Eddie Mulligan 2017 A Year in Review - Sample press releases, press statements, audio links for radio interviews and website links
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Cllr
Eddie Mulligan “
FF, Waterford
“ 2017 A Y e a r i n R e v i e w
Sample press releases, press statements, audio links for radio interviews and website links
2
Content
4 Waterford City - Respecting the Tricolour for 170 years!
5 24/7 National Cardio Review mustn’t become a dead weight for Waterford.
6 Show, Name and Shame” those illegal dumping!
6 Waterford is fighting fit for future storms!
8 “Irresponsible and increasing teenage anti social behaviour must be tackled,
NOW!”
9 “Teenage anti-social behaviour is out of parental control!”
10 The 78th Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.
11 Housing – “A ticking time bomb!”
12 Government’s investment plan “needs to be probed”.
13 North Quays – A Game Changer.
13 Community Office closures is unacceptable.
14 Cllr Mulligan reacts angrily to Halligan interview.
15 Cllrs Mulligan and Griffin demand 24/7 timelines!
16 Waterford needs Immediate Public Transport Investment & Travel Incentives!!!
16 Cut the waffle, kick start our City’s future!
18 Press notes from Metropolitan Council Meeting.
19 The National Day of Commemoration, Sunday 9th July 2017.
19 “Council must implement policy that stimulates the local economy as opposed to
stifling it!”
21 Open letter to Minister Flanagan and Commissioner O’Sullivan.
23 2016 Census continues to confirm damning Waterford figures!
24 Professional and fraudulent begging needs to be eradicated.
25 Escalating car insurance cost must stop.
26 Eddie Mulligan (WBG) attends the launch of the “Framework for Town Centre
Renewal”, on Tuesday 25th April, Sligo.
27 The North Quays development will NOT happen without €50,000,000+s from
Government!
28 17% LESS Gardaí in Waterford than the national average!!!
29 Councillor Eddie Mulligan blasts Minister Coveney in a reply to a letter he
received from him on the Boundary issue?
30 Cllr Eddie Mulligan shocked at Minister’s lack of knowledge on Garda distribution
numbers, after PQs.
31 Waterford Business Group represents Waterford Purple Flag at Belfast
Conference.
32 Boundary report comment by Cllr Eddie Mulligan
34 Cllr Mulligan calls on the people and businesses of Waterford to have their say!!!
35 Cllr Mulligan comments on €1,400,000 Festivals Budget allocation.
36 “It is time to end our underfunding!” Cllr Eddie Mulligan
38 Live links to additional website information
39 Live links to sample WLR FM radio interviews
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Waterford City - Respecting the Tricolour
for 170 years!
On Wednesday 7th March 2018, we can celebrate the 170th Anniversary of the first raising of
our National Flag. The Tricolour was first flown here in Waterford City, at 33 The Mall, by Thomas
Francis Meagher. He would go on to become a hero of the American Civil War and acting
Governor of the Montana Territory.
Councillor Eddie Mulligan, Fianna Fail, is one of the founding members of the 1848 Tricolour
Committee, who annual organise a flag raising commemoration, every March, on The Mall in the
City. He strongly believes that businesses, civic buildings, public buildings, schools, third level
education establishments and the citizens of Waterford who fly the Tricolour, should personally
take ownership of the protocol associated with the Flag.
As the home of the Tricolour, Cllr Mulligan also played a significant role in the re-naming of the
new River Suir crossing to the “Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge”. He is currently working on a
project to have the TFM bridge illuminated, in the “Green, White and Orange” of the flag, during
this 170th anniversary year. According to Cllr Mulligan, “We, that is Waterford, should be setting
the standards for the rest of Ireland to follow! Waterford must set the benchmark. With every
other city, town, village and hamlet looking to our City, to see the correct values applied to flying
our National Flag.”
“In 2018, marking the year of the 170th Anniversary, Waterford, the birthplace of Thomas Francis
Meagher and home of the Tricolour, should take the lead. Ensuring that we extend the respect our
National Flag deserves. The whole county should be following these guidelines, at every location
where a Tricolour is flown. Let’s show the rest of the Country how it’s done!
In 1937, Bunreacht na hEireann, the Constitution of Ireland was enacted with Article 7, formally
recognising our Nation’s Flag as the Tricolour, unfurled by Meagher at 33 The Mall Waterford, as
Green, White and Orange. It should also be recognised that Waterford man John Hearne, from
Lombard Street, was the architect and drafter of The Constitution!
As a part of the 1916 State Centenary Commemoration Celebrations, an updated protocol on
the respect to be accorded to the Tricolour was published by the Department of the Taoiseach.
These protocols have been adapted by a unanimous resolution of the Seanad, on the eve of the
165th Anniversary of the first flying of the Tricolour, in the presence of the Great Great Grandson
of Thomas F Meagher. It was the first time that either House of the Oireachtas formally adopted
protocols for the Flag.”
Although the protocols have no statutory basis, observance of the guidelines is a matter for every
individual. Cllr Mulligan worked closely with Senator Mark Daly (FF), formulating the drafting of
the protocol. In the discussions, the basis for permitting the National Flag to be flown by night,
once illuminated, and by day, was justified by the fact that the Irish Naval Service fly the Tricolour
twenty-four hours a day, whilst on patrol at sea.
Councillor Mulligan has compiled a handout, detailing a summary of the protocols. He is asking
every organisation and location flying the National Flag, to comply with the guidelines.
“Let’s give our National Flag the respect and reverence it deserves. Let Waterford be the leading
example on how the Tricolour should be valued nationally, throughout the country. I will be
dropping copies of the protocol summary into establishments where I see the Tricolour flying. If I
miss you, then I would urge anyone who would like a copy of the guidelines to contact me directly
and I will email a soft copy or post out a printed copy to you.”
Councillor Mulligan can be contacted through City Hall, via email at
cllrmulligan@waterfordcouncil.ie or through his website at www.eddiemulligan.com
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24/7 National Cardio Review mustn’t become a dead
weight for Waterford
Councillor Eddie Mulligan, Fianna Fail, is sickened that Waterford’s Government representatives,
Minister Halligan and Deputy Deasy, have accepted Minister Simon Harris’s timelines. In relation to
last week’s announcement of the National review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
According to Cllr Mulligan, “Minister Harris appears to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth.
He has stated in the same press release that “He is committed to ensuring that all Irish citizens
have access to safe, high quality and evidence based care, which is in line with international
norms”. To me he is achieving this by kicking OUR can down the road. He almost certainly hopes
that the region’s 24/7 cardio care will become part of the next Programme for Government. He is
quietly clearly prepared to make decisions at detriment to the lives of the people living here, in the
South East.
Sadly, we are the only region in Ireland, which is dependent on life saving out of hours emergency
cardio intervention, outside the actual region! This is NOT international best practice or the norm.
There is a stockpile of well documented evidence, that life threatening and multiple fatal events,
demonstrate the obligation for 24/7 emergency cardio care, based here in Waterford, servicing
the greater South East. The reality is that we do not need a National report to overrule the flawed
and heavily inconsistent Herity Report.”
Whilst Cllr Mulligan welcomed the news, received from his colleague Cllr Jason Murphy that
the Regional Health Forum, confirming UHW Cath Lab hours will be extended by 20%, with an
additional €1M funding. He believes that the delivery of 24/7 cardio care is a fundamental right for
the people.
“Unfortunately, I do think that this National Review is the only documented evidence that will
overrule the Herity Report, in the mind of Minister Harris and his departmental colleagues.
The now infamous Herity Report took nine weeks to complete. Yet we now have a National Review
with NO confirmed start date, NO interim report dates and a moving finish line, of twelve to
eighteen months! It just beggars belief that these timelines can be accepted.
I welcome Professor Nolan’s appointment. However, I feel it is disproportionate that only two of
the fifteen other members of the Steering Committee are patients. There should be, at minimal,
a patient from every region across the South East. Waterford should be providing both a patient
and a clinician, as they can contribute to the process with their unique experiences.”
Summing up, Councillor Mulligan states that a start date needs to be confirmed without delay,
given the wide reporting deadlines. Defined interim updates are absolutely necessary within
context of the National provisions and deficiencies identified therein. He is also adamant that
clinician representation and unique patient experiences, from UHW, should have been a non-
negotiable condition, secured by our Government Minister and TD.
5
“Show, Name and Shame” those illegal dumping!
Waterford City Councillors, Jason Murphy and Eddie Mulligan, both of Fianna Fail, have been
working together to tackle an escalation in illegal dumping, which is now blighting the whole City.
Following their continued representations, to Council, on this matter, a number of overt and
covert cameras have now been installed, to monitor known illegal dumping sites/areas. The two
Councillors would also like to compliment the full cross-party support, on this horrible, mindless
action, which affects the presentation of the urban environment. At the most recent Metropolitan
Council meeting and speaking on behalf of the both of the Fianna Fail Councillors. Eddie Mulligan
complimented the Council’s Environmental department on their recent installation of the mobile
cameras in response to a number of submissions.
Cllr Murphy stated “...that according to the most recent Managers Report only 51% of „On the Spot’
Litter fines were paid this year, to date and that this is unacceptable and is a reflection that the risk
of a fine, as a deterrent, is not working!”
Councillor Mulligan added “...that the top category of environmental complaint received, in
Council, is illegal dumping and the culprits escaping punishment, must be deterred and stopped!”
During the meeting, Cllr Mulligan, supported by Councillor Murphy, requested that the Council
consider a “Show, Name and Shame” campaign, from still shots from the newly installed CCTV
cameras.
Cllr Mulligan outlined how this approach has worked very successfully with Dublin Council. An
example of which would be in the North inner City. CCTV has been used to obtain high resolution
still photographs, which are then incorporated into a poster campaign to successfully combat
illegal dumping, in the Five Lamps area of the City. “There should be a name and shame
campaign running in parallel, to name those who are fined, whether they pay the penalty or not!”
according to Cllr Mulligan.
In response to the Councillors, Waterford Council stated that they would review the Dublin
campaign and check if it can be carried out within the confines of the law, in relation to current
data protection legislation. Both FF Councillors complimented the good civic pride of the vast
majority of Waterford’s citizens. The never ending anti-litter work of Waterford Council, businesses
and in particular the fantastic work, of the likes of the Tidy Town volunteers, throughout the
County year in year out.
“The thoughtlessness of the appalling, grubby, filthy habit of people persisting in illegal dumping
must be tackled by new innovative means!” states Cllr Mulligan.
Waterford is fighting fit for future storms!
On Wednesday and Thursday last, you may have noticed heavy military vehicles and troops out
and about in the City, Tramore and the Portlaw areas. This was all about ensuring Waterford is
suitably prepared for extreme weather conditions, with the future support of the Army.
The Irish Defence Forces Major Emergency Management Regional Working Group Brief for the
South East Region, took place earlier this month in Kilkenny. On Wednesday 29th November, the
second phase of this exercise, code named “Bi Ullamh”, started and took place across Waterford
City and County. The two day exercise saw a simulated scenario, based around an extended
period of heavy rain, combined with severe/extreme astronomical tides causing heavy localised
flooding, along the River Suir and throughout our outlying coastal areas.
Waterford’s Cllr Eddie Mulligan, with his Defence Force background, acted act as local liaison,
in the preparation and during the lead up. The exercise began with a briefing for all supporting/
collaborating agencies, which included Waterford Council, An Garda Síochána, Waterford City Civil
Defence, National Ambulance Service (NAS), ESB Networks, Waterford City Fire Service and The
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Irish Coastguard. In addition, Councillors Jim Griffin, Blaise Hannigan and Declan Clune attended.
The briefing and exercises were conducted in preparation for Winter 2017/2018 and highlighted
the personnel, capabilities, equipment and vehicles the Defence Forces have at their disposal to
other agencies. The exercises were conducted by the 3rd Infantry Battalion, from James Stephens’
Barracks Kilkenny and consisted of 31 troops or one platoon.
The briefs and presentations were conducted by the Officer Commanding the 3rd Infantry
Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Brownen, Second Lieutenant Patrick Tobin from the Battalion’s
Operations Cell, and by Corporal Derek McNamara from the 1st Southern Brigade Engineer Group
to the agencies present. The briefs were on the operations the Defence Forces have previously
conducted in response to recent extreme weather such as the flooding in Donegal in August and
during Storm Ophelia, in October. The briefs also explained how the Defence Forces can support
local agencies in their response to situations such as flooding, ice, snow or heavy winds. This was
followed by an outdoor demonstration of the equipment and vehicles available to the Defence
Forces.
Return briefs on collaborative agency abilities were given by Mr Fergus Galvin, Director of Services
Roads, Water and Environment and Gabriel Hoynes, Senior Roads Engineer both from Waterford
Council. Inspector Murt Whelan, Waterford Gardai, Paul Nolan, Waterford Civil Defence Officer, Mr
Brendan Groves Officer National Ambulance Service and Jim Griffin Irish Coastguard.
After the briefs, troops began a number of serials as part of the exercise to test their response
to requests from the civilian agencies. These scenarios were based upon operations previously
conducted by the unit including rescuing isolated members of the public, pumping water,
deploying sandbags and movement of HSE personnel through impassable areas. The platoon
worked into the night to respond to these simulated scenarios and create a plan on how the
support to the agencies requesting would be delivered. The exercise concluded Thursday, with
troops returning to Kilkenny Army Barracks.
A significant number of local military personnel, from across Waterford were participating in “Bi
Ullamh”, including A/Sea John Collins, Privates Luke Whitmore, Jim Murray, Barry O’Gorman, Dean
Whelan, Declan Faulkner and Corporals James Moriarty and John Whelan. Upon conclusion of the
briefings, Cllr Mulligan, on behalf of all councillors present, thanked all who assisted and worked
collaboratively, to ensure everything ran smoothly for the two days. In return, Cllr Mulligan was
acknowledged by “Bi Ullamh” exercise Commander, Colonel Mark Brownen, for assisting in the
preparation and coordinating to ensure Waterford was best prepared to facilitate the Exercise.
7
“Irresponsible and increasing teenage anti social
behaviour must be tackled, NOW!”
From the date of his election, as a Councillor, three and a half years ago, Eddie Mulligan states,
“Unfortunately, since my election I continue to see and witness a growing number of incidents,
in relation to teenage Anti Social Behaviour (ASB), which is inexcusable and intolerable for a
developed society.”
Cllr Mulligan has himself previously commented on several incidents, which have personally
affected him and his family. Despite these occurrences being widely covered in the media, he
tells us that he continues to get individual representations from vulnerable inner city residents,
businesses and constituents. With by far the largest volume in relation to anti social behaviour,
which he regrettably feels seems to have become more acceptant and tolerated by society, in
general.
“The types of ASB incidents reported to me are of very large groups, of 30 to 60 threatening
teenagers, gathering in the City Centre, late in the evening. Not only are these gatherings causing
a nuisance, to the City’s food outlets. A significant number of individuals are verbally abusing
passersby. Kicking footballs and throwing objects at members of the public. They are even
engaging in fighting and I have no doubt that these are pre-arranged fights! In addition, there are
incidents of smoking, underage alcohol consumption and illegal drug taking.
I have passed these groups myself, with my family. We to have felt very intimidated. As they
openly insult each other and fight amongst themselves. The air is thick with vile language and
nasty vocabulary, which is not suitable for younger children to observe. I have also witnessed the
Gardaí react, when called and disperse these youths, sometimes with great difficulty.
I unequivocally believe that parents must shoulder the responsibility of knowing exactly where
their teenagers are. Who they are with and the type of behaviour that they are engaging in.
Parents must be observant of the state of mind of their teenagers when they return home!”
According to Cllr Mulligan, the absence of sufficient Council Community Workers, on the ground,
due to new staffing arrangements, means that local government is failing in being the focal point
for solutions. Solutions that would ensure teenagers are meaningfully engaged in a modern day
society. He has reportedly raised these issues at Council and at the Joint Policing Committee
(JPC). With the finger being pointed at the Gardaí, as the solution for ASB on the private estates
and in the City Centre.
“The Gardaí are not the solution for engaging with and stopping the ASB by the youth of
Waterford,” states Mulligan. “Yes, they are part of the solution. However, there is a collaborative
community responsibility and it must be realised by all! We really need to engage with these
teenagers as a society. Listen to them and work jointly to uncover solutions that will see the ASB
reduce, through meaningful organised activities!” During recent discussions and consultations for
the preparation of the new Joint Policing Committee Strategy. Cllr Mulligan has requested that the
plan include a collaborative approach to engaging with children and young people, with a view to
tackling the escalating ASB issues.
He states that we need immediate, medium and long term solutions to engaging with teenagers.
Parents, Gardaí, the Local Government, Tusla, as well as organisations such as Foroige and
Barnardos all need to come on board as stakeholders to find suitable outcomes.
Cllr Mulligan has stated that at next JPC, he will be requesting that teenage ASB be made
the priority. With the JPC taking a lead role and the responsibility, to initiate a solution lead,
collaborative stakeholder plan. Finally Cllr Mulligan says, “We need to be protective of our
children. Be aware of the risks that they are exposed to as teenagers. More importantly we must
engage with them and their lives, to identify what we need to do as a society, to deliver life
equality for our teenagers.”
8
“Teenage anti-social behaviour is out of parental
control!”
“Where are your teenagers? Do they know the dangers of fireworks and firecrackers?” asks Cllr
Eddie Mulligan, after reporting two extremely dangerous incidents. One in a packed John Robert’s
Square, on the evening of Saturday 28th October and another on Tuesday 31st October, in the
Ballinakill/Dunmore Road area of the City.
Cllr Mulligan has reported that whilst walking, with his eight year old daughter, through John
Roberts Square, towards The Book Centre and passing the coffee Kiosk. A significant number of
loitering teenagers, in a large group, deliberately set off a firecracker or firework very close to him.
He also witnessed, at a similar time on Friday evening (27th October), that Gardaí had to be called
to disperse large numbers of teenagers also engaging in anti-social behaviour.
According to Cllr Mulligan the lit firework, this was set off behind him, shot across the ground, just
missing a family group of shoppers. Spinning wildly and sparking profusely, missing Cllr Mulligan’s
daughter’s leg by less than a foot, before extinguishing with a loud bang in the proximity of some
elderly members of the public, approximately 20 yards away. Cllr Mulligan’s daughter was so upset
that she immediately started to cry and was quite clearly in shock. As were a number of other
young children who were also in the vicinity.
“I was horrified with what had just happen,” said Cllr Mulligan, “I tried to speak to the teenagers
on the dangers of playing with fireworks. The danger these posed not only to themselves, but
to other members of the public, both young and old. Whilst in the process of engaging with the
group, they moved to another area of the square, where yet more teenagers were hanging out.
They almost immediately set off another TWO fireworks, with members of the public having to
take cover in shops, hide behind street corners and some mobile trading units!
It was very clear that none of the teenagers, in the company of the individuals who threw the
three fireworks, had any interest in persuading or coaxing the culprits to stop these wanton acts.
No matter what context you frame this, it is unacceptable behaviour in our City Centre and I have
pressurised the Gardaí for action to ensure the safety of Waterford’s citizens!” Whilst Cllr Mulligan
contacted the Gardaí, he did state that, “The last thing we want is teenagers having to be arrested
for these potential life maiming/threatening incidents!”
Cllr Mulligan continued, “The responsibility cannot rest only with Gardaí and we as parents must
know what OUR teenagers are up to. We need to ensure that ALL members of the public are
educated in the dangers fireworks pose, if used incorrectly! To mitigate possible horrific injuries
parents must be supported to ensuring this dangerous behaviour is eradicated immediately!
Further to my contact with the Gardaí and through a subsequent social media post and
confidential contact from members of the public. I am aware that a police operation was directly
put in place, to target one of the sources allowing teenagers to purchase illegal fireworks.”
Cllr Mulligan is also reporting that on Tuesday 31st October he was contacted by a significant
number of residents, informing him of a number of serious teenage related incidents, in the
Ballinakill area of Waterford. The incidents were once again relayed to the Gardaí, when a large
crowd of around 80-100 youths were participating in underage public consumption of alcohol,
egging of houses, open urination on private property, fighting, vandalising a car, throwing
fireworks directly at businesses and homes.
“This foolish, dangerous anti-social behaviour has to be reported and both individuals, as well
as parents, warned over future conduct. On Tuesday night there was also a reported use of
an imitation fire arm, being brandished by teenagers near and within the Londis Shop, in the
Ballinakill Centre. Gardaí have to be complimented, that whilst multiple incidents, on one of the
busiest days of the years, they reacted to an escalating situation with numbers. Thus preventing
further problems and they, I am assured, will be following up and investigating all reported
incidents.
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Yobbish, mod anti-social behaviour and violence cannot be tolerated and has to be prevented. Our
Gardaí have to have the resources to tackle these issues instantaneously and without delay, but it
is impossible to have Gardaí everywhere. Parental support is needed and parents of the teenagers
involved must take responsibility in knowing the whereabouts of their children and what they are
up to. Otherwise the perpetrators will be able to get away scot-free and assume that they can re-
enact their brainless behaviour.
Going forward, it is clear that we need resources to educate teenagers on the dangers of fireworks
through a schools programme, involving our local Gardaí, the Boards of Management and parents.
I have already been in touch with senior Gardai about the implementation of such a programme.
We must educate our teenagers on the exact process if you happen to be in a situation where you
can be arrested and possibly prosecuted. If Gardaí intervene and pursue you for criminal anti-
social behaviour, your future aspirations in life could well be limited. We do need our teenagers to
THINK, before acting in a socially irresponsible way.”
The 78th Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis
I was delighted to be able to attend the 2017 Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis. There was a strong delegation
and representation from across Waterford City and County, which was great to see.
The Ard Fheis took place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th October in Dublin’s RDS. I had the
opportunity to push Waterford’s agenda with many of the leading FF politicians. There can be no
doubt that Waterford is beginning to shout just that little bit louder and I will continue to work for
and on behalf of the people who elected me.
Here is a flavour of the weekend. Deputy Calleary commented, “This is the first Ard Fheis since
the General Election in 2016 and is an important opportunity for the party to reflect on the
progress we have made since we last met.
More importantly, it’s an opportunity for our membership to discuss our strategy and the issues in
Irish society that we need to prioritise in the time ahead.
“Delegates and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in some very interesting debate.
For example, the Ard Fheis will open with a discussion on Bunreacht na hÉireann 80 years on, led
by former Attorney General Paul Gallagher.
“Across three venues in the RDS complex, more than thirty debates, discussions and presentations
will take place, on issues as diverse and important as climate change, the housing crisis, gender
stereotyping and Brexit.
With input from a range of experts and academics, and a large attendance of members from
across the country, it promises to be an extremely interesting few days”. General Secretary Seán
Dorgan commented, “We return to the RDS for what I hope will be a productive and enjoyable 78ú
Ard Fheis.
This is an important opportunity to thank our members for their work in the party’s renewal to
date and refocus for the time ahead. “We are pleased to welcome speakers from outside the
country to talk to us about learnings from the British General Election and the ongoing dynamics
in the UK arising from Brexit.
We also look forward to a special centenary celebration of the events of 1917. “This is also a voting
Ard Fheis, with tight contests for a number of Ard Chomhairle positions and we wish all of our
candidates the best of luck.
“We look forward to welcoming colleagues, delegates, observers and our friends in the media to
the RDS over the coming days.”
10Housing – “A ticking time bomb!”
This week Minister John Halligan TD confirmed approval of €5,620,000 of exchequer funding, for
the construction of 31 new local authority houses in Carrickphierish, Gracedieu. The houses are to
be built on a 2.93 hectare site, owned by Waterford City and County Council, at Gibbet Hill.
According to Cllr Mulligan, “The Minister has stated that a planning application for the new
development will be lodged shortly. Surely, it is time for this Government to focus on delivering the
social housing already approved! The current slow, lethargic progress is detrimental to EVERYONE
on the housing list. Also, bureaucracy is keeping people in emergency accommodation for
unjustifiably long periods of time!
The stagnation of house building, in Waterford, is a direct result of this Government’s politicians
not keeping in touch with their local Councillors. Put simply, they prefer not to grasp the
unforgivable delays that we are experiencing on the ground. It’s time for Minister Halligan and
Deputy Deasy to check in with their Independent and Fine Gael Councillors respectfully, and start
addressing the burdensome delays the people of Waterford are currently suffering.”
Cllr Mulligan sights one example of the housing build delays being experienced. The 60 city social
houses approved in the 2016 Housing Needs Assessment. Cllr Mulligan states, “At the time of
approval, Waterford had 1,222 households qualified for social housing support in the City. On the
21st July 2016, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government announced
that the Slievekeale site was approved, as a part of 470 new social houses, in a large scale Public
Private Partnership programme.
In March this year, Waterford’s 32 Councillors were informed that this development would be
advanced through planning by end of September 2017. At last week’s Council meeting, I was
informed that the scheme, through no fault of Waterford Council, is in fact STILL with the
Department, awaiting approval to advance the planning stage. Upon further questioning, I was
informed that the delays are because the scheme is a part of a six local authority PPP, with Cork
Council as the lead. It appears that it is other local authorities that are causing the delays in
Waterford, by not being ready to advance the scheme to the necessary planning stage.
What I have outlined is utterly intolerable! As at September 2017, county Waterford has seen an
11% increase in approved social housing applications. A massive 56% increase in citizens being
homed in homeless accommodation. Seven more people on waiting lists for emergency homeless
accommodation. Our figures are going backwards when you compare to the same period
last year. Despite the Minister’s announcement, the reality is that his definition of “a planning
application for the new development will be lodged shortly” has indefinable timelines. “Shortly” in
this case, will mean at least January 2019 at the earliest, based upon the Slievekeale example! The
Minister needs to use his power to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and fast track this much
needed additional social housing.
I can sight further examples. Such as five houses in Larchville, which Council were informed, in
October 2016 that a contractor was being appointed in November 2016. Over twelve months later
we are still being told that a tender is being prepared. In November 2016, we were informed that a
design team would be appointed in December 2016, for four houses in Doyle Street. Almost twelve
months later, we are now being told that the demolition tender for the standing houses is only just
going out to tender.
The unfathomable time delays being experienced through the current PPP social housing
schemes, approved in July 2016 are taking too long. This is against the backdrop of the Country”s
worst ever housing crisis on record. Our local Minister needs to intervene, in his own Waterford
constituency, to get the various social housing build projects started immediately.
Forget all the spin around the Minister”s publicity seeking announcements. People wish to see
active building, on the ground. Both Minister Halligan and Deputy Deasy have a responsibility to
ensure Government intervenes. We must cut out all the unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and
bullshit, in this time of an unprecedented national crisis!”
11Government’s investment plan “needs to be probed”
On Wednesday 27th September, the Government published a draft National Planning Framework
document, called Ireland 2040. This is hugely significant for the future of Waterford. The plan itself
is now open for consultation. Allowing members of the public, to have their say in how and where
Government’s money will be invested in the future.
The document has been in the works since 2014. A direct replacement for the National Spatial
Strategy, which was implemented by a previous Fianna Fail Government.
Fianna Fail Councillor Eddie Mulligan submitted a 4,000 word document, to the process, in March
2017. His submission contained 16 key recommendations for Waterford and the wider South East
region. “It is vital that our voices and our needs are being heard and recognised”, stated Cllr
Mulligan.
“This draft document is so important, as Government will be publishing Ireland 2040, alongside
a 10-year National Investment Plan. I was delighted to see many of my recommendations
incorporated in the draft plan, but am disappointed by some significant glaring omissions. The
vocabulary does not inspire confidence. For example, the wording of “An Institute of Technology
to form part of a Technological University”, gives absolutely no credible endorsement to the
necessity of a Technological University for the South East.”
Cllr Mulligan’s submission stated that the process of upgrading the merged WIT and Carlow IT
(CIT) to a Technological University, was well underway for some considerable time. However, there
was a sense of “Lethargy, political unwillingness and non-progress, which was unacceptable”.
“Waterford has traditionally been a workforce engaged in manufacturing and we now need to
see a greater encouragement, in the uptake of third level education, across the whole region.
Investment in a University of the South East will help to prevent the current brain-drain to other
regions. In addition it will help to reduce our above average, unemployment across the under 25
age group,” stated Cllr Mulligan.
Dissatisfaction was also expressed with the section dealing with health. This, according to
Mulligan, has “A very poor planning focus”. He goes on to say that the section dealing with the
Marine is “Minimalistic” in its detail.
“This document, conveniently, forgets to mention anything about Waterford Airport. There
is mention of the need for investment in airports, being vital to remaining internationally
competitiveness. Yet there is no mention of where specific investment into Waterford Airport will
be forthcoming. It does mention investment for access routes to the airports of Dublin, Cork and
Limerick, as well as considerable sustainable growth to Galway.
There are some specific, optimistic mentions for Waterford. A very clear commitment to deliver
the North Quays SDZ. Including the provision of a pedestrian/public transport bridge across the
River Suir. There is however, no position with the planning for a possible second vehicular bridge in
the Tower Hotel vicinity.
I also note that there are references to; the provision of a citywide public transport and strategic
cycleway networks, enhanced regional connectivity, by road, to Cork and Limerick, progressing
sustainable development of Greenfield areas for housing and the support for better public
transport infrastructure. So, there are some glimmers of hope in the document, if you look hard
enough!
Though, I find it an insult to Waterford that one of our most recent enablers. The extension of the
Greenway from WIT to the City Centre, which has been funded to the tune of circa €18 million by
Council, has only received around €4 million, to date, directly from Government.”
Cllr Mulligan will be reviewing the whole document, in its entirety and will be making a further
submission, as the draft certainly, “Needs to be probed!”
12“I would urge everyone, in Waterford, to do the same. Even if that is just a one-liner,” concluded
Cllr Mulligan
North Quays – A Game Changer
Councillor Eddie Mulligan is very much looking forward to the North Quays Strategic Development
Zone Draft Planning Scheme Workshop tomorrow, Tuesday 26th September. Where the
Councillors will be presented with details of the new draft planning scheme, incorporating the
North Quays.
He is anxious that with such a high volume of critical mass parking, outlined for the site. In
addition to a rail and bus transport interchange hub. That his requests, at previous meetings,
for a new iconic pedestrian/public transport bridge across the River Suir are acceded to. The
success of the project will depend on the connectivity between the existing City Centre and new
development.
“This new interconnector is critical and fundamental to the future long term success of Waterford
City”, according to Cllr Mulligan.
Commenting, Cllr Mulligan stated, “It is vital that we ensure and encourage, free movement of
people to the oldest City in Ireland. Maximum possible footfall must be delivered to protect the
businesses and community facilities, on the South side of the river. In relation to being a centre/
hub to locate “Financial Services and Information Communication Technology”, I would like to see
building heights being maintained to a similar level to the derelict buildings that were removed.”
Cllr Mulligan hopes that the Waterfront development will be centred on the huge natural asset
that is the River Suir. “I hope that the new design/layout will manage to utilise the full potential of
the riverfront. With due consideration being given to clever and appropriate use of the wide open
public spaces.”
However, Cllr Mulligan states that it is vital that the Government now address the administrational
and local governance issues that are fast arising. With a rapid shift in momentum, this
development must be a priority for Minister Halligan and Deputy Deasy. “They (Halligan and
Deasy) need to deliver the circa €60,000,000 capital infrastructure, needed to drive this vision
forward.”
“Our City’s boundary issues will not go away. The governance and administration of an expanded
City, to the North, must be addressed in line with our projected growth”, according to Cllr Mulligan.
Community Office closures is unacceptable
Cllr Eddie Mulligan described the closure as having a vital cog missing in the mechanism of the
local authority and said as a result the workload of local councils had increased extensively.
“Before they closed, as worked with the community offices in various issues, such as anti-social
behaviour or someone needing information about applying for a housing grant. The staff in the
community offices would pull the resources together and help resolve the problem. That has fallen
by the way side and now residents are coming straight to us (Councillors).
With the best will in the world we can’t help with everything. I am dealing with a multitude of
community issues that I was not elected to deal with.”
Cllr mulligan continued that there was a breakdown in the system, particularly when it came to
anti-social behaviour and teenagers. “We cannot be referring this issues to the Gardaí all of the
time. We need a community person, on the ground, to liaise between the public and the council.”
13Cllr Mulligan reacts angrily to Halligan interview
“On local radio recently, I listened to our local Governmental representative, Junior Minister John
Halligan TD. Prior to the very real possibility of him vacating his seat at cabinet, by not standing at
the next election or being overlooked at the next reshuffle. He must surely see that he has to raise
his game, using the leverage his position brings, to start delivering for Waterford. He promised to
do so, on many occasions, whilst campaigning for the last general election.
During the programme interview, he could not confirm or deny if he would be contesting the
next election, which he thinks may not happen next year. In this situation, as our sole Minister in
Government, he stated that he has delivered on funding for the Greenway and Waterford Airport.
I recognize and welcome exchequer funds, but he must be challenged to deliver even more before
next election is upon us! His other Government colleagues are reaping the rewards, for their
constituents, that having a seat at the cabinet table brings.
He spoke about his promise to deliver a mobile “Cath Lab”. Singularly the most important issue
for Waterford citizens and the 500,000 of the South East, is the 24-hour emergency Cardiac Care.
We understand that the mobile lab will only support assisting the reduction of general waiting
lists, but emergency care is the major life threatening issue here!
The Minister has made no reference to the timings, in relation to the appointment of “An expert”,
or more importantly a defined completion date, for the National Review of Cardiac Care including
24/7 Emergency Care!
He and his Government colleagues have acceded to the Herity Report. In my opinion, he should
have stuck to his guns and insisted that the Higgins Report, supported by other clinician findings,
be implemented as part of HIS commitment to Government! However, we are where we are and it
is only the “National Review of Cardiac Care” which can override the deeply flawed Herity report
findings. It is imperative that this new review is driven on, with haste and deadlines confirmed by
the Minister, for us, the people of Waterford and the South East.
In relation to the North Quays SDZ development, we need the Minister to without delay confirm
that the circa €60,000,000 plus, for infrastructural funding, requested by Waterford Council, will
be forthcoming in the programme for Government. We need certainty and clarity, to take away
the doubt and apprehension that his radio silence is creating, on the future plans for our City.
In addition to supporting this development and the expansion of the City, into South Kilkenny,
we need the administrational and local governance issues for this expansion dealt with as a
matter of priority, in the absence of this Government initiating the Boundary extension process
as recommended by Independent Committee. Our local Council now need to start planning and
preparing for economic growth and the Minister has to speed up the process by being more
hands-on!
Our continuing, long running issues in relation to securing Technological University status, is one
key area where the Minister’s portfolio should, in theory, have given us an advantage, a head start.
He has after all special responsibility for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development,
overseeing the implementation of “Innovation 2020, the Government’s Strategy for Research and
Development, Science and Technology”. With this on his CV, why the Minister can’t drive on, to
deliver on Waterford’s aspirations to finally become a University City is beyond me.
We regularly read about the shortage of thousands of trained, qualified chefs needed in the
hospitality sector. Here in WIT, we have one of the finest training facilities in the Country, which,
with a little imagination and planning, could receive additional investment to help tackle this crisis,
to the benefit of Waterford City.
In the absence of John Deasy TD, the county’s sole Government representative, by default, is
Minister Halligan. His county needs him to guarantee that this Government have a focus and vision
of our City, as a regional capital. If we are to achieve our vision for the future, he will be required
to ensure his cabinet colleagues commit the necessary state support, funding and investment. If
Waterford is expected to become an integral part of the “National Planning Framework Strategy”
and the ten-year “National Capital Plan”, Minster Halligan has to do far more than just pay lip
service to his constituents.”
14Cllrs Mulligan and Griffin demand 24/7 timelines! As we all return to normal routine in the aftermath of the school holiday period. Councillors Mulligan (FF) and Griffin (SF) are unified in challenging the Government’s senior representatives in Waterford, Minister John Halligan and John Deasy TD, to accurately define timelines for the initiation of the Independent National Review of Primary Cardio Services. In particular 24/7 emergency services which were agreed in July. Given the timeline delays in the deployment of the mobile catheterization laboratory, this was approved on the 8th May 2017, but was not formally instructed for tender until 12th June, both Cllrs have grave cause for concern. The upshot is that there will be a delayed operational start date, which has now moved to the first week in October, according to recent reports. Both Mulligan and Griffin are determined that this Government must specify committed timelines and reassure the people of Waterford and the South East, that this report is not being kicked down the road. According to Cllr Mulligan, “We have a clear case of seeing constantly moving goal posts! There is a very real possibility, if we are not careful, that our hospital health issues may well have to await a new Government. Such is the utter lack of urgency coming from our TDs Halligan and Deasy. Just where have they been during the summer recess? Should they not have been working flat out on this issue? We were promised one date after another by Minister Halligan and if truth be told I, along with many other Waterford people are reminded of the children’s story “The Boy who cried Wolf”, whenever we hear our Minister speak on this issue. As he has said himself, on many an occasion, the time for talking is over and the implementation of months old promises are necessary. For the people who have tirelessly campaigned, marched on the streets of Waterford and Dublin, this Minister and his sitting FG colleague have undoubtedly abandoned Waterford and the region!” As the mobile laboratory will not operate outside 9am to 5pm or at the weekend, Cllrs Mulligan and Griffin declare that the facility will do absolutely nothing to address the emergency 24/7 cover. The securing of a mobile laboratory is merely intended to tackle the substantial lengthy waiting lists the hospital has accumulated. “More than ever, as we enter the last quarter of 2017, our Waterford Minister must give an update on the assemblage of the terms of reference,” according to Cllr Griffin. “The debacle we had to observed with the previous Herity Report must not be allowed to happen once again. Any future report must have solid foundations, so that we the people of Waterford, our politicians, the health service, the doctors, the consultants and all other stakeholders can stand over the findings when they are eventually published. The simplest most basic of information, such as will ALL relevant stakeholders be contacted, has not been forthcoming. This utter lack of communication, which seems to now be endemic, caused significant problems with Herity’s findings. Minister Halligan has to be proactive to, at the very least, ensure the next report is methodical in gather pertinent information, to make educated, important recommendations.” On 13th July Minister Harris stated preparations would begin immediately, with an international expert being appointed to lead the review. Cllrs Mulligan and Griffin want to know, on behalf of their electorate and Waterford’s people, have the terms of reference been compiled? Has an international expert been appointed to lead the review? If not, when will he or she be announced as leading the review? Well know 24/7 campaigner Willie Doyle added, “All of our TDs are in agreement that the South East must have full 24/7 cardiac cover. Yet, they are willing to turn their backs on the fatalities and distress that the lack of service causes, in order to keep their position in the Dáil. It is a national disgrace that the 500,000 people, in this region, are deprived of adequate cardiac care. To add insult to injury, Rescue 117 has ceased inter-hospital transfers from last Monday. There is now a widening chasm between our elected representatives and the public. The spirit of complacency demonstrated by our TDs is sickening. It’s a simple message. They must deliver this now or resign. We need fewer professional politicians and more who have a genuine vested interest in the people 15
that they represent.” “Timelines, timelines, timelines are what the people of Waterford, the South
East and wider region want, need and deserve. NOT the skilful kicking of the can further down the
road!” stated both Cllrs Mulligan and Griffin.
Waterford needs Immediate Public Transport
Investment & Travel Incentives!!!
Today, 31st August 2017, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published Census 2016 Profile 6
“Commuting in Ireland”.
This, the most recent CSO release, reaffirms Cllr Eddie Mulligan’s claims that, “Less than 2% of
the Waterford population is using Public Transport and the Government must react. Immediate
investment is required, to secure the future of Waterford’s public transport network. They must
also provide future travel incentives, to encourage better usage, as a normal part of day to day
life.”
Cllr Mulligan continued, “In April 2016, there were 31,679 people living and working throughout
County Waterford (75%) travelled to work by car, compared to 65.6% of commuters nationally.
This is, circa 11% higher that the state average! The actual CSO figure is just 1.9% used public
transport, compared to 9.3% who did so nationally. A further 1.4% cycled, while 9.5% walked. These
are unacceptable figures for Waterford and in particular shocking for the future of our great City.
This trend needs to be tackled across the board. In particular we need to see changes to the travel
attitude of the likes of young families, where 67% of our primary school children travel to school
by car whilst the number travelling by bus fell to 9.1% in 2016 from, 11.4% in 2011. A dependency on
car commuting needs to be discouraged, at a young age, whilst at the same time our state must
invests heavily in our public transport, cycling and walking infrastructures to support a change in
mindset. Furthermore, almost 18% of secondary school students walk to school compared to 24%
nationally. Whilst for third level students, there are 55% driving to college, compared to a national
average of only 43%. Our City and County, of the future, must prioritise walking, cycling and public
transport be the preference over car use, in that order!”
In Cllr Mulligan’s submission to the National Planning Framework, of March 2017, he highlighting
that improved East-West transport connectivity must be a priority on a national scale. The
hinterland of Waterford City must be linked by a regional planning transportation infrastructure.
This will ensure that the towns and villages of the region can then support local business, retail
and housing needs. Encouraging the expansion/relocation of small to medium enterprise sector
(SMEs) from the City, outwards, into less densely populated areas would promote growth and
capacity. This in turn would sustain future development of many of our smaller urban centres, and
also improve the quality of life on offer.
Cllr Mulligan also highlighted, in his submission that Waterford is continuing to suffer from reduced
investment in current public transport links. With the Waterford to Limerick rail link a prime
example of underinvestment and a distinct lack of marketing.
The Census has confirmed and substantiated Mulligan’s claims that less than 2% of Waterford’s
population are using public transport, compared to 10% nationally. “Waterford and the wider
South East’s regional public transport system, is crying out for direct fiscal intervention, we simply
cannot wait any longer!” stated Cllr Mulligan.
Whilst plans for the North Quays are progressing at a pace. Cllr Mulligan maintains that the
infrastructural network needed to service the growth of the Strategic Development Zone and
the expansion of the City northwards, into Kilkenny, must be planned for administratively. He also
points out that governance of the area must be adequate, to support community planning and
this must be put in place as a matter of priority.
“The North Quays expansion will not be only be of vital importance to the citizens of Waterford,
but also to the people across the whole of the South East. We, politicians, must guarantee that
infrastructural planning, for the wider hinterland is delivered through better public transport links
16 and we need to pressure Government to help deliver this now!”Cut the waffle, kick start our City’s future!
Cllr Eddie Mulligan is at pains to point out that the City’s future development is not just
down to one individual Councillor’s “Solo run!” He was commenting after hearing Cllr John
Cummins speak about the proposed growth of the City on North Quays SDZ.
According to Cllr Mulligan, “We are told that a figure of €61,500,000 is required from
Government and this is currently being finalised. Cllr Cummins, who from listening to last
week, is giving the distinct impression that he has a greater inside track with the Executive
on the North Quay’s than the other 31 Councillors. We are ALL working together to make
this happen!
He then went on to speak about all the necessary infrastructural works required within
the immediate vicinity of the North Quays SDZ. There was absolutely no mention of the
fundamental need for a sustainable, residential and community hinterland infrastructure to
develop the City North of the River Suir. I still stick to my original estimation, that closer
to €70,000,000 of Government exchequer funding, will be needed to allow our City’s
residential and economic growth, to the North and into South Kilkenny. Depending on
whether you listen to the Taoiseach or his recent challenger, Minister Coveney, developing
our City’s capacity to cater for a population of between 75,000 and 100,000 is this current
Government’s plan.”
Cllr Mulligan continued by commenting on the recent visit of the Taoiseach to Waterford
to open the expanded plan at Bausch and Lomb, “Reviewing, the widely available speech
by the Taoiseach’s, I and many others will no doubt welcome his aspirations. However, I
note that he neglected to mention the elephant in the room! The City’s boundary issues
will not go away. The governance and administration of an expanded City, to the North
must be addressed in line with our projected growth. The Taoiseach went on to state in
his speech, “However, I fear that, in recent times, the City has regrettably lost some of its
confidence...This must change...So long as I am Taoiseach, Waterford will not be neglected
or forgotten...”
His Government have been neglecting Waterford for years! His sole representative TD
for our County is AWOL, missing in action, and appears to have forgotten about the very
people who elected him to the Dáil. Yet our Taoiseach rewarded him for his County’s
representative failings! If this City is to build confidence once again, we need to see
appropriate changes to our administrational structures and local governance. This will
only be possible with a Council that will have full autonomy with the responsibility for an
expanding City, especially as structurally needed, to the North.
The Taoiseach spoke about building on and expanding the work completed over the
last few years. He went on to mention his Government publishing the new National
Development Plan (NDP), which he believes will provide for a significant population
growth to reach an estimated 75,000, by the middle of the century. Whilst this may well
end arguments about numbers, critical mass and makes sense in his own words. Just how
that growth will be administered by one, two or some joint-sharing new local authority was
not forthcoming.
We now know that Kilkenny Council has neglected their Southern boundary responsibilities
for over thirty years. The Independent Boundary Committee recognised this and
recommended the City’s expansion, to ensure proportionate growth as the Regional City
for the whole South East region. Enabling the provision of excellent third level educational,
suitable health cover, as well as community and economic supports for the people and
businesses of North Wexford and South Kilkenny.
The Taoiseach stated that “ We ”, as in Government I presume, will give us the means by
which to drive the regeneration of Waterford ourselves. Surely he misses the collective
meaning of the word? This has to start with a proper, strong leadership, supported by
appropriate administrational and governance infrastructures, which will allow us to develop
our City and our hinterland, to their full potential.
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