Education:
The provision of education has been the backbone of our recent success. In the last five years the Birr Electoral area has seen a significant capital programme in our schools an example of some of these are Clonlisk National School, Shinrone National School, Dunkerrin National School, Dromakeenan National School- gone to tender, Clareen National School, Kinnity National School, Lusmagh National School , Saint Brendan’s Community School Birr, Birr Outdoor Education Centre,

We as local representatives will continue to influence National Government to ensure that education remains a priority in our schools and that every child gets the education they deserve and in the right environment.

Job Creation:
-Support indigenous industries through Offaly Enterprise Board
-Continue to lobby for less red tape and encourage entrepreneur spirit
-To help promote and deliver key strategic projects in the area.

Housing:
The provision of both Social and Affordable housing will continue to be a priority of Fianna Fail over the next five years. In today’s economic climate the provision of Social and Affordable houses have never been greater. We will continue to ensure that every community have an adequate supply of affordable and sociable houses to meet people’s needs.

Planning:
In the last few months Offaly County Council completed their County Development Plan 2009-2015. We have spent two years discussing the plan and the planning process and what’s the best way forward for the county. We have always championed proper fair planning and we feel that this plan will give people an opportunity to build a home in their own community without too much stress.

Rural Issues:
-Lobby for all Post Offices to remain open
-The Rollout of Broadband in all rural areas
-Gardai in all our stations
-Continue to lobby for improved funding for roads in the Birr Electoral Area.
-Provision of extra lighting in towns and in rural areas.

Farming:
-Continue to lobby for the reintroduction of Farm Retirement Schemes.
-The Restoration of the Farm Insulation Programme.

Health:
The provision of Health Care remains at the top of our agenda. While acknowledging there are weaknesses in the system. We fell that we have made many improvements in the last five years. We feel that the way forward is to bring as many services as possible to the home. We will continue to lobby the powers in the HSE to provide extra funding for carers, home help, extra beds for respite, day care facilities and the provision of primary care units in our communities.

Environment:
-Continue to support zero tolerance of illegal dumping and increased measures to defer the offenders.
-To support the green flag initiative & other initiatives for schools and continue its roll out.
-Increase funding for all tidy towns committees and acknowledge the great work they carry out.

Water Services:
The quality of water and the upgrade of our Sewerage Schemes continue to be a priority of Fianna Fail. In the last number of years we have seen tremendous growth in our towns and villages and this has put pressure on our water and sewerage systems. We have invested money in Kinnity Sewerage Scheme €3 million and have carried out preliminary reports on village sewerage schemes and towns and water supply schemes. The roll out of the Rural Water Programme will continue to be a priority for us.

Amenities:
Amenities play a vital role in all our lives and with the economic down turn, we feel they are of more importance. In the last five years, we have been involved with many organisations to delivery capital for their respective organisations. Some if the groups that have been successful are Birr GAA €175,000, Shinrone Development €135,000, Ballyskenach €40,000, Coolderry GAA €140,000, Moneygall GAA €60,000, Kinnity GAA €220,000, Birr Town Football €90,000, Lusmagh GAA €120,000, Birr Development Company €60,000, Birr Snooker Club €40,000, Seir Keiran GAA €15,000, Birr RFC €30,000.