Eamon Ryan TD

Minister for Communications, Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Ballyboden, Knocklyon,Firhouse, Churchtown, Foxrock, Autumn/Winter
Winter 08
Energy and Natural Windy Arbour, Mount Merrion, Goatstown, Stillorgan, Kilmacud, Sandyford,
Resources Stepaside, Kiltiernan, Clonskeagh, Ballyogan, Leopardstown, Ballinteer, Cabinteely 2009

Dear Constituents,

In the last year there has been a dramatic reversal of
fortunes for this country. The economic crisis is hitting
Ireland harder than most.
While the Green Party did not cause these problems,
we must be part of the solution.
We wanted a new Programme for Government to take
account of Ireland’s changed circumstances. In October
that new Programme was agreed and we are now
starting the job of putting it into action.
The new Programme contains specific plans on job
creation, political reform, education, public transport,
banking reform and new measures to protect
homeowners and those in arrears.
The job in Government now is to get the country out
of these financial difficulties. This is not an easy task,
nor will it be politically popular, but I am confident it
can be done.
I will do whatever I can to make sure our plans for
recovery are fair as well as effective.
Do contact me if there is any way I can help you or if
you want to be part of the work we are doing.
Kind regards,
Eamon Ryan TD
Minister for Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources

Creating New Jobs

The economic crisis has had a devastating impact on those who have lost their
jobs. My task as head of an economic ministry is to encourage new investment
in the jobs of the future.
There is some good news. The latest live register figures showed that for the
first time in two years the number of new jobs being created is greater than
those being lost. In my own Department I am working hard to create jobs in:
Energy
- Over 5,000 building contractors and BER assessors have signed up to carry
out work on the Home Energy Saving Scheme to insulate homes.
- The ESB are on track to provide 3,700 new jobs providing green energy,
smart meters and electric vehicles. www.esb.ie
Communications
- The National Broadband Scheme which will provide coverage in the
broadband black spots across the country has created 250 jobs.
- The first widespread deployment of Wimax in Europe is being organised by a
company based in the Sandyford Industrial estate, creating 200 jobs.
Making the Smart Economy Real
I have worked with industry and public service leaders over the past year to
come up with new economic opportunities in the digital economy. We are now
Eamon Ryan with starting to implement projects such as an International Digital Content services
Tim Fritzley on a visit centre which can repeat the success of the IFSC and create 30,000 new jobs
to InTune Networks over the next decade. See: www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications.

New Constituency Office

This summer I opened a new constituency office at No. 4 Pembroke Cottages, Dundrum
Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Tel: 299 5513 email: eamon.ryan@oireachtas.ie
Do drop in for a chat and a cup of tea with either myself, Claire Byrne or Eoin Wilson (see
right). We will be happy to help you with whatever issue you may have.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm.

Páipear Athchúrsáilte.
Eamon Ryan with pupils from his old
school, Holy Cross National School
Dundrum
Greens make major gains in Education
Educating our children is the single best investment a country can make. In the
new Programme for Government, we fought hard to protect education from the
ravages of the recession.
We secured:
• 500 new teaching posts at primary and secondary level with no further increases
in the pupil – teacher ratio in this Government’s lifetime
• funding for 28 additional psychologists under the National Educational
Psychologists Service
• a commitment that there would be no introduction of 3rd level fees for the
duration of this Government so that university will be accessible for all
• a commitment that capitation grants would be maintained
We will also introduce a number of measures to protect the schools building
programme, retain the summer works scheme and protect language support
funding

An end to Mobile Phone scams

Many people have contacted me to say that they have been defrauded or overcharged
by premium rate services (expensive phone lines and text message services such
as ringtones, games and competitions). Children and the elderly were especially
vulnerable to such rogue operators, running up huge phone bills without their
knowledge.
I am bringing in a new law which will bring these companies under control. They must
have a licence to operate, they can be fined up to €250,000 if they breach the terms of
that licence and consumers who have been overcharged will be entitled to a refund.

New Development Plans Political Reform

repeat planning mistakes
of the past
New development plans are now being considered and this is
your chance to have your say as to how our areas develop.
Motions are being proposed by councillors that will see
further zoning of lands on the foothills of the Dublin
mountains. Looking at some of these proposals I am
concerned that nothing has been learned from the property
and planning bubble of recent years.
The political parties involved also seem willing to provide for
major new retailing developments at a time when existing
shopping centres cannot generate enough business. This kind
of thinking shows that some parties have not learned from
the mistakes of the past and, worse still, are determined to
repeat them. We cannot let this happen.
You can make your own comments via the links below:
www.dlrcoco.ie/planning/DevPlan2010_2016/index.html
http://planning.southdublin.ie/
The new Programme for Government contains major changes to
our political system:
• We will start with a directly elected mayor for Dublin, which
takes place next year.
• All expenses for Oireachtas members will now be fully vouched
• There will be an end to corporate donations to political parties,
which is something we have been campaigning for for 25 years.
Ireland’s first Children’s Hospice
to open in Leopardstown
After years of fundraising, work has finally begun on Ireland’s
first hospice for children at The Children’s Sunshine Home on
Leopardstown Road.
LauraLynn House will provide much needed respite and palliative
care for seriously ill children. The hospice will open in early 2011
and will make a real difference to the quality of life of many sick
children and their families.
For more information and to find out how you can help see
www.sunshinehome.ie

Protecting the Family Home

I know of many people who are having difficulty paying their mortgage or coping with debt.
They need help to keep their homes and to work through their debts without having to go to
the courts.

In the new Programme for Government we have pledged that we will introduce new measures
to help people with their mortgage payments. We are also going to change the law so that
people can enter into workable arrangements to pay off their debts.
Delivering for Eastern By Pass
Apartment Averted
Dwellers The Government decided not to
go ahead with the Eastern By Pass
motorway.
The Green Party has secured new measures
to improve conditions for those living in I believe this road would have a very
apartments: damaging effect on the residents of
Goatstown and Mount Merrion and
• The Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 would bring few transport benefits to
means developers must now establish an the city.
‘owners management company’ before
an apartment is sold. The company will The Green Party is now working with
have to communicate with the residents Dublin Bus to improve orbital bus routes
effectively, involve them in all decision across South Dublin.
making and maintain fair and transparent For further information on this and
annual service charges which will be agreed other aspects of the Programme for
by the residents. Government visit: www.greenparty.ie/
• The Minister for the Environment has introduced new design standards which en/government/renewed_programme_
will increase the minimum floor and storage space in new apartments. New for_government
planning guidelines will help make sure that proper infrastructure and services
are introduced at the same time as new developments are built.
• New regulations have also been set for rented accommodation, which will
prohibit substandard lodgings and allow Local Atuhories inspect properties to Insulation Grants
ensure landlords’ compliance.
still available
New School building for
St Colmcille’s Knocklyon
St Colmcille’s Junior and Senior National school in Knocklyon has been in need
of a new school building for many years.
In June this year, I invited Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe to visit the school
to see the unacceptable conditions for students and teachers for himself. After
this visit the Minister agreed to give sanction for the school to move to the
planning stage for a new permanent school building.
Planning permission has gone to the Council, as has an application for
temporary accommodation to be built on the grounds of Sancta Maria to As winter is upon us, it’s a good time to
accommodate the students when the building starts. think about insulating your home. Grants
are still available from the Home Energy
Saving Scheme for works including roof
Eamon Ryan at the launch of the Broadband for Schools scheme and attic insulation, external and cavity
wall insulation, and boiler replacements.
Over 15,000 households have availed of
these grants and are now saving up to
€700 a year in their heating bills.
So why not contact SEI today on
1850 927 000 or www.sei.ie/hes

New Sports
Facilities Planned
for Stepaside
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
has announced plans to upgrade the
Broadband for Schools sports facilities at Stepaside Golf Club.The
plans include new all weather playing
It is my aim that every one of the 750 secondary schools in Ireland will have access to high pitches, a new sports centre with gym,
speed broadband services within the next three years. This month, the delivery of 100 dance studio and a café.
mbps of broadband to the first group of 78 schools will begin. We are also providing new
lap-tops and projectors for every classroom in these schools which will open up a whole You can get the details of the schemes on
new world of learning for our children. www.dlrcoco.ie
The Climate is Marlay Park Farmers’
Changing, Will You? Market Receives an Award
Congratulations to Marlay Park Farmers’
Market which recently received the Good
Practice Standard Award. Marlay is one of the
most well established farmers markets in the
county and I am delighted to see them receive
such recognition.

Other farmers markets in the constituency:

In December this year I plan to attend the
United Nations Climate Change talks in
Copenhagen. The Green Party in Government
has been directly involved in framing and
supporting a European Union negotiating
position.
At home we are working on putting our
own carbon reduction targets into legislative
effect with a climate change bill.
There are a number of ways in which you
can play your part. We just launched a new
campaign www.1010.ie which asks you to
commit to reducing your personal carbon
footprint by 10% in 2010 and sets out how
you can do this. There are a number of
Marlay Park, The Courtyard, Saturdays 10am – 4pm
Leopardstown Racecourse, Leopardstown, Fridays 10am - 4pm
Carmanhall Rd Market Sandyford Dublin 18 (Opposite Microsoft) Friday, 11 - 5pm
Kilternan Country Market Opposite the Golden Ball, Kilternan Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.
www.irishvillagemarkets.com www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie www.bordbia.ie
New bin system for South Dublin
South Dublin County Council has introduced a new bin collection service, the Advance
Credit System. This means that householders can purchase waste credits in advance of
each lift. Each household will have a Waste Charges Account. This will put an end to
bin tags and annual flat rate charges.
You can purchase credit in 3 ways:
• Online on www.southdublin.ie
• On phone by calling 01- 4149000 and choosing the Waste Charges option
• Over the counter by dropping into a Post Office, Payzone or PostPoint outlet or the
Council offices.

 YES
otherswebsites that are worth checking out
too.
Climate campaign websites
www.1010.ie
for Ireland
www.hopenhagen.org for Europe
www.tcktcktck.org
www.climatecircus.com to Lisbon
www.stopclimatechaos.ie
www.sealthedeal2009.org I was delighted that the Lisbon Treaty was passed in Ireland and that Dublin South had
the highest ‘Yes’ vote. Our task now is to put ourselves back at the heart of European
www.countdowntocopenhagen.org
Union decision making to help us tackle the economic and environmental challenges
www.350.org we face.

Contact
We need a new politics to restore
confidence and hope in our country
Eamon Ryan TD and our city.

Dáil Eireann, Kildare St., Dublin 2. I believe that our vision of a Greener
or Ireland will provide the way forward.
4 Pembroke Cottages, Mainstreet, You can be part of the solution by
Dundrum. Dublin 14 getting involved in your own area.
Tel: 618 3097 / 2995513 The Dublin South Greens meet on the
Email: eamon.ryan@oireachtas.ie
first Tuesday of every month at 8pm
Web: www.eamonryan.ie
in Taney Parish Hall, Dundrum.
Find out More – Dublin South Greens We discuss politics at both a local
and national level, work on practical
Send me your details Name ways to improve the quality of life in
if you are interested in Dublin South and campaign on issues
more information on Address that matter.
the Green Party. There are many ways in which you
can help out. If you would like to get
Phone, email, or fill in the involved with the Green Party and
form and send it back to Phone Mobile help your community steer itself in a
me. greener direction, then please do get
Email in touch. We look forward to hearing
www.eamonryan.ie from you.

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