Friday 27 March 2009
Election Blog 09 starting next week.
Yeah, thats right everybody.. You can get updates and campaign information right here from April 6th. I will update the blog every night, to give the up's and down's of the election campaign, and hopefully photo's to boot. So tune in, and stay awake.. Gino
Thursday 12 February 2009
Clondalkin PBP Meetings on Dublin Bus cutbacks
The People Before Profit Alliance is organizing a series of public meetings about the cutbacks in bus services to the Clondalkin area.
On Monday 16th at 8pm. Collinstown Sports and Leisure Centre. Speaker will be Eugene Mc Donagh, National Executive of the NRBU bus union. The meeting will be chaired by Gino Kenny.
On Thursday 19th at 7.45pm. Bawnogue Community Centre, speaker will be Owen McCormack (Dublin Bus driver). This meeting will be chaired by Roisin Stanbridge. Posters will go up tonight and some estates will be leafleted.
On Monday 16th at 8pm. Collinstown Sports and Leisure Centre. Speaker will be Eugene Mc Donagh, National Executive of the NRBU bus union. The meeting will be chaired by Gino Kenny.
On Thursday 19th at 7.45pm. Bawnogue Community Centre, speaker will be Owen McCormack (Dublin Bus driver). This meeting will be chaired by Roisin Stanbridge. Posters will go up tonight and some estates will be leafleted.
Hands off our buses public meeting in Ballyfermot
A large and diverse crowd from Ballyfermot and Clondalkin attended a public meeting organised by the People Before Profit Alliance in Ballyfermot on Monday 9th February. The meeting was organised by the local candidate Brid Smith to highlight the cuts to the bus service for the area.
Among those who addressed the meeting were Eugene McDonagh, NBRU National Executive, Councillors Joan Collins, Vincent Jackson and Michael Conaghan. Two workers involved in the occupation of Waterford Glass were invited as guest speakers to explain their case and their efforts in trying to safe jobs and production at Waterford Crystal. The meeting warmly welcomed the workers from the occupation and pledged to organise collections in support of their dispute.
Eugene McDonagh, a Clondalkin man, explained how cuts to the service would mean taking out one tenth of the Dublin Bus fleet with the loss of 180 jobs. Eugene told the meeting “No matter what spin the company put on this cut, you cannot take out one in ten buses and tell the public it will have no impact. In this area it will mean the loss of the 206 which services Drumfinn in Ballyfermot and the 210 which links Clondalkin to Tallaght hospital.” Eugene pointed out that what was needed to save all jobs and services is a proper intervention from Government of just €31 million. “This is a drop in the ocean compared to the money this government is willing to risk to prop up the banks and the super rich in this country. It is time for workers to get out on the streets and take action to demand the government bail out jobs and services and not the rich bankers.”
All the councillors present committed to support the community in the fight to defend their bus service. As Brid Smith pointed out “This is just one of the cuts that will hit our area badly. Already there is talk of cuts to CE schemes, community crèches, special needs in schools and other services. We cannot just sit back and let this happen. Ballyfermot fought long and hard to get what services it has – now we have to unite the whole community to defend all services and jobs.”
There were lively contributions from pensioners, mothers, busworkers and students who rely on public transport and want improvements in the service not cuts. The meeting was recorded by Pat Kenny’s RTE radio programme and the following day the views of those present were well aired on the morning show.
It was decided to follow up this meeting with another public meeting in Clondalkin and to print leaflets for information to all residents in these areas. There was a call from the meeting for a local protest of Ballyfermot and Clondalkin residents along with busworkers to defend the bus services.
Among those who addressed the meeting were Eugene McDonagh, NBRU National Executive, Councillors Joan Collins, Vincent Jackson and Michael Conaghan. Two workers involved in the occupation of Waterford Glass were invited as guest speakers to explain their case and their efforts in trying to safe jobs and production at Waterford Crystal. The meeting warmly welcomed the workers from the occupation and pledged to organise collections in support of their dispute.
Eugene McDonagh, a Clondalkin man, explained how cuts to the service would mean taking out one tenth of the Dublin Bus fleet with the loss of 180 jobs. Eugene told the meeting “No matter what spin the company put on this cut, you cannot take out one in ten buses and tell the public it will have no impact. In this area it will mean the loss of the 206 which services Drumfinn in Ballyfermot and the 210 which links Clondalkin to Tallaght hospital.” Eugene pointed out that what was needed to save all jobs and services is a proper intervention from Government of just €31 million. “This is a drop in the ocean compared to the money this government is willing to risk to prop up the banks and the super rich in this country. It is time for workers to get out on the streets and take action to demand the government bail out jobs and services and not the rich bankers.”
All the councillors present committed to support the community in the fight to defend their bus service. As Brid Smith pointed out “This is just one of the cuts that will hit our area badly. Already there is talk of cuts to CE schemes, community crèches, special needs in schools and other services. We cannot just sit back and let this happen. Ballyfermot fought long and hard to get what services it has – now we have to unite the whole community to defend all services and jobs.”
There were lively contributions from pensioners, mothers, busworkers and students who rely on public transport and want improvements in the service not cuts. The meeting was recorded by Pat Kenny’s RTE radio programme and the following day the views of those present were well aired on the morning show.
It was decided to follow up this meeting with another public meeting in Clondalkin and to print leaflets for information to all residents in these areas. There was a call from the meeting for a local protest of Ballyfermot and Clondalkin residents along with busworkers to defend the bus services.
Saturday 31 January 2009
PBP Clondalkin Newsletter No.2
Save our Crèches.
Last December SIPTU called a day of action over the attacks on community Crèche facilities around Ireland. In the past, funding for crèches came from the European Social fund and this money was used to subsidize staffing costs. As these made up 90% of all costs, it meant that people could avail of the service between 60 and 80 euro each week. In Clondalkin alone there are many such facilities. Some of these crèches are now under treat of closing from budget short falls. Childcare and Crèche facilities are a social right for any parent. 30,000 families rely on these crèches to be able to work. If staff are lost, because of funding, the project will have less children, less children will result in less subvention and in turn a smaller grant. There is a danger that once the project loses staff, it will collapse as it will start a downward funding cycle.
These cutbacks are just the tip of the iceberg for communities across Ireland. The banks of this country have been bailed out to the tune of billions, and we will have to pay for their economic criminality. What social purpose does speculation and greed serve? None!! We need to be strong both community wise and trade union wise on the issue of community childcare. These cutbacks affect everybody. If the protest in December by crèche workers was anything to go by, the government will have an enormous fight on its hands.
Gino Kenny
Clondalkin to lose 210 bus service and curtailment of 78A.
The Route 78A will have at least 20 departures per day cut from the existing timetable. Everyone knows that this is one of the most used buses in Dublin. There will most certainly be longer gaps between bus services on the 78A.
By undermining the frequency of the service in this area Dublin Bus will force people away from using the buses and lead to further cuts and more redundancies.
Any cuts to Route 78A will be terrible for the people of North Clondalkin who rely on this service to get to work, to town , to schools and hospitals.
On top of this they are getting rid of the 210 Route which connects the people of Bawnogue with Tallaght hospital. How crazy is that?
Dublin Bus tells us peak hour service on 78A will not be affected. But what about the times off-peak when many elderly people, shift workers, outpatients to hospitals and school children rely on the service?
The company’s plans make no sense economically. By taking buses off and dismissing drivers, it will cost the taxpayers much more in the long run. More petrol, more pollution, more congestion, greater C02 emmissions.
Public Meeting “HANDS OFF OUR BUSES” Monday 9th February 8.15pm
Ballyfermot United Sports & Social Club on Blackditch Road (opposite Swimming Pool) Speakers from National Bus & Railworkers Union and local residents associations.
LOCAL ELECTIONS 09.
With one local and a general election under our belt, and the numerous battles fought against cuts too valuable resources like community employment schemes and childcare facilities. The struggles for badly needed services for both the young and not so young in the community will always be an issue.
Being involved in local issues and having an in-depth knowledge of issues now of our Community, has put us on a good footing for the local elections. It has never been so urgent too use your vote and show this present Government enough is enough. In this current economic climate of massive unemployment, tax increases that take from those who need it most (bank bailouts) and give to those who need it least.
You don’t have to look too far too see the absolute injustice that the two tier society the Government has created for themselves and their cohorts. It’s so important that we have an alternative to the right wing polices of the FF/Green Government. A local voice like Gino's is so important. All you need is too want change strongly and believe it is possible then channel your anger at the Government by various means. From just voting, too getting involved in local groups, and helping us in the election campaigns, you can make a big difference. What we need is a movement of People. As a person who has lived in North Clondalkin all my life, it will be an honour for me to be director of elections for Gino in this year's local election.
Georgina O’Halloran
Director of Elections Clondalkin.
Solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Israel's murderous attack on the people of Gaza, has brought worldwide solidarity for the people of Gaza. Anybody that saw the terrible suffering of the Palestinian people will be well and truly shocked by Israel's brutality. An international campaign is now underway to boycott Israel both economically and politically. You can choose not to buy Israeli goods such as fruit and vegetables when you are shopping. Remember that 10 Dunnes Stores workers in the 1980's refused to handle South African produce in their store in Dublin city centre. That international boycott was an inspiration for the anti apartheid movement across the world.
Last December SIPTU called a day of action over the attacks on community Crèche facilities around Ireland. In the past, funding for crèches came from the European Social fund and this money was used to subsidize staffing costs. As these made up 90% of all costs, it meant that people could avail of the service between 60 and 80 euro each week. In Clondalkin alone there are many such facilities. Some of these crèches are now under treat of closing from budget short falls. Childcare and Crèche facilities are a social right for any parent. 30,000 families rely on these crèches to be able to work. If staff are lost, because of funding, the project will have less children, less children will result in less subvention and in turn a smaller grant. There is a danger that once the project loses staff, it will collapse as it will start a downward funding cycle.
These cutbacks are just the tip of the iceberg for communities across Ireland. The banks of this country have been bailed out to the tune of billions, and we will have to pay for their economic criminality. What social purpose does speculation and greed serve? None!! We need to be strong both community wise and trade union wise on the issue of community childcare. These cutbacks affect everybody. If the protest in December by crèche workers was anything to go by, the government will have an enormous fight on its hands.
Gino Kenny
Clondalkin to lose 210 bus service and curtailment of 78A.
The Route 78A will have at least 20 departures per day cut from the existing timetable. Everyone knows that this is one of the most used buses in Dublin. There will most certainly be longer gaps between bus services on the 78A.
By undermining the frequency of the service in this area Dublin Bus will force people away from using the buses and lead to further cuts and more redundancies.
Any cuts to Route 78A will be terrible for the people of North Clondalkin who rely on this service to get to work, to town , to schools and hospitals.
On top of this they are getting rid of the 210 Route which connects the people of Bawnogue with Tallaght hospital. How crazy is that?
Dublin Bus tells us peak hour service on 78A will not be affected. But what about the times off-peak when many elderly people, shift workers, outpatients to hospitals and school children rely on the service?
The company’s plans make no sense economically. By taking buses off and dismissing drivers, it will cost the taxpayers much more in the long run. More petrol, more pollution, more congestion, greater C02 emmissions.
Public Meeting “HANDS OFF OUR BUSES” Monday 9th February 8.15pm
Ballyfermot United Sports & Social Club on Blackditch Road (opposite Swimming Pool) Speakers from National Bus & Railworkers Union and local residents associations.
LOCAL ELECTIONS 09.
With one local and a general election under our belt, and the numerous battles fought against cuts too valuable resources like community employment schemes and childcare facilities. The struggles for badly needed services for both the young and not so young in the community will always be an issue.
Being involved in local issues and having an in-depth knowledge of issues now of our Community, has put us on a good footing for the local elections. It has never been so urgent too use your vote and show this present Government enough is enough. In this current economic climate of massive unemployment, tax increases that take from those who need it most (bank bailouts) and give to those who need it least.
You don’t have to look too far too see the absolute injustice that the two tier society the Government has created for themselves and their cohorts. It’s so important that we have an alternative to the right wing polices of the FF/Green Government. A local voice like Gino's is so important. All you need is too want change strongly and believe it is possible then channel your anger at the Government by various means. From just voting, too getting involved in local groups, and helping us in the election campaigns, you can make a big difference. What we need is a movement of People. As a person who has lived in North Clondalkin all my life, it will be an honour for me to be director of elections for Gino in this year's local election.
Georgina O’Halloran
Director of Elections Clondalkin.
Solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Israel's murderous attack on the people of Gaza, has brought worldwide solidarity for the people of Gaza. Anybody that saw the terrible suffering of the Palestinian people will be well and truly shocked by Israel's brutality. An international campaign is now underway to boycott Israel both economically and politically. You can choose not to buy Israeli goods such as fruit and vegetables when you are shopping. Remember that 10 Dunnes Stores workers in the 1980's refused to handle South African produce in their store in Dublin city centre. That international boycott was an inspiration for the anti apartheid movement across the world.
Stop Cuts To Local Bus Services
People Before Profit Alliance in Ballyfermot and Clondalkin are calling on local people to support busworkers and fight cuts to the bus services in their area.
Dublin Bus is to lay off 300 employees and cut 120 routes across the city. This amounts to one tenth of the total bus service.
Brid Smith (People Before Profit candidate for Ballyfermot/Drimnagh) told the Echo that “these cuts to services will hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Route 206 which services the Drumfinn area five times per day will be gone.
Drumfinn is an area that fought hard to get a service for its aging population who will have genuine difficulty making the long trek to the main road.
Route 78A will have at least 20 departures per day cut from the existing timetable. Everyone knows that this is one of the most used buses in Dublin . There will most certainly be longer gaps between bus services on the 78A.
By undermining the frequency of the service in this area Dublin Bus will force people away from using the buses and lead to further cuts and more redundancies.”
Gino Kenny from Clondalkin People Before Profit said “
“Any cuts to Route 78A will be terrible for the people of North Clondalkin who rely on this service to get to work, to town , to schools and hospitals.
On top of this they are getting rid of the 210 Route which connects the people of Clondalkin with Tallaght hospital. How crazy is that?
Dublin Bus tells us peak hour service on 78A will not be affected. But what about the times off-peak when many elderly people, shift workers, outpatients to hospitals and school children rely on the service?
The company’s plans make no sense economically. By taking buses off and dismissing drivers, it will cost the taxpayers much more in the long run. More petrol, more pollution, more congestion, greater C02 emmissions. On top of which drivers will have to claim social welfare benefits and other allowances to survive.”
Brid Smith who has organised a public meeting in Ballyfermot to get local people out to oppose the cuts says “Dublin Bus claim they will save 31 million euro. Compare this with the billions of euro that have been given to bail out the banks and the developer friends of Fianna Fail! We are asking Residents Associations, environmental groups and trade unions should get behind the Busworkers’ campaign to save jobs and buses and force the Government to properly fund public transport.”
Gino Kenny told the Echo “We have to get People Power back on the streets to stop our services being hit like this. We hope to plan protests and pickets of TD’s clinics with the support of local communities to send a clear message to Dublin Bus and the Government – Hands off our buses.”
Public Meeting “HANDS OFF OUR BUSES” Monday 9th February 8.15pm
Ballyfermot United Sports & Social Club on Blackditch Road (opposite Swimming Pool) Speakers from National Bus & Railworkers Union and local residents associations.
Ends
For further information contact Brid Smith on 087 9090166 or Gino Kenny 085 7211574.
Dublin Bus is to lay off 300 employees and cut 120 routes across the city. This amounts to one tenth of the total bus service.
Brid Smith (People Before Profit candidate for Ballyfermot/Drimnagh) told the Echo that “these cuts to services will hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Route 206 which services the Drumfinn area five times per day will be gone.
Drumfinn is an area that fought hard to get a service for its aging population who will have genuine difficulty making the long trek to the main road.
Route 78A will have at least 20 departures per day cut from the existing timetable. Everyone knows that this is one of the most used buses in Dublin . There will most certainly be longer gaps between bus services on the 78A.
By undermining the frequency of the service in this area Dublin Bus will force people away from using the buses and lead to further cuts and more redundancies.”
Gino Kenny from Clondalkin People Before Profit said “
“Any cuts to Route 78A will be terrible for the people of North Clondalkin who rely on this service to get to work, to town , to schools and hospitals.
On top of this they are getting rid of the 210 Route which connects the people of Clondalkin with Tallaght hospital. How crazy is that?
Dublin Bus tells us peak hour service on 78A will not be affected. But what about the times off-peak when many elderly people, shift workers, outpatients to hospitals and school children rely on the service?
The company’s plans make no sense economically. By taking buses off and dismissing drivers, it will cost the taxpayers much more in the long run. More petrol, more pollution, more congestion, greater C02 emmissions. On top of which drivers will have to claim social welfare benefits and other allowances to survive.”
Brid Smith who has organised a public meeting in Ballyfermot to get local people out to oppose the cuts says “Dublin Bus claim they will save 31 million euro. Compare this with the billions of euro that have been given to bail out the banks and the developer friends of Fianna Fail! We are asking Residents Associations, environmental groups and trade unions should get behind the Busworkers’ campaign to save jobs and buses and force the Government to properly fund public transport.”
Gino Kenny told the Echo “We have to get People Power back on the streets to stop our services being hit like this. We hope to plan protests and pickets of TD’s clinics with the support of local communities to send a clear message to Dublin Bus and the Government – Hands off our buses.”
Public Meeting “HANDS OFF OUR BUSES” Monday 9th February 8.15pm
Ballyfermot United Sports & Social Club on Blackditch Road (opposite Swimming Pool) Speakers from National Bus & Railworkers Union and local residents associations.
Ends
For further information contact Brid Smith on 087 9090166 or Gino Kenny 085 7211574.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Gino Kenny's election launch for the local elections in 2009
People before Profit representative in Clondalkin, Gino Kenny will be officially launching his campaign for the local election in 2009. Mr Kenny narrowly missed out in the 2004 local election, and got a respectable 1100 votes in the 2007 general election.
Mr Kenny says " In the present climate, people are looking for a opposition to the free market ideals. We have seen the Irish banks been giving corporate welfare, and yet at the same time, schools in this community will be struggling because of educational cutbacks. It is always a honour for me to represent the people of Clondalkin, and further beyond .Ultimately this campaign is not just about getting me elected. It's about, people power, and people doing it for themselves."
Gino will also be joined by People before Profit's candidate in Ballyfermot Brid Smith. The launch will take place Wednesday the 19th November in the Waterside Pub Clondalkin at 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Mr Kenny says " In the present climate, people are looking for a opposition to the free market ideals. We have seen the Irish banks been giving corporate welfare, and yet at the same time, schools in this community will be struggling because of educational cutbacks. It is always a honour for me to represent the people of Clondalkin, and further beyond .Ultimately this campaign is not just about getting me elected. It's about, people power, and people doing it for themselves."
Gino will also be joined by People before Profit's candidate in Ballyfermot Brid Smith. The launch will take place Wednesday the 19th November in the Waterside Pub Clondalkin at 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Friday 7 November 2008
Picket Outside Ronanstown Garda Station. Monday 10th November at 7.15 pm
Mastaction Clondalkin and local residents and will be holding a picket outside the Ronanstown Garda Station this Monday at 7.15pm.
Following on from a successful picket last week, residents are highlighting the continuing concerns we are having about the effects of the mobile phone mast in the Garda station and the high tension electrical pylons which run through the Neilstown area.
M.A.C have asked the H.S.E to conduct an investigation into the abnormal amounts of illnesses and cancers which have occurred not only in the Ronanstown area, but the Ronanstown Garda station itself.
We are asking people to come along to voice there concerns, and demand action from the H.S.E to meet the residents of the area.
Email. clondalkinmastaction@yahoo.co.uk
Following on from a successful picket last week, residents are highlighting the continuing concerns we are having about the effects of the mobile phone mast in the Garda station and the high tension electrical pylons which run through the Neilstown area.
M.A.C have asked the H.S.E to conduct an investigation into the abnormal amounts of illnesses and cancers which have occurred not only in the Ronanstown area, but the Ronanstown Garda station itself.
We are asking people to come along to voice there concerns, and demand action from the H.S.E to meet the residents of the area.
Email. clondalkinmastaction@yahoo.co.uk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
