Post Offices

Post Offices

The presence of the post office in our communities needs to stay steadfast and viable. The governments interference with the present system must be defended. We have already witnessed the closure of Garda stations and the ever increasing threat to small rural schools. This has a knock on affect which puts pressure on other local businesses. Therefor l am calling on the Minister for communication, Pat Rabbitte to support viable options to assure the long term future of our post offices.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Elverys Job Protection

Elverys Job Protection

 Cllr. Tom Doherty has called on NAMA to seriously consider the protection of local jobs when considering bids for the sale of Elverys. It seems to me that the best option is a takeover bid from management. The advantage to this preference is that there would be a smooth transition in the takeover process and all expertise would remain in place. The management buyout team have also given assurances to protect all jobs. 

Elverys is a national brand name and is a strong viable business.  The loss of any jobs would be a huge blow to Killarney where the store employs eleven staff which increases during the summer months. It’s vital that the management bid is given serious consideration by NAMA who should not ignore the value of employment protection in any takeover bid negotiations. 

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Emergency Ambulance Service

Emergency Ambulance Service

 

Cllr. Tom Doherty is again highlighting the serious issue of the emergency ambulance service in the Killarney area.

 

 A child was left waiting 40 minutes for ambulance in a GP’s Surgery. The young person suffered an acute asthma attack and needed immediate medical attention. Luckily the child had the support from his local doctor and was given oxygen at the Surgery. If this happened in the child’s own home at the time of the asthma attack there may not have been access to oxygen or a nebuliser to stabilise a critically unwell patient. If the concerned family members were to ring from their own home address it would have caused great stress and difficulties.

 

Cllr. Tom Doherty reiterated his strongly held views that a fully functional emergency service is vital. It is imperative to have cover consisting of at least two fully equipped working ambulances for our area. I am also concerned about the centralized call centre as a strong geographical knowledge of local town lands is a must.

 

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Child Minders

Child Minders

The news that grandparents are obliged to fill in a 26 page tax return form as child minders even if they receive no income is a ridiculous situation.

The present government is completely out of touch with the struggles of everyday life. The ludicrous decision of revenue to clamp down on grandparents minding their grandchildren is administration at its worst. Tying senior citizen down with red tape is a worry our elderly can do without. Daily on my canvass l come across many grandparents minding their grandchildren in a dutiful and caring fashion. These grand parents have collected a wealth of experience down through the years. While it can be hard work at times this labour of love is reflected in the smiles of the young children. I call on the government to reverse this decision and stop putting undue pressure on three generation of a family.





tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260