It is with much regret that I must announce that I will not be in a position to go forward as a local election candidate in the Greystones area in 2014. I’m currently fortunate to have a rewarding career in financial regulation and it has now become clear to me that it will not be possible to seek another term in Public Office, whilst also pursing this career path.

This was a difficult choice as I had hoped to continue to serve as a Public Representative beyond 2014. However, having consulted with family and friends, I believe this is the right decision. I would like to thank my supporters for their help, encouragement and advice which has been a tremendous source of support since my election in 2009.

I have made this decision public in order to allow the Fine Gael party time to find a replacement candidate. I certainly hope that another young person will come forward to take up the challenge. We need more young people involved in politics now more than ever.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Councillors and the staff of Greystones Town Council for the courtesy they have always extended to me. While we have not always agreed on every issue, I know that each of them have the best interests of our community at heart.

I look forward to continue to serve my community as a Fine Gael member of Greystones Town Council until the current term ends in 2014, and beyond 2014 I hope to continue to play an active role within both my party and my community.

Councillor James O’Sullivan, a Fine Gael member of Greystones Town Council, has welcomed the provision of real-time information signs at Greystones Train Station.

Irish Rail previously provided written assurances that they would get the electronic signs operational in the first-half of 2012. It has taken considerably longer than first anticipated but the signs are now in operation.

Speaking on the development, Councillor O’Sullivan said, “I’m delighted to report that the electronic real-time information signs are now working at Greystones Train Station. I know this has been a long running issue and was a source of much frustration for commuters.”

“The provision of these signs represent a fundamental requirement for any rail service. While I’m disappointed that it took this long to achieve, I’m glad that the signs are now working.”

“As a member of Greystones Town Council, I had previously written to the Chief Executive of Irish Rail, Mr. Richard Fearns, seeking that this issue in Greystones Train Station be addressed”

“I look forward to continuing to work with Irish Rail to resolve the other problems at Greystones Train Station”, concluded Councillor O’Sullivan.

Cllr. James O’Sullivan P.C.

Councillor James O’Sullivan has welcomed the Road Audit of Delgany that is currently underway. As part of this audit, Wicklow County Council is examining the existing conditions for road users in the Delgany Area

Speaking on the matter, Councillor O’Sullivan said, “The aim of this project is to review the existing facilities offered to pedestrians, cyclists and bus users as well as drivers and develop a plan to improve the quality of facilities offered to all users.”

“Throughout the Delgany area the footpaths are in poor condition and many are not suitable for those who have mobility impairments. We also have a situation where some cycle lanes have been provided but often in an ad hoc fashion which means they are totally disjointed and lack continuity.”

Councillor O’Sullivan went on to say, “I’m optimistic that this project will address the poor pedestrian access and also the numerous traffic management issues which currently exist in Delgany. The centre of the village is particularly dangerous given the large volume of traffic that uses the road.”

“After an initial public consultation phase, several design recommendations will be compiled. One of those designs will be selected and a preliminary drawing prepared. The overall goal of this project is to establish a vision for future road improvements in the Delgany area.”

“I would encourage members of the public to submit their views regarding existing road issues in the village and how it could be improved.”

The online survey is available here.

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Greystones Fine Gael Councillor James O’Sullivan has urged residents of North Wicklow to ensure they have switched over to Saorview. The deadline is fast approaching and analog television will be switch off on 24th October 2012.

A recent study on the Digital TV Switchover carried out by Millward Brown Lansdowne in the latter half of September revealed that an estimated 50,000 households who are reliant on the analogue signal, made the switch in the last two weeks of September, leaving approximately 100,000 households left to make the switch.

Speaking on the matter, Councillor O’Sullivan said, “It is vitally important that all analog television sets have changed over to digital before 24 October 2012.”

“As a community we must ensure that everyone has made the switch to Saorview. It is particularly important that we help any elderly neighbours to make the switch to digital television.”

“I would ask the public to give a helping hand to friends, relatives and neighbours who may need assistance with the switch to ensure they are not without a TV signal from Wednesday 24th October.”

“Viewers who can currently see ‘X 24 October’ in the corner of their TV screens are using the Analogue TV system and need to switch to Digital in advance of 24th October. These viewers have two options, depending on the range of services or channels they require. They can get Saorview by purchasing a set top box or a Saorview approved television or they can go to a Pay TV provider, such as Sky or UPC.”

“Guidance on the Digital Switchover is available at www.goingdigital.ie, or by calling 1890 940 980 (English language) and 1890 940 970 (Irish language). Of course if anyone would like advice on switching I would also be more than happy to help.”

Cllr. James O’Sullivan P.C.

Fine Gael Councillor James O’Sullivan, has urged people in Wicklow to make sure that they are registered to vote in the Children’s Referendum on Saturday, November 10th. If you are not registered to vote, you have until October 23rd to add you name to the Supplementary Register.

“This will be one of the most important referendums in the history of the State, and I am urging everyone in County Wicklow to make sure they will be able to make their voice heard,” he stated.

“Having the Children’s Referendum on a Saturday will make it easier for lots of groups – such as students and those working irregular hours – to cast their ballot. I’m also encouraging families to make the most of Saturday polling and make sure everyone in your home who is entitled to vote does so.”

“You can check if you are on the register through Wicklow County Council or on www.checktheregister.ie. You can also pick up or download an application form for the Supplementary Register from the same sources. It’s a good idea to bring some ID when you go to get your form signed in the presence of a member of the Gardaí.”

“This Referendum is almost 20 years in waiting; after 17 reports on child protection failings now is your chance to make a difference to how children are treated in Ireland.”

“It clearly sets out how the State can intervene, in exceptional cases, when children are being neglected and abused. It will enable family support services to offer early supports to keep children in the home and out of care. By voting Yes, you will also allow the Government to address gaps in our adoption laws, ensuring every child is given the same opportunity to live in a safe and happy home.”

“I believe we all have an opportunity on Saturday November 10th, to make a statement about ourselves as a nation, to show we have learnt from past failings, and to recognise children in their own right to ensure their protection and safety. And I’m urging every voter across County Wicklow to play their part and get to a ballot box on November 10th.”

Cllr. James O’Sullivan P.C.