KELLY: NATIONAL TRUST MUST RECONSIDER ‘INFLEXIBLE APPROACH’

SDLP Councillor Patsy Kelly has questioned the inflexible attitude of the National Trust after a busload of tourists was turned away from Gray’s printers this weekend.

Mr Kelly said:

“I am deeply disappointed that a busload of tourists was turned away from Gray’s printing press this weekend because they hadn’t given two weeks’ notice of an intention to visit the National Trust site. Gray's teas room which is attached to Gray's printing press provides a very welcoming space for visitors and has also missed out on tourist's visits.

  

“We should be sending out a clear message that the North is a welcome place for tourists and open for business. Instead we have a strict adherence to rules by the National Trust which defies belief.

“In this part of the North we can be very proud not only of the historic Gray’s printing press but also President Wilson’s homestead, both of which hold a great interest for tourists.

“I would ask the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure to explain why Strabane seems to being placed in a second class position when it comes to tourism, and in particular in light of an inflexible approach from the National Trust towards the area.”

Byrne: Commitment to the A5 of utmost importance

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone and Vice Chair of the Assembly Agricultural Committee Joe Byrne has expressed his concern that some parties may resign from their collective commitment to the A5 Project. 

Speaking after yesterday's Assembly debate Mr Byrne said:

"I put down the amendment with the express intention of ensuring renewed executive commitment to the A5 project. It remains that the road is of crucial importance on a number of fronts. It is noteworthy that subsequent to the St Andrew's agreement this major flagship peace dividend project was earmarked as a national primary route for joint Government support and action. 

"The people of Donegal, Derry and in my own constituency of West Tyrone view this project as evidence of a firm commitment to peace. It is therefore extremely disappointing that Sinn Fein, the DUP and The Alliance Party may possibly renege on previous commitment to what is an essential project. Further delays and obstacles should not be considered given that the habitats directive requirements are being implemented.

"The purpose of the amendment was to ensure that the £113 million that was earmarked for the project would not return to the Treasury; it is important that the funds are reallocated with the greater public interest at the forefront. One possible project that satisfies these criteria is the A32 'umbilical cord' road between Omagh and Enniskillen. This road needs improvements along certain sections and is particularly relevant as it is an important corridor for health provision.

"I have worked consistently for the vital improvements needed for the A5 for 25 years. It is my hope that the Parties in the assembly will hold steady in their commitment for the road and eventually it will be delivered."

SDLP backs petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a new Meningitis B vaccine

This week the SDLP in West Tyrone has fully backed the petition calling on the British Government to introduce a new Meningitis B Vaccine, to prevent the disease from claiming further lives.

West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne welcomed Marie and Sean Devine from Strabane to Stormont, and commended the hard work by all involved in bringing this issue to the British Government. Mr Byrne said “This has not been an easy journey for both Marie and Sean following the loss of a loved one. Following the tragic circumstances surrounding Terri’s passing, I can only commend the determination and courage shown by all involved, in handing in the ‘Time for Terri’ petition calling for a vaccine to be introduced. “

“Meningitis and septicaemia affect around 3,600 people in the UK and Ireland annually and meningococcal B disease is responsible for the majority of cases of disease in the UK and Ireland. These diseases can strike anyone without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering effects as severe as deafness, brain damage and loss of limbs. As a parent myself I couldn’t imagine the heartache of losing a child to this terrible disease.”

“We in the SDLP are in full favour of this petition and I would strongly urge action from the British government to prevent further loss of life. What a great way to celebrate Terri’s life, by ensuring that this disease does not claim more innocent lives.”

Kelly : DRD need to fund North West cycling infrastructure

SDLP Strabane Councillor Patsy Kelly has called on the Minister of Regional Development for greater promotion of cycling in the North West. 

Cllr Patsy Kelly said; “Cycling is becoming a very popular recreational activity in Northern Ireland. Cycling is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine, because it’s also a form of transport which is free. Not only does it save you money, but helps to get you fit and is good for the environment.

“Cycling in the North West is perfect way to see Ireland, as you pass through several different countries and through the towns of Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen and Sligo. Our existing cycle paths are mostly traffic free and they utilizes the beautiful country roads surrounding our towns.

“I am calling on Minister of Regional Development Danny Kennedy for investment to be put into promoting the potential for cycling in the North West. Increased investment and promotion for cycling in the North West will have a positive impact on tourism and job opportunities in the areas. 

Kelly : Strabane needs a one way traffic system

SDLP Strabane Councilor Patsy Kelly has called on the  Minister of Regional Development for introduction of a one way traffic system in Strabane town Centre.

Councilor Patsy Kelly: Bringing in a one way system would greatly improve the traffic flow around the town centre. Residents have been contacting our office to express their concerns around a number of bottleneck junctions within Strabane, Bridge Street and Railway Street have been highlighted as problem junctions. 

“When you have serious congestion within a town centre, then this has a knock-on effect for local businesses. Through trade lost because of customers or staff stuck in traffic jams or customers being put off coming into town altogether. Additional to this there has been problems with number of cars parked within the town, which at peak times make it difficult for drivers to negotiate. 

“Introducing a one way system will focus on reducing congestion around Strabane, allowing for more free-flowing traffic and helping to encouraging more use of public and sustainable transport. I call on the Roads Service and Minister Danny Kennedy to take urgent action to address the congestion problems in Strabane, before it gets any worse.

Byrne: Banks Must Give Urgent Help To Farmers

During a debate in Stormont on Tuesday 21st May relating to Farm Incomes; Joe Byrne, MLA for West Tyrone and Vice-Chair of the Assembly Agricultural Committee, called on the local Banks in Northern Ireland to show more flexibility and outlined the need for extended credit facilities to many farm businesses that are in dire need of help at this time.

During the debate Mr Byrne emphasised the need for banks to recognise the current difficulties that many farmers face due to the weather related problems and the shortage of fodder.

The motion on falling farm incomes proposed by Joanne Dobson MLA (UUP) was amended by Mr Byrne in relation to Bank credit facilities. In reference to the Agri-food strategy report published last week, Mr Byrne called on Minister O’Neill to declare the Executive’s position on the need for £ 400 million pounds of government support over the next 3 to 4 years to kick start the Agri-Strategy for the following 10 years.

Speaking after the debate Mr Byrne stated:

“I put down the amendment relating to bank credit facilities because many farmers are in a precarious position financially, whereby many of them are operating at their credit limit but need further short term credit facilities to deal with fodder and feed shortages.

“My fear is that some banks will not be sensible and sensitive to some farmer’s problems and unfortunately, some farm businesses may go bankrupt.

“I was pleased that it was a mature debate which demonstrated the concern of many MLAs about the current farming situation. We all want to see a farming industry and Agri-Food sector growing and developing over the next 10 years, but we recognise the short term difficulties that we must address to ensure that these farm businesses survive.”

Byrne: Great Show cannot mask Crisis in Farming

Irelands largest Agricultural and Food Show and one of the main events in the farming calendar, The Balmoral Show, celebrated its 145^th anniversary and this year West-Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne took part in a special meet and greet.

Mr Byrne was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the shows patrons and discuss their views. While doing so Mr Byrne, who is Vice-Chair of the Stormont Agricultural Committee, was approached by many disgruntled farmers who expressed their views on the farming industry.

Among many topics, Mr Byrne readily discussed at length the current ‘Fodder Crisis’ that is currently gripping the Agricultural Community. Mr Byrne said “Of all the issues that were raised to me, top of the agenda among many farmers was the on-going Fodder Crisis. Many farmers, due to weather conditions, have been left without any feed for their animals”.

“Among those in attendance I met a number of farmers from Fermanagh who have also been struggling to make ends meet, due to the unfavourable weather conditions. Like many they try to remain positive in these testing times for farmers.”

“I have continuously raised the strife that farmers are currently enduring to DARD, Unfortunately DARD are so aloof from reality, they don’t recognise what is going on.”

On a more positive note Mr Byrne and his young SDLP team in attendance, commended the work done by all to make a great show possible. “I have been visiting the Balmoral Agricultural Show since I was a student in Queens in the mid Seventies and have always enjoyed the colour and atmosphere when country people attend this large show annually.”

“The RUAS are to be congratulated on this major development to the new Maze site and hopefully they will be able to enjoy another 100 years of progress and advancement of the farming sector in our economy”.