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

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

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement of €50 million investment in Xilinix, Inc. in Dublin and Cork which will see 60 highly qualified positions being created.

“The decision by Xilinx to invest 50 million to expand its electronics engineering operations at the company’s Europe, Middle East and African headquarters is an acknowledgement of the strength of the company’s operation here and the talent of the workforce.

“This investment not only re-affirms Xilinx’s commitment to its Irish operations, it will also present golden opportunities for the highly-skilled sector, including PhD graduates, looking to secure employment. It is estimated that 45 positions will be made available for senior silicon and electronics engineering staff for the regional HQ in Dublin and the engineering centre in Cork. A further 15 positions will come on stream across a range of disciplines to promote the continued growth of the company.

“The development of the domestic market is key to turning the economy around. This can be done by ensuring that the impact of foreign direct investment is deepened here. For every foreign multinational that sets-up or expands in Ireland, the knock-on implication for our home-grown industries, that supply ancillary goods or services, is immense.

“The Government has been working tirelessly to restore our reputation internationally and to ensure that Ireland offers a competitive environment in which companies can flourish. While there is still much work to be done, we are beginning to see the result of these efforts in terms of the steady stream of investment that has been coming in over the last year.

“Encouraging growth and investment in the Research & Development sector, brings with it much sought after and highly-skilled jobs. This will ensure that positions are available for our well educated graduates which is crucial for Ireland’s future development and success. All those associated with announcement are to be commended for their efforts which send a strong signal to similarly placed companies worldwide.”

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