16 new school building projects announced for Dublin North

€1.5 billion on 275 school projects nationally, creating 18,000 jobs

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell, has welcomed confirmation that 16 schools in Dublin North will be built or extended, as part of a €1.5 billion new school building programme announced by the Government.
“I am delighted that 9 new schools will be built and a further 7 will be extended in Dublin North as part of this major school building programme, which will including the building of a special needs school in Skerries. Despite our difficult economic circumstances, the Government is determined to prioritise school building projects to cater for the projected increase in pupil numbers over the coming years.

Education grants target prefab legacy in Dublin North

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has congratulated six schools from Dublin North who have been offered government grants to replace existing prefabricated units with permanent accommodation, as part of a national initiative undertaken by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD.

Intern Position

I wish to advertise for an intern position in my offices in Leinster House and Malahide for a period of three months. The position will involve supporting the existing team in the areas of research, administration and general office duties. This will be an opportunity for a graduate or third level student to gain some experience in the workings of the Irish Houses of Parliament.

The position will be for a period of three months commencing on the 27th of March. The hours of work will be from 10a.m. until 4 p.m. This is a voluntary position; however some travel costs will be covered. Hours of placement in Leinster House are not fixed and can be worked to accommodate the successful applicant.

Reduction of fuel tax would benefit households and businesses

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has today (Tuesday) called for excise duty to be reduced in an effort to ease pressure on households and businesses across Ireland. Deputy Farrell's comments were made in reaction to recent Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures on inflation which indicate a rise in transport costs and a 2.2% drop in inflation.

Introduction of 'Healthy Kid's Menu' award would promote healthy eating for children

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has called on the Minister for Health, James Reilly, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to promote healthier children’s menus in restaurants by introducing a FSAI recommended 'Healthy Kid's Menu' Award for food outlets as part of the national campaign to tackle obesity.


“As parents across Ireland will know, children’s menus in many family restaurants and hotels consist only of high fat options such as chips, chicken nuggets and sausages. Parents often have no choice but pay good money for a meal that provides limited nutritional value for their child, while also promoting unhealthy eating at an early age.

Training provision in Balbriggan is still on the agenda for FÁS

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has confirmed that a review will be undertaken by the Minister of State Ciaran Cannon and FÁS in relation to the cessation of FÁS training courses in Balbriggan.
“Last week I raised this matter with the Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon TD as a topical issue in the Dáil chamber to highlight that FÁS has continued to reduce training provision in Balbriggan since 2010, despite having 5000 people per month signing on the live register.

Reform of local government procurement will bring significant savings

A centralised procurement process for local government agencies will be a key cost saving measure to achieve public service reform, according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell. As chairperson of the Fine Gael Internal Committee for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Farrell said the changes being introduced are essential if we are serious about saving money and delivering services more efficiently.

Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 - My contribution to the debate.

I would like to begin by thanking the Minister for bringing this Bill through the House. Reforming our national legal system is a complicated task, a task laden with responsibility. I believe that this is one of the most important pieces of legislation that will pass through this House in the duration of this Government, and therefore will form a significant part of its legacy, perhaps more that we presently realise.

Audit of speed limits will be welcomed by motorists

There is currently no rhyme or reason to the setting of speed limits
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has today (Wednesday) welcomed plans for a nationwide audit of speed limits. The audit was announced today by Minister for Transport, Leo Varadker, whose Department will liaise with the National Roads Authority and local authorities to conduct the audit.

Direct debit system for 3rd level student contribution fee will ease pressure on parents

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has today (Monday) called on the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, to introduce a direct debit system to allow parents to pay the student contribution fee for third level education in manageable instalments.

Road allocation grant is a €5 million boost for Dublin North

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has today (Thursday) welcomed the allocation of over €5.3 million from the Department of Transport for toward Fingal County Council Road Maintenance Funds.

Transport investment will improve quality of life in Dublin North

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has today (Thursday) commented on the considerable investment by the Department of Transport for Swords, Lusk, Malahide and Donabate.

Personal Insolvency Bill is good news for struggling mortgage holders

System will allow people to stay in the family home while managing their debts
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the Personal Insolvency Bill published by Ministers Alan Shatter and Michael Noonan this week and said it will allow people to stay in their family home while managing their debts.

Positive step forward for Intercountry Adoption

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has today (Thursday) spoken in the Dáil in support of work done by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald TD, along with the Adoption Authority of Ireland in relation to the ratification of the Hague Convention for Intercountry Adoptions.

Homebond snub of Oireachtas Committee is an insult to the owners of pyrite-affected homes

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has condemned Homebond’s decision not to appear before the Oireachtas Committee for the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht as part of its investigation into the cost of restoring the structural integrity of houses damaged by Pyrite.

Minister Hogan to consider exemption from Household Charge for Pyrite affected homeowners - Farrell

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell yesterday received confirmation that the household charge will be reviewed for pyrite affected homeowners upon the findings of the report issued by the pyrite panel, after raising the proposal during the topical issue debate in the Dail yesterday.

80 new jobs a welcome addition to Malahide Castle

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has described the recent jobs announcement for Malahide as a direct reward for the hard work and good investment that will now reap dividends for the community.

Fingal County Council - Christmas Tree Collection Points 3-12th January

Balbriggan/Skerries/Rush/Lusk -
Operations Depot, Watery Lane, phone 890 5935 / 890 5819
 Bath Road Carpark, Balbriggan

Reunite Swords - My submission to the Constituency Commission

As a TD for Dublin North since the general election of February 2011 and a Fingal County Councillor since June 2004 I would like to submit the following for your review.

Pyrite affected homes should be exempt from household charge

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has today (Wednesday) called on the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan, to include those affected by pyrite to be exempt from the household charge.