I want to make three distinct pledges to the people of Palmerstown about local issues of concern. I am not from the area but live in nearby Clondalkin. The feedback I am getting, however, indicates that there is a strong, heart feeling about these local issues and I will represent them effectively.
I pledge to hold regular townhall meetings to report on my progress and to take soundings on how constituents feel on these and other issues.
1. Locate a Library Service in Palmerstown
At present, the local library is located in Stewart’s Hospital but this is no longer satisfactory. Library hours are confined to 10am to 5pm and there is no opening at the weekend. The library is maintained by two people and when there is leave for whatever reason, the service can be reduced further.
The library is not meeting its full potential as an access point for books, DVDs, music CDs and as a portal to the information age.
Money from South Dublin County Council has been made available to fund the library but the footfall would indicate that it is not being fully used.
I pledge, therefore, to campaign to have it re-located in a more suitable location in Palmerstown and to get it developed.
2. Maintain a Local Health Centre
Preventative medicine is a core part of my strategy for the health service. Regular check ups, exercise and dietary advice can keep us out of hospitals and cut costs. If we take our cars for service each year, we should surely have check-ups.
I am in favour of integrated primary health care centres and hope that health centre in Ballyfermot can do this.
However, we also need smaller local centres for routine work. I think that a health centre should be maintained at Manor Road for items such as routine eye tests for children and as a location point for a community nurse.
3. Provide Playground facilities and a youth cafe.
Palmerstown has no proper playground facilities and parents need to take children to Lucan or elsewhere.
In the 21st century, these facilities should be available in every location. They are an important centre for developing and integrating our communities.
There should also be a youth cafe for teenagers – as there is in Lucan.
I pledge to make strong representations and to mobilise people to win these social rights.
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