Byrne: Sinn Fein Minister will sign off on proposed school closures

This week West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has responded to remarks made in last week's press by Derg Councillor Maolíosa McHugh. Mr Byrne explained that it will be 'Sinn Fein Education Minister John O'Dowd who will ultimately sign off on the closure of any  Rural Primary school' and that 'Councillor McHugh should spend more time lobbying his own party colleague on how closing rural schools is destroying rural communities instead of lecturing those defending these schools'.

Speaking on the comments Mr Byrne said "As an MLA who was given a mandate by the people of West Tyrone, I am entitled to express the views of my constituents which I represent and must defend. Despite the Minister announcing that pupil numbers will not be 'the straw that breaks the camel's back', many parents and teachers believe pupil numbers will carry the heaviest influence when the final decision is made on whether to close a school or not."

Despite what others may claim the proposed minimum pupil number was set at 105 by the Department of Education and if this is implemented by John O'Dowd then up to 40 schools may face closure. The bottom line is that many Primary Schools in Northern Ireland are earmarked for closure and it will be John O'Dowd who will sign off on every single one of them."

"During a radio interview last week I expressed my concerns on the potential damage closing rural schools will have on rural communities, these are concerns shared by the majority of people across West Tyrone. Cllr McHugh can play politics where he likes and attack me if it makes him feel any better, but that's not going to solve the problem, nor will it save our schools. If he thinks telling the truth to the electorate is 'scaremongering' then that's a matter for him. I would urge Councillor McHugh to put his time and energy into fighting against these closures, and lobbying his own party colleague on how closing rural schools will be devastating to rural communities instead of throwing toys out of the pram and attacking those defending these schools".

"This is not scaremongering. These are the facts and I would suggest Cllr McHugh deal with them. Sinn Fein is closing rural schools and already has closed a number in West Tyrone. As the MLA and representative of the people of this constituency I am not prepared to stand back and say nothing about the devastation this will cause to rural communities."

Parades Commission must jealously guard its authority and independence

SDLP Candidate for the Derg DEA Jim McIntyre this week commented on the recent changes to the parades commission.  Mr McIntyre said: "Parades and the issue of flags have been a controversial and hugely divisive issue for the people of Castlederg from both traditions for a long number of years. That is why I feel as the SDLP candidate for the people across the new Derg electoral area that I must highlight the importance of having an authoritative and independent commission working in the interests of the greater good for all people across the North of Ireland."

"The SDLP notes the appointment of five people to the Parades Commission. As before, the SDLP will work closely with the new Parades Commission to ensure it does its job properly and independently. The new appointees are clearly substantial individuals with the potential to make a positive contribution and we wish them well in their endeavors.

"However, we in the SDLP repeat, we are concerned the current Parades Commission was stood down; that the Secretary of State unilaterally reconfigured how the new Commission will do its work and that the depth of knowledge and insight of current Commission members in addressing difficult parading issues has now been lost."

"The SDLP advised the Secretary of State at a meeting last week of our concerns around her approach. Ms Villiers appeared to be dismissive of them. So, we again say to the Secretary of State that the greatest vigilance must be exercised around parading disputes and the Parades Commission must jealously guard its authority and independence."

SDLP announce candidates for upcoming council elections

Last night (Sunday) the SDLP in Strabane announced their candidates for the upcoming Derry-Strabane Super Council elections in 2014.

In attendance at Murphy's on the Green was a large crowd of friends and supporters of the candidates, to celebrate their selection to run as SDLP candidates in the 2014 local elections. The Electoral areas in question were the Derg Electoral Area and the newly formed Sperrin Electoral area. In the Derg Jim McIntyre was selected as the SDLP's candidate, whilst in Sperrin Liam Stewart, Patrick Leonard and sitting Councillor Patsy Kelly were selected to run as candidates.

Speaking on his selection Jim McIntyre said "I am honored to be selected by the Members of the Strabane District Branch to represent them in the upcoming elections. I joined the SDLP because of their core principles of prosperity, reconciliation and social justice. These are principles I whole heartily standby and will be striving towards if I am elected next year."

Also speaking on his selection was Liam Stewart who said "I am privileged to be endorsed by my peers and given the opportunity to represent the town I grew up in and its people. Strabane and its people have been forgotten about for far too long, and I along with my fellow SDLP colleagues will continue the fight we started over two years ago with the re-launch of the new SDLP team in Strabane, if elected by the people."

Sperrin SDLP District Area candidate Patrick Leonard said "I would like to thank everyone who believed me enough to select me as their SDLP candidate in the Sperrin District Electoral Area. Being married to a niece of former SDLP Leader John Hume I have always felt a great attachment to the politics of the SDLP. The SDLP is a party for the people and I will be working in their interests to fight for their future and my children's future."

Finally commenting on his re-selection was SDLP Strabane District Councillor Patsy Kelly who said "I have been fighting for over two years in Council for the people of this town. I have now been given the trust of my fellow colleagues and been selected to run again for the SDLP in 2014. I will continue to lobby for the people of Strabane and I hope next year I will have a strong SDLP team standing with me in Council."

Following the selections it was announced there will be further announcements in January and everyone was looking forward to the journey ahead.

Byrne: Farming must not suffer in latest stage of Rural Development Programme

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone and Vice-Chair of the Agricultural and Rural Development Committee, Joe Byrne, has said that the Rural Development Programme must be tailored to the needs of the farming community rather than directed into other community projects which other government Departments should be financing.

 The West Tyrone MLA said:

 “The current discussions regarding the CAP money’s from Northern Ireland, and in particular the rural development monies must ensure the sustained development of farming and farm related enterprise in the rural parts of Northern Ireland.

 “The rural development programme must be tailored this time to support rural business development.  Sustaining rural communities must be the priority.

 “It is therefore crucial that any transfer of Pillar 1 moneys to Pillar 2 must be minimised unless DARD can secure co-funding from the Executive for any Rural Development Programme initiatives beyond agri-related activities.

 “In the past Rural Development Programme monies have been used to fund many rural community development projects, including in the social, sporting and cultural sphere.

 “This has caused anxiety within the farming community who have felt that farming CAP moneys have been taken from the farming sector to fund other projects which should be funded not from DARD but DCAL or DSD.”

McIntyre: Carbon Monoxide awareness can save lives in Strabane District

Local SDLP Candidate for the Derg DEA, Jim McIntyre has lent his support to Northern Ireland's first ever Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month which aims to help protect the public from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

The initiative, which was developed by the Carbon Monoxide Safety Group, is steered by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), which is warning against the dangers of this silent, but lethal killer.

Mr McIntyre said:

"Carbon Monoxide continues to be the 'silent killer' as a colourless, odourless gas that poisons when undetected.

"It is vitally important to raise awareness of the potential dangers linked to Carbon Monoxide which is produced in the burning of all fuels - oil, gas, coal and wood. I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the dangers which can result from exposure and the measures which should be taken to keep everyone safe.

"The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often difficult to diagnose, mimicking those of other common illnesses such as flu and headaches. It is crucial that people remain vigilant and have their appliances serviced on a regular basis.

"It is imperative that every home is fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm so that we can prevent needless tragedy as a result of faulty fuel-burning appliances"

SDLP welcome works to Barrack Street Footpath

This week the SDLP in Strabane have welcomed the repair works beginning on the Barrack Street footpath leading onto the Evish Road that has been in a state of disrepair for quite a long time.

Welcoming the news was Sperrin SDLP Candidate Liam Stewart who said “I welcome these works beginning on the footpath just above Barrack Street Boys Primary School. We in the SDLP have been lobbying the Housing Executive to have this work carried out for over two years following complaints from constituents.”

“Many of the complaints we felt were very serious. An elderly resident contacted our office and told us how they fell on the uneven bricks and badly hurt themselves. When we realised that this footpath was close to the local Church and two Primary Schools it was of great concern. We immediately launched a campaign to get this issued sorted.”

“Despite welcoming the news of these works beginning, it has taken over two years of lobbying and countless meetings with Northern Ireland Housing Executive officials. I would point out that Housing Executive Grounds Maintenance would need to get its act together. A further two residents have been badly hurt by falling on this footpath. These could have been avoided had the Housing Executive acted sooner.”

Kelly: Call for FOI on business case into DARD relocation

SDLP Councillor Patsy Kelly has welcomed support from his council colleagues for his motion calling for a Freedom of Information request regarding the Agriculture Minister’s business case on the relocation of DARD Headquarters to Ballykelly.

Cllr Kelly was speaking after the motion won support at a meeting of Strabane Council last night.

Cllr Kelly said: “I am delighted to have received support for the motion, which was seconded by Sinn Fein.

“We were told months ago the business case into why the DARD jobs are going to Ballykelly was ready but, still, there is no sign of it and that is unacceptable. The people of Strabane need to know how and why Minister Michelle O’Neill made the decision to relocate DARD headquarters to Ballykelly.

“I hope with this support from Council, as a corporate body, a loud and clear message has been sent to the minister and she is listening, and she will reveal her business case as to why Ballykelly was chosen over Strabane.”

Byrne: Three Rivers Project vital to Strabane regeneration

This Week SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne, met with the Department of Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, regarding The Three Rivers Project for Strabane.
 

‘I welcome the fact that Minister Durkan said he hoped to be in a position to make a decision regarding The Three River Project soon. He indicated that there are a number of outstanding issues that his planning officials are dealing with and that hopefully these can be dealt with satisfactorily.’

‘This is a major project for Strabane and is vital for the local economy and regeneration of the area.’

Byrne questions Minister over Rural Development Programme

This week West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne questioned the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill, on the Rural Development Programme, in particular the problems that farmers face when looking to connect a turbine or Anaerobic Digester to the electric grid.

Mr Byrne said “The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development was being questioned on small-scale renewable generation projects that have been successful in qualifying for funding under farm diversification through axis 3 of the rural development programme. During the questioning the problems involving farmers who are unable to get a conditional letter of offer from NIE to get connected to the grid was raised.”

“Following this I asked does the Minister accept that this is a growing problem for many farmers who have planning permission to build either one turbine or an anaerobic digester.  What can she do, in conjunction with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and EirGrid, to try to resolve this situation?”

The Minister responded by saying “Looking towards the new rural development programme, however, I think that there will be the potential to change things, albeit that we still have to work under the Commission's rules.  The new programme will be an opportunity to take another, fresh look at that.  We are looking at that as we analyse the responses to the rural development programme consultation, which closed recently.”

Mr Byrne concluded by saying “I will be following developments closely and I will continue to lobby the Minister and her Department to ensure a swift connection of renewable energy projects to the grid.”

Byrne addresses Strabane and District Citizens Advice Bureau AGM on Welfare Reform

On Thursday 28^th of November the Strabane and District Citizens Advice Bureau held their Annual General Meeting with West Tyrone SDLP MLA the guest speaker on the issue of Welfare Reform.

Speaking at the meeting Mr Byrne said “People across the North are already suffering because of welfare cuts, many of which are being imposed prior to the introduction of universal credit.”

“Let me be clear: the SDLP does not oppose the idea of simplifying the social security process. We do not oppose in any way the concept of getting people back to work when or if they are able. We do not oppose welfare reform, but we do oppose unfair reform and unfair is precisely what many of the reforms are.”

“Although the Conservative welfare agenda is hurting vulnerable people across these islands, its impact will be even harsher here in Northern Ireland. The levels of disadvantage and disability, the emotional, mental and physical needs resulting from years of conflict and the risk of alienation mean that welfare needs are significantly different here.”

“The SDLP accepts the need to prevent people from abusing the system, but we must not create a system that abuses people. Changes to housing benefit are also certain to have a much more pronounced impact over the coming months. The change to the upper age limit for the shared accommodation rate has the potential to make thousands of young men and women homeless or result in them living in substandard conditions.”

“We in the SDLP support incentives for people to get off benefits. However, there must also be work for people to get into. Any Government should focus on job creation rather than austerity measures that only serve to perpetuate the dire economic situation.

“The SDLP has been consistent in its opposition to the Tory bedroom tax which will affect over 32,000 people in the north, many vulnerable, if it comes into effect. We won’t let this happen and will lodge our petition of concern if necessary to kill it. The SDLP are striving to make a difference for the good of all and the protection of the vulnerable.”

Byrne welcomes major boost for Irish beef industry

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne has welcomed news that Japan has lifted the 13-year-long ban on imported beef from Ireland.

Assemblyman Byrne said: “The Irish government delegation, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Coveney is to be congratulated on getting the markets for Irish beef to Japan reopened.

“This sends out a positive message that Irish beef conforms to the highest standards and thus this will significantly boost the industry.

“It is a sign that international confidence is restored in relation to the quality of Irish beef.

“Our Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O’ Neill needs to ensure that Northern Ireland beef exports can have access to the Japanese market.

“The First Minister, Peter Robinson, and Deputy First Minister, Martin Mc Guinness, must lobby strongly on behalf of the Northern Ireland meat exporters, and get the same result as the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has secured for the Republic’s beef farmers.

“Japan has a record low food sufficiency rate and this is unlikely to change in the near future. For this reason Japan is looking for supplies of safe food.

“As the fourth largest net importer of beef in the world, after the US, Russia and China, Japan is a very attractive market for beef farmers.”

Byrne: Vital Consumer Council is maintained

Joe Byrne, SDLP MLA for West Tyrone, says it is vital the Consumer Council is maintained and funded to empower consumers when purchasing goods or services.

The assemblyman said: “Consumers need a strong voice to speak out for them. They need a body to deal with consumer enquires and complaints. They need someone to listen and respond to their collective views.

“When consumers have a complaint they want a friendly voice or face to deal with it. They should not be forced to pay for advocacy advice when the Consumer Council can deal with such an issue efficiently and effectively.

“In talking to the Consumer Council I found out one consumer in Omagh had received an electricity bill for over £800 for a property she had rented but had moved from. This bill was subsequently reduced to under £20.

“Another consumer in Strabane received a bill from the Water Service for £2,552.72 and, when this complaint was investigated by the Consumer Council the Water Service agreed to look at the average daily consumption. As a result of this, the bill was reduced to £246.03.

“The Consumer Council is delivering. As many families and individuals are suffering economically consumer representation should be strengthened not weakened. Now, more than ever, we need a voice like the Consumer council to represent us.”

Byrne: Local rural primary schools need support

SDLP MLA, Joe Byrne has expressed his support for both St Francis of Assisi and Envagh Primary Schools on working on a joint initiative to protect their rural schools.

Speaking after a recent meeting in St Francis of Assisi Primary school assemblyman Byrne said: “The rural school represents the heart of the local community. It is important rural schools are protected as the school is the lifeline of the economy in many rural areas. It also helps to provide an identity for the people in the area.

“The parents and Boards of Governors of both St Francis of Assisi and Envagh Primary Schools have been proactive in asking for a three-year amnesty so they can develop a sustainable plan to ensure the viability of their rural schools.

“Following the meeting I have written to the Minister for Education to seek an extension to the consultation period on behalf of the above two schools in order for them to develop a sustainable recovery plan.

“It is difficult for these rural schools to attract new pupils if there is doubt over their viability. Parents select schools on the basis of their child’s potential experience and education. They do not want them to have to change primary schools during their years there.

“Being a past pupil of a rural primary school I recognise the importance of being educated in the community that you live in, as well as the importance of these schools in their area.”

Byrne: Buy Local and support local businesses

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne is urging shoppers to back local traders during Small Business Saturday this weekend which aims to get shoppers to support small independent retailers.

The assemblyman said: “Small Independent retailers in both Omagh and Strabane districts have contributed and continue to contribute greatly to our economy and should be supported.

“A recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses shows “for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p was re-spent in the local area compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a larger business”.

“Vibrant and viable town centres are dependent on these small business traders to bring variety and enhance the customers shopping experience.

“It is encouraging that the Regional Development Minister has relaxed the parking charges so that shoppers will be encouraged to shop in the town centres and support local small businesses.

“My message is ‘Buy Local and Support Local Businesses.’’

Byrne welcomes Christmas Parking bonus announcement.

I welcome the announcement of this Christmas parking bonus for towns and cities across the North. Parking has been a major concern for retailers and business owners, especially town centre businesses, for quite some time. This has also been an issue for consumers, who in this current financial climate are being hard pressed, especially coming into the festive period.

This is an issue the SDLP have lobbied for in the past and are pleased to see Central Government finally taking notice of the concerns of the people. I hope these measures will encourage shoppers to come out and spend, especially supporting their local shops, over Christmas and right through the January sales. Another positive story for Strabane.