Whelan Seeking Solution to Obelisk Bridge Closure

Aontú representative for the Laytown Bettystown electoral area, Peter Whelan, has proposed a solution to address residents' concerns with the proposed temporary closure of the Obelisk bridge in the area.

Mr Whelan:

"I have been contacted by many concerned residents and motorists from the surrounding areas of the Obelisk bridge. This bridge is used on a daily basis by parents bringing children to and from school or football matches and training etc. It is also used by workers gaining access to and from work. The main reason this route is chosen is that it saves the motorists paying the excessive toll fees on the alternative route. Some parents told me that they can use the toll up to six times a day if they were to take the toll option.

Whelan goes on to say:

"Having been contacted all over the weekend by angry and frustrated constituents, I decided to ask our party leader for a meeting to discuss the ways possible to try alleviate as much pain as is possible for these people. Deputy Peadar Tóibín kindly did meet with me and we looked at many different options.

The only workable option that we identified is to issue electronic passes to residents within a 10km or a distance agreed to. With this in mind, my Party Leader has agreed to put a Parliamentary Question to minister Eamon Ryan asking him to do this for the duration of the closure. I hope the minister will listen to our proposal and give us the correct and fair answer that is required.

Peter Whelan: 0879419866

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.