McCrossan: Rural Roads initiative must be more than pothole patchwork job

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has said that a new ‘rural road initiative’ announced by the Infrastructure Minister today must be more than a pothole patchwork programme.

He said, “There are miles and miles of roads across Omagh, Strabane and throughout West Tyrone that have been left in a sorry state of affairs after years on under-investment in our transport infrastructure. Local people will know that a drive across the county is more like a rally circuit than a scenic countryside cruise.

“I’m glad that the Infrastructure Minister has decided to take action and today announced a new initiative to tackle the poor condition of rural roads. It is important however, that this is more than a pothole patchwork programme. A new coat of paint may hide the cracks on the wall but it won’t keep it standing.

“I would encourage anyone who notices road faults to report them to Transport NI immediately so that we can avail of as much funding as possible to enhance our roads network.”

Goan welcomes youthful assembly intake

The increase in young intake into the Northern Irish Assembly has been welcomed by SDLP Youth Office Charlie Goan, and has called on these new politicians to work harder on youth issues such as a “Brain Drain” and youth services.

Thursday the 5th of May saw the beginning of the new assembly mandate and an increase in new, young faces admitted to Stormont. In this new mandate there has been an increase of young, able politicians.

Speaking on the matter Mr Goan said “I believe it is time that the politicians in the area began to listen to young people’s views and to begin to take young people seriously. There are many issues that face the youth population in West Tyrone including the Brain Drain and lack of services for young people.”

“Having had many successful meetings in the past with Daniel McCrossan MLA, Claire Hanna MLA and Nichola Mallon MLA I have every faith that the new SDLP team in Stormont can deliver these services for young people. The SDLP has shown leadership in the past and with the youngest leader of a political party in Stormont and a growing youth team in Castlederg and Strabane, now is the perfect time to lobby your local MLAs on these issues.”   

“As a local teenager I have witnessed first-hand the growing need for effective government in Stormont. Castlederg, Aghyaran, Strabane and the entire constituency has become a black stop where droves of our young people leave to seek opportunities abroad. This should be the mandate in which we turn around this trend and bring further opportunity to the constituency. I believe this process has already began with the election of Daniel McCrossan, a forward thinking, youthful presence that the constituency has been crying out for for a considerable amount of time”

McCrossan thanks voters and vows to be a strong voice for West Tyrone

SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has thanked the electorate of West Tyrone for putting their faith in him to deliver for West Tyrone following his election to the Assembly.

Mr McCrossan said “I would like to first and foremost thank all the people of West Tyrone who voted for me at the election, and in doing so put their faith in me to deliver a better deal for West Tyrone.”

“I have said from the very start of this election campaign that a vote for me is a vote for better representation in the Assembly and a stronger voice for the people of West Tyrone, who have been let down time and time again by the Executive at Stormont in terms of delivering jobs and investment to the North West.”

“I received votes from people of all backgrounds and I intend to represent every single person in West Tyrone regardless of background or religion. Everyone in West Tyrone has suffered equally due to lack of investment from central government. It is my job along with the 5 other MLA’s within the constituency, to ensure much needed investment like the A5 are finally delivered, instead of being used as a political football by other parties.”

“The people of West Tyrone have been let down too often. The hard work begins straight away and it is a challenge I very much look forward to.” 

McCrossan urges Minister to prioritise Springhill Park Window Replacement Scheme

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has urged the Minister for Social Development to prioritise the Springhill Park Window Replacement Scheme following news the scheme is to be rolled out by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in March 2017.

Mr McCrossan has now urged the Minister to prioritise these works in the Springhill Park area of Strabane after revealing the start date would be subject to the ongoing budget review, design and approval process.

Speaking after the announcement Mr McCrossan said “The issue with poor quality windows in the Springhill Park area of Strabane has been an ongoing issue for a number of years. I have been working with constituents in the Springhill Park area and the poor quality windows installed by the Housing Executive is a constant source of frustration for residents.”

“The quality of these windows, in my view, is simply unacceptable and they are unfit for purpose. I have seen first-hand how residents struggle to heat their homes and keep fuel costs to a minimum when their windows can neither keep in heat nor keep cold draughts out. This coupled with the recent storms the North West has experienced in the last few weeks, has only made a difficult job harder for residents.”

“I have lobbied the Minister on this issue and I will continue to do so to ensure this scheme is rolled out on schedule. There can be absolutely no delay in these necessary works being carried out.”

McCrossan: RHI shutdown raises concern over 70 Omagh jobs

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has slammed a decision by the Minister Jonathan Bell to axe the Renewable Heat Incentive. The loss of the scheme which funds renewable heating projects to produce renewable energy is predicted to cost 2,000 jobs with a business owner in Omagh expressing concern for his 70 staff.

Mr McCrossan said: “Minister Bell’s sudden announcement makes devastating reading for the many businesses who have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into equipment on the basis of the scheme

“One company based in Omagh have £650,000 worth of orders taken on this scheme and have £400,000 worth of boilers already paid for and non-refundable. They are expecting this move to cost them around £1million and are seriously concerned about the future of their 70 staff. They said that if the Minister had given warning or employed a staggered reduction then the damage would not be as severe.

“DETI has specialised in low-skill job creation and massive job losses particularly in manufacturing. Throughout the North this move has been forecast to cost 2,000 jobs in an industry that employs graduates and skilled workers.  Minister Bell seems intent on creating a call-centre economy.

“The Minister intends to bring his plan to the Assembly on Monday. The SDLP will strong in our opposition to a decision that will only put people on the dole queue and businesses into administration.”

McCrossan: Assault Rifle found in Strabane

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has described the discovery of an illegal firearm in Strabane as a deeply worrying. A military grade assault rifle was found at Lismourne Place along with ammunition.

Mr McCrossan said: “This discovery of this weapon is a deeply worrying development. Illegal and irresponsible gun ownership is very dangerous and we have seen weapons of this type used in illegal activity including the attempted murder of police.

“The illegal storing of firearms is unacceptable and it allows those who committed to violence to continue to put the public at risk. We must all be vigilant against this threat and I would encourage anyone with any relevant information to contact the police immediately.”

McCrossan: DRD in the dark on A5/A6 detail

SDLP West Tyrone MLA and member of the Regional Development Committee Daniel McCrossan has described the evidence provided by DRD officials at Regional Development Committee meeting today as a “demonstration of the scant detail, lack of funding and little thought,” given to the A5 and A6 developments. Senior DRD officials who were responding to questions from Committee members were unable to answer important questions pertaining to the development of the two roads.

Mr McCrossan said: “The evidence heard by the Regional Development Committee today completely undermines the boasts of Sinn Fein and the DUP that the development of the A5 and A6 will be delivered. It was a demonstration of the scant detail, lack of funding and little thought that have been given to these so called flagship projects beyond this year.

“In the case of the A6 we know that this budget has only put up £21million of the estimated half a billion needed to complete the road and when I asked about how plans were progressing on A5 the DRD officials looked at me as if I had two heads. They were unable to provide any detail on how or when the Strabane to New Buildings development would progress and there was no mention of the Ballygawley–Omagh-Strabane stretch that forms the bulk of the job.

“The fact that their testimony did not contain any detail is not a reflection on the Department but evidence of the clear lack of planning and direction that has come from the DUP minister. We must come to the conclusion that the reason why senior officials are still in the dark is because the DUP and Sinn Fein have no real intention of delivering on their promises. A day after it was introduced, this Budget is already falling apart under the weight of the slightest scrutiny. It has been exposed as a catalogue of empty election promises.”

McCrossan: 1916 is bigger than any party or politician

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has said that the events of 1916 and the commemoration of the Easter Rising is bigger than any political party and any politician.

Mr McCrossan said that he wants to see a year of inclusive commemoration that offers those of all political traditions the opportunity to tell the story of their community and to learn about their own connection to the events of 100 years ago.

Mr McCrossan said: “1916 was a pivotal year in the shaping of Ireland. The rich history of that year, from the march on the GPO to the march on the battlefields of the Somme, belongs to all the people of Ireland. It certainly doesn’t belong to any party or any politician.

“I was disappointed to hear the new First Minister suggest that she will not be associated with the Easter Rising commemoration. That is a step backward. History offers us all a choice – we can become rigid, unyielding and unwilling to accommodate the traditions of others. Or we can learn from the past, embrace the challenges of the present and stretch ourselves to shape a future where everyone is comfortable in our shared experiences. There is a unionist dimension to the Rising, a unique story to be told, just as there is a nationalist dimension to the Somme commemoration which my party will not shirk from. It would be a true loss if Arlene Foster and others chose not to share their story.

“But clearly there are others who believe that the story of the Rising is for them alone to tell. It is not. They believe that the sectarian conflict and violence of the troubles makes them the heir to the legacy of 1916. It does not. And the people of Ireland will not stand by silently as any party or politician attempts to claim sole ownership of our national heritage.”

McCrossan signs in as MLA for West Tyrone

Daniel McCrossan has signed the Assembly register today to become SDLP MLA for West Tyrone. Mr McCrossan was selected by SDLP party members to replace Joe Byrne who retired at the end of 2015.

Mr McCrossan said: “I am honoured to be signing in as one of two new MLAs for the SDLP alongside Gerard Diver. In Joe Byrne the people of West Tyrone had a representative who worked tirelessly in their interest with dignity, integrity and expertise. We cannot thank him enough for all he has accomplished for our people and I will strive to follow his example.

“In the Assembly I will pursue those issues that have been consistently neglected by other parties; the repeated failure to deliver the A5, the crisis facing our dairy and lamb farmers and our chronic shortage of housing and jobs. It is time parties in government make good on their promises to the people of West Tyrone. The SDLP will work to change that.

“The coming months will be critical for the SDLP, West Tyrone and all of Northern Ireland. Devolution must be more than what we have had over the last 10 years. I am confident that our Leader Colum Eastwood, with a strong Assembly team at his back, will show the public that that their interests are better served by a party committed partnership and not point scoring. It is time for change.”

Joe Byrne said: “Daniel McCrossan has all the qualities that will make him the outstanding representative for West Tyrone. His constituents can be assured that in him that they have an MLA who will fight for them with passion and confidence. I wish him all the best as he works in the Assembly over the next couple of months and contests the election in May.”

McCrossan: Rhetoric wont build roads

SDLP West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan has said that vital roads infrastructure in the North West won’t be built on empty rhetoric or broken promises and that local people will not be taken in by the same stories ahead of an election.

Mr McCrossan said that SDLP representatives have continued to lobby for significant infrastructure upgrades, including the A5, throughout the past five years and will continue to do so in spite of those who have come late to the party to make shallow electoral promises with no funding proposals.

Mr McCrossan said: “Investment in infrastructure upgrades throughout the West is critical to redeveloping our regional economy; there are no two ways about it. That’s why SDLP representatives here have continued to lobby, especially for new roads infrastructure, over the last number of years. Ours has been a legitimate campaign over many years to create growth and put communities here on a sustainable economic footing.

“Local people know who has put in the hard yards and who is ramping up the rhetoric. The ‘announcement’ about the A5 smacks of the same empty promises that have been made since 2007 and before every election since then. The flagship project package doesn’t even contain a clear indication of where funding beyond this year will come from. It’s public policy on a wing and a prayer.

“The SDLP is committed to a serious regional economic strategy to redevelop the West. That includes infrastructure upgrades on the A5 and the A6 as well as skills expansion at our local universities and higher education institutions. We can only generate prosperity if we maintain a highly skilled workforce and increase accessibility to our towns and cities. That is a significant job of work and will be much more difficult than simply making empty promises. The SDLP is up for the challenge though and with the support of local people, we’ll continue to press for change.”

McCrossan: Honoured after being chosen to join SDLP Assembly team

The West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan has publicly thanked those who selected him to replace Joe Byrne in the Assembly in the New Year.

Speaking after he was selected last night Mr McCrossan said, “It is a real honour to take over from Joe in the Assembly. He is the reason I joined the party and I’ve worked closely with him for many years now. I know this was not an easy decision for him but he’s remaining as Party Treasurer and I know he’ll be a close advisor.

“The energy in the room last night was a testimony to the work Joe has done over the years, and I know full well the responsibility I am taking on. But it is a challenge that l am ready for and I would like to thank everyone who supported me last night.

“Here in West Tyrone the appetite for what the SDLP has to offer is growing. We increased our votes in the Westminster election and I look forward to increasing our vote again in the May elections and returning to the Assembly.

“Under Colum Eastwood the SDLP is bringing a message that we must all commit to making the north work. That means real partnership across communities and real leaders capable of understanding the difference between being in power and being in government. It is a radical message at the right time, and it’s bringing in new members right across the north. I am honoured to be part of this.

“As the next MLA for West Tyrone I will campaign for proper commitment to funding the A5, for strategic investment in increasing apprenticeship places and for Northern Ireland to remain within Europe.

“Every single town across Northern Ireland faces challenges and it is no different here. I recently met with staff concerned about losing their jobs in Omagh with the proposed closure of Homebase and in Strabane after weeks of calling for work to be done on the River Finn and flooding which affected hundreds of people, work has finally begun.

“That is the sort of practical leadership I intend on delivering for the people of West Tyrone and I look forward to joining the rest of the SDLP team in the Assembly in the New Year.”

Daniel McCrossan selected as the SDLP’s new West Tyrone MLA

Speaking after being selected Mr McCrossan said, “It is a real honour to take over from Joe Byrne in the Assembly. He is the reason I joined the party and I’ve worked closely with him for many years now. I know this was not an easy decision for him but he’s remaining as Party Treasurer and I know he’ll be a close advisor.

“The energy in the room last night (Thursday 17th Dec) was a testimony to the work Joe has done over the years, and I know full well the responsibility I am taking on. But it is a challenge that l am ready for and I would like to thank everyone who supported me last night.”

He added, “As the next MLA for West Tyrone I will campaign for proper commitment to funding the A5, for strategic investment in increasing apprenticeship places and for Northern Ireland to remain within Europe.”

McCrossan: Token gestures won’t fix housing problem

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan welcomed news that the Department of Social Development plans to build 45 new social housing residences in Strabane.  Mr McCrossan stated that although the plans were encouraging, they fell far short of beginning to address the shortage of social housing in West Tyrone.

He said: “This token gesture, while great news for 45 families in West Tyrone, is still just a token gesture. It falls far short of even beginning to address the 500 families experiencing housing stress on waiting lists never mind the 1316 families in West Tyrone still waiting for social housing.

“I stand by my assertion that the DSD can only begin to tackle this inadequacy by introducing plans to build 500 new homes in West Tyrone immediately. 200 new homes in Strabane and 300 in Omagh is an appropriate target if the DSD are serious about relieving those experiencing severe housing stress.

McCrossan: Sinn Fein have buckled

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has accused Sinn Fein of buckling under pressure from the Tory Government after they backed the DUP’s Welfare Reform Bill. Describing the Bill as an attack on the welfare state, Mr McCrossan accused Sinn Fein of rolling over when the DUP abused the petition of concern to shut down SDLP amendments that sought to improve the Bill and protect the most vulnerable in society.

He said: “It is scandalous that Sinn Fein are still trying to represent themselves as a party fighting to protect the vulnerable in our society. In their complicity in this assault on the welfare state they have left those who depend on benefits very anxious about the reduced amounts they can expect and the hoops they’ll have to jump through to get them.

“People suffering from mental health problems, the victims of hate crime, disabled young people, these are the people the SDLP sought to protect with our amendments and these are the people Sinn Fein failed when they rolled over in the face of a DUP veto. They did not make a sound when the DUP undemocratically abused the petition of concern to effectively veto any change to their draconian welfare reform.

“The SDLP have resisted cuts at every level. We opposed Tory Welfare Reform at Westminster and significantly restricted the Bedroom Tax, now we’re left to oppose it in the Assembly alone. 

“It was the SDLP who gained accountability for NCA before they were allowed to operate in the North, providing us with a valuable new weapon against organised crime in border areas. Sinn Fein copped out and has done so again on Welfare Reform, buckling in the face of Tory pressure.

They promised to block the bedroom tax. Time after time they said they would table a petition of concern to make sure it never came into operation here. That has now been proven to be nothing more than hot air. The SDLP tabled a petition of concern and appealed to Sinn Féin throughout the debate to sign it. They failed to step up to the mark. Another broken promise to add to the list.

“It is clear now that the SDLP are now leading the fight against austerity and Sinn Fein are way out of touch with the public’s needs and opinion.”

McCrossan: Minister must come clean on Greenfield Care Home

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has called for the Minister for Health to come clean on the future of Greenfield Residential Care Home. Mr McCrossan made his demand following reports that beds were being kept empty in the Strabane residence for older people.

He said: “Reports that beds are being kept empty in a care home at a time when demand is high and Health spending is being cut is quite alarming. Many of the residents suspect that it is because the axe of healthcare cutbacks is about to fall on Greenfield.

“After hearing that as many as 17 of the 30 beds are currently unoccupied, I posted a letter of concern Health Minister enquiring if it was indeed his intention to target Greenfield for closure. The response I received was vague and noncommittal; lending weight to this possibility.

“The Minister must realize that it is inappropriate to be anything but transparent in regard to his intentions to remove services that people in this area depend on. These are peoples’ homes and it is about time the Minister ended the unnecessary stress he is putting on Greenfield residents and come clean about his intentions.”

McCrossan: Strabane is behind you Chloe

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has thrown his support behind Strabane singing sensation Chloe Wilders. Chloe appeared on The Voice of Ireland on RTE last Sunday night where her performance of Jason Mraz’s ‘I Won’t Give Up’ earned her a spot in Judge Niall Breslin’s team.

Mr McCrossan said: “Chloe is a well-known name around Strabane for her incredible voice and it’s fantastic to see her talent recognised across the nation.

“Her tremendous performance on Sunday night is not a surprise to anyone who has visited her prolific Youtube channel and her composure during the blind audition was testament to her conviction to succeed as an entertainer.

“Brezzie has gained himself a valuable asset in this contest and I’m sure Chloe will go on to great success. She is doing herself, her family and Strabane proud and, as I’m sure she already knows, we are all behind her.”

McCrossan: Need for comprehensive mental healthcare in Strabane

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has highlighted the considerable need for better mental healthcare in West Tyrone. Mr McCrossan explained that despite the valuable work charitable and voluntary organisations, various factors affecting the Strabane area demand more effective provision from the state.

Mr McCrossan said: “Healthcare for those suffering from mental health problems is very different from treating other conditions. Often it is a case of managing the condition rather than treating it and support is fundamental in this effort.

“Unfortunately for those living in Strabane and the surrounding area, the support provided in others area is not readily available. There seems to be a lack of consideration given to the consistent support required for patients in this area and how their conditions may inhibit them. I talked to one woman living in Strabane who was referred to Omagh and yet her condition prevented her from leaving the house.

“Charitable organisations like the Koram Centre do fantastic work in terms of support but as a society we cannot rely on the selflessness of others for lasting and comprehensive mental healthcare. It is essential that the Health Service increases the provision of aftercare and support for people with mental health conditions around Strabane.

“Factors such as low prospects for young people, falling standards of living and family separation due to emigration could contribute to an increase in problematic mental health issues in this area and this is something we must address. People living with these conditions may show no outward sign of how they are really feeling. It is vital that they are not left to suffer alone.

The 'Anti Equality Act' - An opinion piece by Charlie Goan

The Conscience Clause... Oh where do I begin to explain my utter distaste for this piece of legislation that should be christened the “Anti Equality Act”? We live in a democracy that elected representatives can openly discourage equality on TV, Radio and Social Media. For all who are not yet aware of the Conscience Clause I will give you some examples of what the legislation actually cover.

1.    It would mean that Same Sex Couples would not be allowed to adopt of a Catholic Adoption Agency if the agency objected due to the couples sexual orientation

2.    It would mean a Muslim Baker would not have to bake a Cake with “Pro-Gay” Slogans

3.    It would mean that a Evangelical Photographer could choose whether or not he wanted to photograph a same sex marriage

 If this bill is introduced people who class themselves homosexual will be deprived of services on the head of the service provider. In this day and age NO person should be deprived of any service due to their sexual orientation and personally I am totally and utterly opposed to any such move. The people of Northern Ireland have began to move on and now the DUP are trying to drag us back the 17th century and I tell you this and I tell you no more, the people of Northern Ireland will be dragged back kicking and screaming until someone takes a stand to the terrible homophobic bill. The people of Northern Ireland will overcome the bigots of society and will overcome with strength and conviction.

Mr. Charlie Goan

West Tyrone Youth Representative

McCrossan calls on Minister to build 500 houses across West Tyrone

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has described the inadequacy of social housing in West Tyrone as a shocking indictment of the Department of Social Development. Mr McCrossan has given voice to the hundreds of families who have spent months on waiting lists and has called on the DSD Minster Mervyn Storey to step up and do his job.

He said: “The complete inadequacy of social housing is one of the most important issues facing constituents of West Tyrone.

“The figures are staggering and offer a shocking indictment of the Department of Social Development. 619 families are on the waiting list in Omagh of which 175 experience housing stress. In Strabane the situation is even worse with 697 families on the waiting list with a shameful 326 of them finding the cost of living too much to bear.

“I have talked to one individual who has been waiting with her family since July. She explained how the stress has affected their physical health and the health of her marriage.

“The Social Development Minister must take urgent and immediate action. He must expedite social housing and start the development of 500 homes across West Tyrone to alleviate the burden on these hard pressed families.

“1,316 families across West Tyrone are right now waiting to have a home and this is unacceptable. Mervyn Storey needs to step up and act one of his most basic duties, to provide social housing for those who need it.”

McCrossan: Welcome home Bane

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has celebrated the return of a beloved pet dog to his owner in Sion Mills. Bane the Labrador had been missing for a substantial period of time before a sustained social media campaign helped return him to his owner 8 year old TJ who has Autism.

He said: “I am delighted that Bane has finally found his way home. TJ was ecstatic when reunited with his friend.

“I know the Earley family very well and knew how much Bane meant to them and TJ in particular.

“His return comes in the wake of a social media campaign that went viral prompting many more people to get involved in the search.

“I would like to thank everyone who made this a reality. Their concerted effort is typical of the considerate, selfless and compassionate people who live in Sion Mills and West Tyrone in general.”