Thursday, 14th February 2013
The Government has committed to an investment in Cork of more than €8.3 million to improve the availability of sustainable transport across the city.  The areas to benefit include Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Douglas, Passage West and across all areas of the city.

The percentage of commuters in Cork who use public transport and bicycles is very low.  The only way we can ever increase the use of sustainable transport is to make it accessible when and where people need it.  This funding will make it easier for people to use sustainable transport, improving the walking, cycling and public transport experience across the city.

This funding will provide footpaths and crossings at Cooney’s Lane, Cogan’s Corner and at schools in Crosshaven and Passage West.  In Douglas funding is being provided to advance the Land Use & Transportation Study which aims to improve walking, cycle and public transport facilities.  Importantly the final section of a bus priority project on Maryborough Hill is being funded by this announcement.

In the South East of the city funding has been provided for the completion of pedestrian and cycle facilities on Boreenmanna Road.  At Dennehy’s Cross the operation of the junction will be improved with changes to the traffic signals and adjustments to the road alignment.

All of these projects are at different phases of development, some have been completed and others have not yet begun.  I hope that the effect of these initiatives will be to improve the operation of traffic junctions, making it easier for all road users across the city.

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, National Work, South Central, South East, South West, Transport

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has received assurances that rostered overtime and on-call provisions for junior hospital doctors at CUH are protected.

“Following serious concerns about reported changes to overtime practices at CUH I contacted the HSE regional Director, Pat Healy, and the management team at CUH. I sought clarification on what was the exact position at CUH regarding overtime.

“I have been informed by the management team at CUH that rostered overtime and on-call provisions for junior hospital doctors have not been affected. According to hospital management they have ensured that rostered overtime and on-call provisions are protected, consequently arrangements for both have not been changed.

“I understand that the hospital has made a change to arrangements for junior hospital doctors unrostered overtime. This was done in an effort to contain costs at the hospital and the doctors affected by the change were advised prior to its implementation.

“In the current economic climate where there is a limited supply of resources the hospital must make every effort to operate within its budget. For years we have had a situation where hospitals regularly exceeded their allocated budgets, if we are to have a properly managed health system then that practice must end. Inevitably changing a regular pattern of budget overruns will pose difficulties but in the long term it should ensure a more efficient health system.

“Under the national service plan the target for CUH was to treat 26,696 in-patients this year. Current predictions have it on target to treat approximately 32,000 in-patients, 20% ahead of what was envisaged. At a time when resources are tight treating an increasing number of patients can only be done with cooperation between management and frontline staff. All staff at CUH must be commended for their dedication and commitment to delivering an excellent service to patients and their families. Doctors, nurses, porters and cleaning staff are the backbone of our health service it is their willingness to adapt which is facilitating the required changes whilst ensuring that services remain patient-centred.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork, Cork City, Douglas, Health

Fine Gael TD, Jerry Buttimer, has confirmed that he will contest the next General Election in the Cork South Central constituency.

“The Constituency Commission Report recommended significant changes to Cork South Central.  Since the publication of the report I have carefully considered its impact.  I can confirm that it is my intention to continue my on-going commitment to the people of Cork South Central and to contest the next General Election as a Fine Gael candidate in Cork South Central constituency.

“In seventeen months as a TD, and as chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, I have worked on important local and national issues.  I have led the Committee’s work on alcohol misuse and on the early stages of developing legislation to put child protection guidelines on a statutory footing.  I will continue to work on local and national issues in the interests of the people of Cork South Central and the wider public.

“At the 2011 General Election, Fine Gael won two of the first four seats in Cork South Central.  I believe that the delivery of commitments in our Programme for Government and our strong team in Cork South Central will ensure that we retain two seats in the constituency at the next General Election.

“While the changes set out in the Commission’s report make it more difficult for candidates, it is a sign that our Government is delivering on political reform. When implemented, the changes of the Constituency Commission will deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government to reduce the number of TDs.  This is just one element of a series of reform measures which will also see the number of local authorities reduced across the country and a referendum being put to the electorate on the future of the Seanad.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, Politics, South Central, South East, South West