Following revenue figures released today to the Fine Gael Party that show that Dublin pays more than half of all the tax paid in the country despite accounting for only one quarter of the population, local Cllr Neale Richmond has called on Fine Gael in Government to create a specific Minister for Dublin.

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Marlay Park

Both the new playground and refurbished 9 – hole golf course in Marlay Park were officially opened at the end of May.

There will be one large concert in Marlay Park this summer. Green Day will play on Wednesday 23rd June, usual traffic restrictions and security provisions will be in place while gates open at 5pm.

Dublin Bus

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Last week Dublin Bus announced the results of their Network Review and as Councillors we were able to provide feedback to Dublin Bus officials at a briefing last Monday.

The proposed changes will have a profound effect on our area. The first major piece of news is that the 47 bus will now go from Belarmine all the way into the city centre, terminating at Merrion Square. This service had previously terminated at Donnybrook. The route will be largely the same with a slight change being that it will now call at Mount Merrion. The frequency of the service will also remain the same with buses departing every 15 minutes at peak time and every 30 minutes during off peak hours.

There will also be a re-alignment of the 63 bus which will now go from Kilternan to Dun Laoghaire DART station with an increased frequency. The 11A, 11B, 14A, 16A and 48A will all now be cancelled but thankfully there will be no cuts to the 44 route.

These changes will be fleshed out in more detail over the coming months and the new timetables should be operational from November.

Dublin Bus will also hold an information roadshow on Wednesday May 12th in Stillorgan Shopping Centre from 12.00pm to 6.00pm.

–
Cllr. Neale Richmond
Glencullen – Sandyford Ward

086-7814514

www.nealerichmond.ie

Full reimbursement must be made to all who already qualified

Drivers who have to wait longer than four weeks for their National Car Test (NCT) are entitled to a free test but many drivers and NCT staff are unaware of this according to Local Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond.

“Across the country there seems to be a backlog for the NCT. However, many drivers and NCT staff members are unaware of a rule that results in drivers being entitled to a free test.

“According to the NCT customer charter, the NCT aims to:

‘….ensure that an average lead-time for an appointment at an individual test centre is less than three weeks with a free test if this is greater than four weeks.”

“Although the wording is slightly ambiguous, it is clear to me, when a driver is booking a test and can’t be given one within four weeks, he is entitled to a free test. With a backlog of applications, I have been contacted by drivers who have been given an appointment six weeks away.

“However, not only are customers unaware of this important clause, but it seems some staff in test centres are not making people aware of it either. I have been contacted by drivers who booked their test, were given a six week waiting time and were not told that they are entitled to a free test.

“This may not be the staff’s fault as they just handle booking and may not be instructed to make drivers away of their rights.

“To obtain a refund, a driver must write or email the customer service department and they will issue it. I advise people who have had to wait over four weeks to contact the NCT immediately to get their refund. More importantly, the NCT needs to put proper procedure in place to ensure people know their rights.

“Many drivers who had to wait over four weeks for their test have already paid the €49 NCT. This must be reimbursed to them without delay.”