Fine Gael – Big on Gimmicks, Short on Action says Fianna Fáil Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn

The appointment of 15 Ministers of States by Taoiseach Enda Kenny is a slap in the face to the many people who voted Fine Gael and Labour thinking that they would bring about a new type of politics in Ireland’, said Fianna Fáil Cllr. Kenneth N. O'Flynn
Responding to the announcement that 9 Fine Gael TD’s and 6 Labour TD’s would assume Ministerial responsibility for various areas, Cllr. O’Flynn said:

“Fine Gael introduced a bill not that long ago into the Oireachtas attempting to reduce the number of Ministers of State to 12 instead of the then 15.”

“Now as soon as they have power, they reverse their position in a cynical attempt to give a job to as many people in their bloated parliamentary parties as possible’
‘The people voted for change on the 25th February. My party will play a constructive role in opposition but issues such as the hiporacy of Fine Gael and Labour must be highlighted – The people deserve honest. What other policy positions will Fine Gael and Labour reverse in the weeks and months ahead’ concluded Cllr. O’Flynn

Barrel of oil will reach $200 by the end of 2011

Cllr. Kenneth O'Flynn has called on the incoming government to take speedy action to reduce the duty on petrol, it is estimated by international economists including those at The Goldman Sachs Group, that the price of a barrel of oil will reach $200 by the end of 2011 and that petrol will be as high as €1.50 per litre.

Speaking to journalists, O’Flynn said that with the ever rising cost in fuel, logistic companies, travelling salespersons and people living in the commuter belt are; “going to be crucified by the cost of fuelling their vehicles which is not just detrimental to business in this country but also to families who are already suffering cuts in social welfare and elsewhere.”

Continuing the Northside Councillor said; “for the average family car doing 12,000 miles a year, a difference of 5c a litre would amount to €7.50 a month, or €90 a year.”

O’Flynn said he believes that the government, while they are intent on cosy sound bites in relation to the minimum wage and reducing the travel tax, it would be more beneficial if they would tackle the carbon tax, which he says has crippled business in Ireland and contributed to the rising cost of fuel.

Cllr. O’Flynn said that; "Every element of additional cost placed on working people means their buying power, their ability to support other initiatives, fades even more" and added that in the current climate the Carbon Tax has no policy justification.

The move by O’Flynn comes as hauliers threaten to stage a major blockade across the entire country if the new government does not address the price of fuel. Something that the Councillor says will be detrimental to the country if it occurs and that the incoming Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, needs to meet with representatives of the logistic industry in Ireland to see first hand how the rising fuel costs are affecting them adversely.

free parking And Rates new business wishing to set up in the City.

CITY councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council calling for two hours of free parking to be introduced on North Main Street and Paul Street car parks every Saturday between 9am and 11am.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “City Council must give business the lead with ideas like this which not only benefit the consumer, but also allow people the freedom and ease to come into town, park their car for free for a period of time and not have to worry about cost or the clampers.”

Cllr O’Flynn believes his motion would not just benefit the local economy but inspire retailers to take further initiative to boost their own business in a way that is cost effective and fair to consumers.

Having met with leading members of the Cork business community in the past number of months, Cllr O’Flynn has found that Saturday trading in the city is at an all time low.

“With centres like Mahon point, Blackpool, Douglas and Wilton Shopping Centre with free parking all day the incentive is for consumers to go to these destinations and shop at their leisure. If we in the city can allow them the two free hours parking, we give them a greater incentive to return to the city centre and not to worry about having to pay high car park fees.”

Cllr O’Flynn stated his belief that in particular this would be a huge boost to the faltering Saturday trade in the city.
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COUNCILLOR Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council calling on the Council to introduced staggered rates new business wishing to set up in the City.

Cllr O’Flynn said; “As part of my motion I called for the Council to introduce staggered rates whereby in the first year the person setting up the business would not have to pay rates, in the second year they would only pay half rates and in the final year quarter rates.”

Councillor O’Flynn stated that he believes such a plan will allow entrepreneurs a foothold in the City to establish their business and he believes that they would thrive over the three years, without being burdened by full rates.

Councillor O’Flynn stated that City Council should concern itself more with encouraging the establishment and growth of business in the City, rather then putting barriers in its way. He believes that motions such as this are steps towards encouraging growth and assisting business people to not just get their business started but to make them successful.

Reduced Commercial Rate

FIANNA Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the outcome of a meeting between Cork City Council officials led by City Manager Tim Lucey, local public representatives and members of the Blackpool Community, which took place on Tuesday 30 November.

Following the meeting Cllr O’Flynn said that he has placed a motion before the Council, in which he called for a reduced commercial rate to be introduced in the Blackpool Village.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “This is a proactive approach to combating and tackling dereliction in the Blackpool area and attracting new business into the idea.”

Cllr O’Flynn also thanked the manager for showing an interest in the project and for his firm and proactive approach to tackling dereliction. Cllr O’Flynn also praised residents for their continued commitment to the regeneration of Blackpool.

Dr Hearne Park,

FIANNA Fáil city councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the beginning of work by Cork City Council in Dr Hearne Park, which is located at the rear of Shandon Court Hotel. The work will see the former graveyard transformed into a public park with seating and playground facilities.

At present new fencing and security cameras have been erected by Cork City Council in the first step in the transformation of the graveyard into a People’s Remembrance Park. Further work is set to incorporate a children’s playground and seating area.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “I think that projects like this which have taken place in the Glen, as well as Shandon in St. Anne’s Park, show City Council’s determination to provide amenity areas to those disadvantaged areas of our city and allow them green recreation areas to enjoy.

“I hope that the park here in Shandon as well as its counterparts elsewhere on the north side can be locomotives which drive projects like this elsewhere in the city”

Stronger line needed against dog fouling

THE Chairman of Cork City Council’s Environment Committee, Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn has called on the Director of Environment and the Director of Services for Recreation and Amenity, to come together and take a vigorous approach to tackling dog fouling in the City.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “It is time for City Council to spearhead a proactive campaign to make people aware that dog fouling is a real problem in the city and one which needs to be tackled.

“Firstly, it is a health risk. Roundworm eggs in dog faeces can cause blindness, epilepsy, asthma and eye infections. The worm eggs can survive in the soil even after it’s rained, so children playing on grass are much more at risk. The bacteria can cause sickness and diarrhoea. It’s socially unacceptable. As well as this it spoils the environment around people’s homes.

“In the last three years there have only been two prosecutions in relation to dog fouling. This is unacceptable. People need to realise that this is a crime and one that will no longer be taken lightly and prosecutions will have to be made and fines delivered.”

Cllr O’Flynn said he hopes that any scheme embarked on will include the schools in the city and extend awareness of the health risk posed by dog fouling.

“This will highlight the seriousness of this issue and result in the Council and public taking action against dog fouling,” he said.

Council Project Team Welcomed

FIANNA Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the decision by Cork City Council that a project team be established to fund public amenity projects such as a public bike scheme.

The idea of a public bike scheme was one that Cllr O’Flynn brought to the attention of the council last year and he is enthusiastic that the council is now responding positively to the idea.

“Bicycle sharing is increasingly popular in other cities including Dublin. Under the scheme a number of bicycles would be made available for shared use by individuals who do not own the bicycles.

“This scheme removes the difficulties of daily cycling use, such as home parking, theft and maintenance of your private bicycle.”

Councillor O’Flynn said that a team comprising of representatives from the Roads Directorate as well as the Planning Directorate is now being assembled and the team will meet with the service providers in the coming months with a view to bringing a report before the members of the council at the end of March 2011.

Monument should be erected in Shandon to Annie Moore

FIANNA Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council asking that a monument be erected in Shandon to Annie Moore, who left her home in Rowland’s Lane Shandon for New York in 1892.

Annie Moore gained great fame as the first immigrant to pass through the Ellis Island facility in New York.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “While there is a plaque mentioning she lived in Rowland’s Lane, I feel that a suitable monument should be erected as it would be fitting to a person who is held in very high stead amongst Americans, who themselves went to great trouble to locate her grave in 2006 and in 2008, a dedication ceremony was held at which a marker for her grave, a Celtic Cross made of Irish Blue Limestone was unveiled.

“Annie Moore is just as important to Irish-America as JFK, The Irish American Cultural Institute presents an annual Annie Moore Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Irish and/or Irish American community and legacy.

“As well as this tribute a statue of Annie Moore exists in Ellis Island looking across the Atlantic Ocean, back to Ireland where she left from Cobh, the town which hosts a statue of her and her two brothers embarking on their journey to the New World.” O’Flynn said, “It is now time that something equally as prevalent as the monuments in Cobh and New York be erected to Annie Moore in Shandon.

“Not only would this be a great addition to the Annie Moore legacy it would further show the important role that Shandon has to play as Cork City’s premier tourist destination.”