
Kevin Callan
Week 3 - Drogheda Petrol & Diesel Costs
Petrol
Garage
week 3
TOP Donore 93.9
Esso Dublin Road 97.9
Waterfront Filling Station 97.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 97.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Tenure Stores 100.8
Diesel
week 3
Collon - McCloskeys 95.9
TOP Donore 96.9
Esso Dublin Road 97.9
Waterfront Filling Station 97.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 97.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 99
Garage
week 3
TOP Donore 93.9
Esso Dublin Road 97.9
Waterfront Filling Station 97.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 97.9
Collon - McCloskeys 97.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Tenure Stores 100.8
Diesel
week 3
Collon - McCloskeys 95.9
TOP Donore 96.9
Esso Dublin Road 97.9
Waterfront Filling Station 97.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 97.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
Maxol Donore Road 98.9
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 98.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 98.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 98.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 99
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Petrol & Diesel Prices in Drogheda Week 2 - 2009
Week 2 2009 - Petrol Figures (price cent per litre - on 10th Jan 09)
TOP Donore 91.9 Cheapest
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Esso Dublin Road 93.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 93.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 93.9
Maxol Donore Road 94.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Tenure Stores 100.8
Week 2 2009 - Diesel Figures (price cent per litre - on 10th Jan 09)
TOP Donore 91.9 Cheapest
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 93.9
Esso Dublin Road 93.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 93.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 93.9
Maxol Brian Reynolds 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 93.9
Maxol Donore Road 94.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 99.9
Tenure Stores 100.8
Week 2 2009 - Diesel Figures (price cent per litre - on 10th Jan 09)
Mobil Beside Lourdes Church 91.9 Cheapest
Maxol Brian Reynolds 91.9 Cheapest
Maxol Donore Road 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 93.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 93.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 93.9
TOP Donore 95.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 99.0
Maxol Brian Reynolds 91.9 Cheapest
Maxol Donore Road 92.9
Esso Dublin Road 93.9
Waterfront Filling Station 93.9
Esso North Road (On the Run) 93.9
Collon - McCloskeys 93.9
Maxol Termonfeckon 93.9
Topaz Newfoundwell 93.9
TOP Donore 95.9
Maxol Duleek Street 98.9
EMO (Popes Monument) 98.9
Tenure Stores 99.0
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Local Website to see if you are being Fuelled- Callan
Local Website to see if you are being Fuelled- Callan
Drogheda is to get its first weekly fuel review site as Kevin Callan of Fine Gael has decided to take action to help local consumers find the best priced diesel and petrol in Drogheda and South Louth. Kevin Callan who is a local Fine Gael Representative has launched a weekly review of petrol and diesel prices in the Drogheda and South Louth Area after receiving complaints from local people about the difference in the prices of fuel.
In a bold move Mr. Callan has undertaken to provide a weekly breakdown of prices of all filling stations in Drogheda town and as far as Termonfeckin and Collon. The information, it is hoped will help local people find the best prices in town and out of town. It is to be the most comprehensive and up to date information on Drogheda fuel prices available to consumers.
“This information will help everybody in the local area to get the best value for their money without having to shop around and drive to different filling stations, there are some real price differences in the locality and petrol and diesel prices don’t appear to be structured in any particular fashion. It's important to be able find the station with the lowest priced fuel. The information that is available on my website and on request by text will give information about low priced fuel and will be updated every Saturday morning by 9am.
According to Mr. Callan, the National Consumer Agency recently published a report which stated that there were gaps in the way fuel prices were tracked in the Republic. The report from the consumer body identifies gaps in the manner in which information on retail petrol and diesel prices are collected and publicised and said there was “scope for enhancement in analysis and reporting” of fuel prices.
It said improvements in price tracking would better inform consumers of general trends in petrol and diesel prices and “place a sustained spotlight on the competitive environment in this important sector”.
Commenting on this information gap, Mr. Callan has said for price competition to be effective, Louth consumers must be fully informed. He said the report indicated there was a need for reform of the collation and publication of information on the retail price for fuel. “In the meantime, I have decided to do what I can and by providing this information on a weekly basis, I hope to help locally”.
“With times being tough and with everybody keeping an eye on money, I hope that this service will help people to find the cheapest fuel locally and will be of assistance. The information is available at www.kevincallan.blogspot.com and will be updated every saturday”.
Garage (Figures taken Sat 3rd of January 2009) Figures to be updated Sat 10th January 2009
Petrol
1 Donore Road Maxol 91.9
2 Donore TOP 91.9
3 Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
4 Dublin Road Esso 92.9
5 Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
6 Esso North Road (on the run)92.9
7 Collon - McCloskey 92.9
8 Newfoundwell - Topaz 92.9
9 Duleek Street Maxol 93.9
10 Brian Reynolds Maxol 93.9
11 Termonfeckon Maxol 93.9
12 Tenure Stores 100.8
13 EMO (Popes Monument) 101.9
Garage
Diesel
1 Duleek Street Maxol 91.9
2 Donore Road Maxol 91.9
3 Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
4 Brian Reynolds Maxol 91.9
5 Dublin Road Esso 92.9
6 Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
7 Esso North Road (on the run)92.9
8 Collon - McCloskeys 92.9
9 Termonfeckon Maxol 93.9
10 Donore TOP 95.9
11 Newfoundwell - Topaz 95.9
12 EMO (Popes Monument) 99.8
13 Tenure Stores 99.8
Drogheda is to get its first weekly fuel review site as Kevin Callan of Fine Gael has decided to take action to help local consumers find the best priced diesel and petrol in Drogheda and South Louth. Kevin Callan who is a local Fine Gael Representative has launched a weekly review of petrol and diesel prices in the Drogheda and South Louth Area after receiving complaints from local people about the difference in the prices of fuel.
In a bold move Mr. Callan has undertaken to provide a weekly breakdown of prices of all filling stations in Drogheda town and as far as Termonfeckin and Collon. The information, it is hoped will help local people find the best prices in town and out of town. It is to be the most comprehensive and up to date information on Drogheda fuel prices available to consumers.
“This information will help everybody in the local area to get the best value for their money without having to shop around and drive to different filling stations, there are some real price differences in the locality and petrol and diesel prices don’t appear to be structured in any particular fashion. It's important to be able find the station with the lowest priced fuel. The information that is available on my website and on request by text will give information about low priced fuel and will be updated every Saturday morning by 9am.
According to Mr. Callan, the National Consumer Agency recently published a report which stated that there were gaps in the way fuel prices were tracked in the Republic. The report from the consumer body identifies gaps in the manner in which information on retail petrol and diesel prices are collected and publicised and said there was “scope for enhancement in analysis and reporting” of fuel prices.
It said improvements in price tracking would better inform consumers of general trends in petrol and diesel prices and “place a sustained spotlight on the competitive environment in this important sector”.
Commenting on this information gap, Mr. Callan has said for price competition to be effective, Louth consumers must be fully informed. He said the report indicated there was a need for reform of the collation and publication of information on the retail price for fuel. “In the meantime, I have decided to do what I can and by providing this information on a weekly basis, I hope to help locally”.
“With times being tough and with everybody keeping an eye on money, I hope that this service will help people to find the cheapest fuel locally and will be of assistance. The information is available at www.kevincallan.blogspot.com and will be updated every saturday”.
Garage (Figures taken Sat 3rd of January 2009) Figures to be updated Sat 10th January 2009
Petrol
1 Donore Road Maxol 91.9
2 Donore TOP 91.9
3 Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
4 Dublin Road Esso 92.9
5 Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
6 Esso North Road (on the run)92.9
7 Collon - McCloskey 92.9
8 Newfoundwell - Topaz 92.9
9 Duleek Street Maxol 93.9
10 Brian Reynolds Maxol 93.9
11 Termonfeckon Maxol 93.9
12 Tenure Stores 100.8
13 EMO (Popes Monument) 101.9
Garage
Diesel
1 Duleek Street Maxol 91.9
2 Donore Road Maxol 91.9
3 Beside Lourdes Church 91.9
4 Brian Reynolds Maxol 91.9
5 Dublin Road Esso 92.9
6 Waterfront Filling Station 92.9
7 Esso North Road (on the run)92.9
8 Collon - McCloskeys 92.9
9 Termonfeckon Maxol 93.9
10 Donore TOP 95.9
11 Newfoundwell - Topaz 95.9
12 EMO (Popes Monument) 99.8
13 Tenure Stores 99.8
Saturday, July 12, 2008
2D Approach To Speeding
Kevin wants Drogheda to be better cut-out for dealing with speeding problems in the area and wants Drogheda Borough Council to follow County Kildare’s example and introduce Phantom Garda cars on the towns roads in an effort to stop speeding traffic.
Kevins call comes on foot of Kildare County Councils new two-dimensional approach to speeding traffic that has been launched with the introduction of life size cut out Garda cars along stretches of the county’s roads. These cars are being used to slow traffic flow and the first car has been so successful that the council have purchased another two.
From a distance motorists see what they believe to be a Garda car and react by slowing down. If I can convince Drogheda Borough Council to undertake this initiative it will see the fake car being placed at various locations throughout the area at varied times and no notice will be given to the public on the placements.
“We have several dangerous stretches of road in and around Drogheda and we have traffic travelling at speed in Mell, on the old Slane Road and the North Road and the Termonfeckin Road to name but a few. These cars if placed by the Council will greatly help reduce traffic speed and will make our roads safer”.
“We have several dangerous stretches of road in and around Drogheda and we have traffic travelling at speed in Mell, on the old Slane Road and the North Road and the Termonfeckin Road to name but a few. These cars if placed by the Council will greatly help reduce traffic speed and will make our roads safer”.
KEVIN CALLANS PROFILE - A Fresh Face for 2008
Kevin Callan, aged 26 from Drogheda is a Fine Gael Representative in the new Drogheda North Area, which is made up of the West Gate and Laurence Gate Wards that were recently joined together by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Kevin lives in the town with his fiancée Ruth Clinton.
He is a qualified Barrister and works in the Four Courts in Dublin and in the local courts at Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Trim and Monaghan. In his role as a barrister, Kevin works with people from all walks of life and people with all sorts of issues and problems. Kevin is also involved in several voluntary groups in Drogheda and sits on the South Louth Community Forum and is also a member of the board of Drogheda Youth Development.
Kevin is also one of three community representatives on the towns Joint Policing Committee and sits on the committee with the Borough Councillors and Oireachtas members for County Louth.
Kevin joined Fine Gael when he was 18 and has served the Drogheda community from that age working with the local Fine Gael Team. Over the years Kevin has been an active community and voluntary activist and ran in the local elections in 2004 for a seat on Drogheda Borough Council where he came very close to winning a seat on the council.
Index to go to the right of this piece
He is a qualified Barrister and works in the Four Courts in Dublin and in the local courts at Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Trim and Monaghan. In his role as a barrister, Kevin works with people from all walks of life and people with all sorts of issues and problems. Kevin is also involved in several voluntary groups in Drogheda and sits on the South Louth Community Forum and is also a member of the board of Drogheda Youth Development.
Kevin is also one of three community representatives on the towns Joint Policing Committee and sits on the committee with the Borough Councillors and Oireachtas members for County Louth.
Kevin joined Fine Gael when he was 18 and has served the Drogheda community from that age working with the local Fine Gael Team. Over the years Kevin has been an active community and voluntary activist and ran in the local elections in 2004 for a seat on Drogheda Borough Council where he came very close to winning a seat on the council.
Index to go to the right of this piece
€220,000 on new office for Ahern indefensible waste of taxpayers’ money – Kevin Callan
It is astonishing that close to quarter of a million euro has been spent on a new office suite for former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, at a time when thousands are waiting for operations, our children are being taught in prefabs and the Taoiseach is talking about serious cutbacks, according to Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan. “Figures released by the Office of Public Works which were reported on Morning Ireland have revealed that €220,000 has been spent on fitting out and renovating a new Dáil office for Bertie Ahern.
That such an amount of money could be spent in this way when our health service is in crisis, our children are in dire need of classrooms and serious cutbacks are being proposed is utterly indefensible. “How Brian Cowen can sanction this level of expenditure beggars belief. Expenditure of this kind from a Government that continues to accept massive pay increases while all around live in fear of an economic downturn is a slap in the face. It is reprehensible to think that a quarter of a million euro of taxpayers’ money is to be spent refurbishing an office for Bertie Ahern.”
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
That such an amount of money could be spent in this way when our health service is in crisis, our children are in dire need of classrooms and serious cutbacks are being proposed is utterly indefensible. “How Brian Cowen can sanction this level of expenditure beggars belief. Expenditure of this kind from a Government that continues to accept massive pay increases while all around live in fear of an economic downturn is a slap in the face. It is reprehensible to think that a quarter of a million euro of taxpayers’ money is to be spent refurbishing an office for Bertie Ahern.”
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
Independent Inquiry needed as travel chaos continues
Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has criticised the latest malfunction of a €115 air traffic control system at the Airport which has disrupted tens of thousands of travellers, many from Louth/Meath."The Minister must restore confidence in air traffic control at Dublin Airport by launching an independent inquiry into this matter, publishing the independent Irish Aviation Authority safety reviews and improving procedures in the IAA so that when small glitches are discovered that they are not allowed to progress to the extent experienced over the past days."The Government has spent €115 million on what Minister Dempsey assures us is the most sophisticated air traffic control system currently in use by any country.
This is of little comfort to those passengers who now have had their travel plans thrown into chaos."With airport activity grinding to a halt, then operating at half capacity yesterday and only functioning at 65-70% today - serious questions must be answered with regard to the nature of the problem and how it was allowed to progress so far."An air traffic control system is one of the few systems in the world that should not have glitches or failures. In the event that this occurs, an adequate back-up system should be in place to ensure a seamless service."The Airport has suffered intermittent failures in this system in recent weeks and I understand the problems began after the software in the system was changed.
The Minister must find out immediately if this new software is defective, why replacement software was not available, and why the original software was not reinstalled following continued computer failures."It is unacceptable that many people from Louth and Meath have had their holidays ruined and disrupted, many of them elderly and who have families with children at such a busy time of year."
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
Coughlan makes the wrong cut – Kevin Callan
Local Apprenticeships and upskilling should be protected - Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has condemned the Government's decision to cut €19.15 million from apprenticeships and €440,000 from the 'Skillnets' upskilling programme."Rather than cutting back on apprenticeships and upskilling, the Minister should fight to protect the skills budget.
At a time of rising unemployment, we should invest in training, with particular emphasis on those who do not have the skills or qualifications to gain employment in the new economy. The apprenticeship training within FÁS was one of the few very valuable programmes in the State's training agency. There are still jobs in health care, services and logistics for those who have the skills."The Tánaiste has taken the easy option by cutting back on apprenticeships and skills. Instead, she should have totally overhauled the €1 billion FÁS bureaucracy transferring Community Employment schemes to local authorities, protecting apprenticeships and skillnets, integrating training schemes with the Institutes of Technology and cutting back on Jobstart."Recent financial irregularities in the FÁS advertising budget, exposed by Fine Gael, should have led the Minister to look closely at cutting that budget, but again, the Tánaiste took the wrong option."
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
The old and vulnerable are the first to feel Harney's health cuts as Cowen's recession bites
Final Admission that Minister's 'Fair Deal' will be delayed by at least a yearThe Minster for Health & Children, Mary Harney TD, today finally admitted that her 'Fair Deal' on the funding for nursing home care will not be introduced in 2008 but will be delayed by at least a year, according to Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan."Minister Harney first announced her 'Fair Deal' plan in December 2006. It was supposed to apply from 1st January 2008. However, from the word go it has been beset with delays and legal setbacks leading to great confusion among elderly patients and their families on the funding of nursing home care. Now, more than 18 months after its announcement the Minister has finally admitted that her flagship project will be delayed by at least a year."In an attempt to save sinking Exchequer finances, Minister Harney today said that a total of €144.35m is to be saved within the health sector which will undoubtedly affect patient care. Of the €110 million ring-fenced for the care of the elderly, €85 million is now to be used for other purposes. "This is a real slap in the face for families that have held on in desperation for the past 18 months in anticipation of this legislation. I had had one gentleman come to my clinic last week having sold his mother's house.
Having paid out over €300,000 in nursing home fees over the past five years, he now has no money left in the kitty and is at a loss as to how his mother is to be cared for. "This Government's failure to implement the legislation necessary to bring in the 'Fair Deal' on nursing home care is imposing unnecessary hardship and confusion on many elderly people and their families. Yet again, this Government failed to keep their promised to ring-fence funds for the most vulnerable in society.
Now that the Government has blown the boom and squandered the cash, families will be forced to use their savings or get into increasing debt to pay the fees for nursing home care. "In the announcement to reduce payroll bills by 3% by the end of 2009, there was no clarity about how this would affect the Department of Health and the HSE. Credibility is not this Government's strong suit.""It is time for Minister Harney to come clean on her planned cutbacks for 2009."
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648.
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648.
Staggering €300M Spend by HSE in 3 years on staff transport
Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has revealed information showing that HSE officials spent a staggering €292 million on staff transport costs (including mileage costs, air travel and public transport) since 2005.Mr. Callan received the information through a Fine Gael parliamentary question that was tabled by Dr. Reilly to the HSE and added that, with a swath of cuts already hitting the health service, it is clear that the Government and HSE would rather spend badly needed cash on ferrying staff around than on patients' needs."As admitted this week, the Fianna Fáil/PD Government botched their single biggest health reform - the setting up the HSE - and we are now seeing the results of the Government's inability to get a handle on the health service with expenditure on non-essential items such as staff transport sky-rocketing."As the table below shows, since 2005, HSE staff have spent €292 million on transport for themselves with the amount rising every year.Table showing amount spent by HSE on staff transport costs (including air travel, mileage costs and public transport): January 2005 - April 2008
Year Amount
2005 €82,685,094
2006 €85,233,181
2007 €93,396,790
2008 (to 30/4/2008) €30,712,807
Total €2,92,027,872
"Simply put, this staggering amount of cash could and should be put to better use. While some expenditure on staff transport is necessary, splurging €300 million in three years is completely indefensible."It is clear that the HSE would rather spend money on ferrying their staff around than on saving lives. This week, Mary Harney announced that a total of €144.35m is to be saved within the health sector and, of this, €85 million was gutted from the 'Fair Deal' nursing home package. The old and vulnerable are already feeling the pain of Brian Cowen's cutbacks but this pain could be significantly lessened if huge amounts of cash weren't spent on HSE staff transport."During the boom, the vulnerable, the elderly, those with terminal and mental illnesses were left to the back of the queue. Now they are pulled into the front line to take the hit of Cowen's recession."Thirty million has already been splurged this year. Local Patients' needs must come first and, for the remainder of the year, I am demanding the amount spent of staff transport be drastically cut."
Ends
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
Ends
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
ESB trying to pull a 'fast one' – Kevin Callan
Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said the ESB is trying to hoodwink local consumers with its announcement of a €300m 'contribution' to offset electricity price rises."Media reports have confirmed that the ESB has asked the energy regulator to approve electricity price rises of a massive 30%.
The effect of today's announcement will be that the ESB is now 'only' looking for an increase of 21%-22% - price increases that Irish homeowners and businesses simply cannot afford in the current economic environment (and which alone would increase the rate of consumer price inflation by 0.35%). "This is clearly part of a negotiating strategy by the ESB to get the Energy Regulator to approve a massive price hike, and then have local consumers thank them for it."Fine Gael has, for several months, highlighted the €1.5 billion in windfall profits available to the ESB and other power generators from the Government's free allocation of carbon emission allowances over the coming years."Instead of asking the ESB for 'voluntary contributions', Fine Gael has said it would legislate to remove this windfall from the ESB and other power companies, and use the proceeds to finance a 1% cut in VAT. This is only way to make sure consumers don't get ripped off."Ends
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
Latest ESB increase will add ¼ percent to inflation rate – Kevin Callan
Another blow for Competitiveness
Drogheda North Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said the 17.5% increase in ESB prices which has been sanctioned by the Energy Regulator will add a further quarter of a percent to the rate of inflation."This will make it even more difficult for the Social Partners to agree to pay restraint and is terrible news for Irish competitiveness."Electricity costs in Ireland are already among the highest in Europe for domestic and business customers and the Regulator, instead of sanctioning this massive increase, should be pressing the ESB to improve internal efficiencies, as has been previously recommended by a Deloitte Review."It's unrealistic to expect the Regulator to sanction no electricity price increase this year, due to dramatic fuel price inflation, but an interim increase of nearly 20% is an enormous increase for hard pressed consumers and businesses to live with."I will be asking the Regulator to make a detailed report available to the our local oireachtas members, justifying this latest electricity price hike and to outline what he is doing to drive efficiencies within the ESB to ensure that electricity is being produced as cost effectively as possible."
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
Contact Kevin directly on: 087 777 6648
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mells Blind Spot affecting 80 Motorists a day- Kevin Callan
Mells Blind Spot affecting 80 Motorists a day- Kevin Callan
Local Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said that residents of the Riverview Estate in Mell are in need of help from Drogheda Borough Council in connection to the junction at the entrance to their estate. The West Gate Ward Representatives comments come on foot of complaints received from local residents who are having difficulty exiting the estate due to a blind spot.
“An accident is waiting to happen at the entrance to Riverview with The fast-moving traffic coming down from Mell towards Trinity Street. A high slope that creates a blind spot and schoolchildren who prefer to cross the road rather than use the pedestrian crossing further up the hill at the National School are combined risks that make it dangerous to just about anybody exiting the estate”.
According to some residents of the Riverview Estate, which has over eighty houses, it is easy to believe that if nothing is done to rectify the situation, it will be just a matter of time before an accident takes place.
Local Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said that residents of the Riverview Estate in Mell are in need of help from Drogheda Borough Council in connection to the junction at the entrance to their estate. The West Gate Ward Representatives comments come on foot of complaints received from local residents who are having difficulty exiting the estate due to a blind spot.
“An accident is waiting to happen at the entrance to Riverview with The fast-moving traffic coming down from Mell towards Trinity Street. A high slope that creates a blind spot and schoolchildren who prefer to cross the road rather than use the pedestrian crossing further up the hill at the National School are combined risks that make it dangerous to just about anybody exiting the estate”.
According to some residents of the Riverview Estate, which has over eighty houses, it is easy to believe that if nothing is done to rectify the situation, it will be just a matter of time before an accident takes place.
The entrance is partially blocked by a high slope, and this cuts off visibility of oncoming traffic at a corner, thus making it even more difficult.
According to one resident, "Some motorists might not realise that there actually is a junction here until the last minute and this is why we need to have something done immediately, I don’t think traffic lights are the answer, but better signs letting people know there is a junction and a mirror across the road from the estate so that when we are pulling out, we can see if there is oncoming traffic”.
Mr. Callan has said that there are several traffic issues in Mell and Trinity Street and that he is preparing a study of this stretch of road this year and will be submitting a report to the Borough Council with several recommendations.
“Mell is a very populated area, it has a hill descending down towards West Street and traffic does travel at speed at times, we also have a problem with traffic jams in Trinity Street at peak times, traffic light settings have to be reviewed and the junction at Riverview needs a solution now, we also have a national school that sits beside a busy stretch of road”.
Mr Callan went onto say that there was a need for more traffic calming measures in Mell and that a review of the traffic in the area was vital.
“We have residents in Riverview who find it hard to get out of their estate in the mornings, people are dropping children to school and going to work but cannot leave the estate as they cant see oncoming traffic, the simple solution is to place a viewing mirror across the road to allow residents to see oncoming traffic, as one resident has already suggested. I will be in touch with the Borough Engineer about this problem as it is serious when people are being inconvenienced in the way that they are”.
Ends
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
A Facelift for Towns Recycling Facilities- Kevin Callan
A Facelift for Towns Recycling Facilities- Callan
After they have given years of service to the people of Drogheda, Kevin Callan is calling on Drogheda Borough Council to undertake a facelift of waste recycling facilities on the Northside of the Boyne. Mr. Callan has highlighted the issue in relation to the sites located at Palace Street, Mell, Bolton Square and on the North Road. The facilities allow for members of the public from Drogheda and the surrounding areas to drop off materials that can be recycled.
Mr. Callans recommendation as West Gate Fine Gael Representative has been sent to the Borough Council. He is calling for the bins in place at the minute to be cleaned and disinfected and that more of an effort should be made by the council to ensure that the facilities are kept clear and are not allowed to overfill.
“People of the town go to great lengths to gather up materials that can be recycled and use the facilities where countless tonnes of materials have been collected for recycling”.
“I recycle and I have seen the state of the facilities and the faces of the bins around the town, they are filthy and covered with beer, wine and other liquids from containers that are placed in the bins. I have spoken with people who use the facilities and many people feel strongly about the issue and want to see the facilities kept cleaner and to have the bins emptied more often”.
“It is my aim to help in encouraging and promoting recycling and if the facilities in the town were more well kept I honestly believe that more people would recycle”.
The facilities in Drogheda have been abused by some people in recent years who have begun dropping off materials in front of the bins that cannot be collected at the sites on the North of the Boyne. These materials include bags of household rubbish.
“I am calling on the council to clean up the facilities in the town, this would not cost a great deal of money from any council budget but would help people who are making an effort to what they can to help the environment. I think that a facelift will go a long way to encourage people to visit these sites and use them more”.
In fact, the prevention of overfilling of bins and perhaps the introduction of extra bins would be one of the welcome by-products of Mr. Callans call.
Kevin is not only calling for the current facilities to be given a clean, he is also proposing a bold new initiative for the local area. The Fine Gael Representative is calling for moveable recycling collection areas that would visit certain estates at certain times of the month that would allow people to recycle on their own doorsteps.
“A lot of elderly people recycle and this would be a great help to them in their efforts. I am calling on Drogheda Borough Council to approve the concept”.
“At the minute when you mention recycling facilities in Drogheda you automatically think of overflowing bins relegated to obscure corners of local car parks. I want that to change and I think that Drogheda needs a pilot scheme that is more accessible, and which provides high-profile recycling facilities that promise to have more capacity and to be cleaner”. If the experiment of mobile facilities to local estates and the cleaning of the current facilities was undertaken by the Council, we will see an increase recycling rates, and then we can have more facilities introduced elsewhere in the county.
According to Mr. Callan, Mobile Recycling Units could be used to collect card and paper, glass jars and bottles, plastic bottles, and food and drinks cans and cartons. "I look forward to working to encourage an increase in the amounts of materials recycled in Drogheda and I am calling on the Borough Council to do all that it possibly can to improve the facilities currently available to the people of the town”.
Ends
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
After they have given years of service to the people of Drogheda, Kevin Callan is calling on Drogheda Borough Council to undertake a facelift of waste recycling facilities on the Northside of the Boyne. Mr. Callan has highlighted the issue in relation to the sites located at Palace Street, Mell, Bolton Square and on the North Road. The facilities allow for members of the public from Drogheda and the surrounding areas to drop off materials that can be recycled.
Mr. Callans recommendation as West Gate Fine Gael Representative has been sent to the Borough Council. He is calling for the bins in place at the minute to be cleaned and disinfected and that more of an effort should be made by the council to ensure that the facilities are kept clear and are not allowed to overfill.
“People of the town go to great lengths to gather up materials that can be recycled and use the facilities where countless tonnes of materials have been collected for recycling”.
“I recycle and I have seen the state of the facilities and the faces of the bins around the town, they are filthy and covered with beer, wine and other liquids from containers that are placed in the bins. I have spoken with people who use the facilities and many people feel strongly about the issue and want to see the facilities kept cleaner and to have the bins emptied more often”.
“It is my aim to help in encouraging and promoting recycling and if the facilities in the town were more well kept I honestly believe that more people would recycle”.
The facilities in Drogheda have been abused by some people in recent years who have begun dropping off materials in front of the bins that cannot be collected at the sites on the North of the Boyne. These materials include bags of household rubbish.
“I am calling on the council to clean up the facilities in the town, this would not cost a great deal of money from any council budget but would help people who are making an effort to what they can to help the environment. I think that a facelift will go a long way to encourage people to visit these sites and use them more”.
In fact, the prevention of overfilling of bins and perhaps the introduction of extra bins would be one of the welcome by-products of Mr. Callans call.
Kevin is not only calling for the current facilities to be given a clean, he is also proposing a bold new initiative for the local area. The Fine Gael Representative is calling for moveable recycling collection areas that would visit certain estates at certain times of the month that would allow people to recycle on their own doorsteps.
“A lot of elderly people recycle and this would be a great help to them in their efforts. I am calling on Drogheda Borough Council to approve the concept”.
“At the minute when you mention recycling facilities in Drogheda you automatically think of overflowing bins relegated to obscure corners of local car parks. I want that to change and I think that Drogheda needs a pilot scheme that is more accessible, and which provides high-profile recycling facilities that promise to have more capacity and to be cleaner”. If the experiment of mobile facilities to local estates and the cleaning of the current facilities was undertaken by the Council, we will see an increase recycling rates, and then we can have more facilities introduced elsewhere in the county.
According to Mr. Callan, Mobile Recycling Units could be used to collect card and paper, glass jars and bottles, plastic bottles, and food and drinks cans and cartons. "I look forward to working to encourage an increase in the amounts of materials recycled in Drogheda and I am calling on the Borough Council to do all that it possibly can to improve the facilities currently available to the people of the town”.
Ends
Contact Kevin Directly on: 087 777 6648
40% School Transport Charge Hikes Unlikely To Be Reversed - Kevin Callan
40% School Transport Charge Hikes Unlikely To Be Reversed - Callan
Will charges increase for local students again after Easter?
West Gate Fine Gael Representative, Kevin Callan has said that the hike in school transport charges is unlikely to be reversed despite some evidence that they are causing hardship. Information obtained by Mr. Callan shows that school transport charges increased from 33Euro to 46Euro per term for local students in the junior cycle and from 51Euro to 71Euro per term for students in the senior cycle.
“That school charges have been hiked by 40% highlights just how little regard there is for the financial strain such a massive increase will put on families in Drogheda”. “Obviously, with increases in the cost of providing school transport and charges being held constant over a period of time, there may very well be a need to increase charges. However, I would like to know how Minster Mary Hanafin can justify such a massive increase in one go”.
“The Education Department says that revised charges will be introduced at Easter to 'reflect increases in the cost of providing school transport'. Does this mean that further increases are on the way”. The Minister must not only specify why the 40% hike was brought in but also whether further rises are on the way.
“It seems clear that there is no intention of reversing this enormous increase and that further hikes may be on the way. It is to the detriment of families that his is the case”.
Ends
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