Irish Sign Language

 

As the Irish sign language is the primary language of the deaf community, Cllr. Tom Doherty has proposed that Killarney Town Council give full recognition to it as the third language of our State.

There is no official recognition of this Irish visual language despite calls to make Irish Sign Language the third official language in Ireland, after Irish and English. Irish sign language is an independent language with a structure and grammar different from that of English.

Other countries officially recognise their own indigenous sign language such as Iceland and Belgium for example. Cllr. Tom Doherty has called on the government to recognise “Irish Sign Language” .  

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Motor tax

That this Council seeks a more innovative reply from the Ministers office with regard to the cost of motor tax and a individuals difficulties in paying this tax in one instalment only.

The reply to my motion from the Minister’s office did not offer any solution to this difficulty. Other Councils also sought justice with regards to the payment of this tax. It comes across as a rural V city divide. Most people cannot afford a new car which ultimately means dearer tax. Running a car is very expensive because of vat, carbon tax, excise duty and petrol. If a individual says “ I need my car and l want to pay my road tax”, where is the support. I support the call for monthly instalment payments of the motor tax.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Sewerage scheme connection

That this Council requests that an extension of the Sewerage scheme connects out in to the Lissivigeen area.

There is a lot of talk of late in relation to the costing and upgrading  of septic tanks. Lissivigeen is part of the Killarney valley where our lakes are an important component of our economic wellbeing. Lissivigeen is in the vicinity of the main sewerage plant. This large suburb area with a school, hotel and industries should have a choice to join a main sewerage line.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Dog Fouling Bins

That this Council investigate suitable locations for dog fouling bins

The ongoing education and awareness on this issue is needed along with the enforcement of the  €150 fine for littering. Dog fouling bins are usually found in popular sea fronts and promenades up and down the country. It is very easy to stroll from our streets in to the national park. It is at these junctions that theses bins should be placed. Killarney town council should do all in its power to support responsible dog owners.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Ballyspillane Estate.

That this Council put extra traffic calming measures into Ballyspillane Estate.

The following is the speed of cars versus the percentage of pedestrians Killed.

45 mph                       85% fatality

30 mph                       45% and many serious injured

20 mph                5% and few seriously injured (30% no injury)

Ballyspillane is the largest estate in our town and is in constant need of review with regard to traffic calming measures. It is important to run awareness campaigns to be wary of children playing in our estates. It is also important for visitors to our estates to be mindful of hidden dangers and to respect the local community. Cllr Tom Doherty will contact the town engineer to see if any improvements can be made.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

International Disability Award

Cllr. Tom Doherty has called on Killarney town Council to erect plaques in honour of our local citizens, that win awards at International disability competitions.  Killarney has honoured many member of our community by naming roundabouts, streets and parks after them.  These include athletes, politicians, business leaders and other community activist. The plaques will recognise the ability of those will a disability on the world stage of equality. 

“With the new plaza design presently being created in front of the Court House, l believe that this would be an excellent site to display the plaques”, Cllr Doherty said.


tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260