Yesterday morning, Monday 17 September in Druid’s Glen, Co. Wicklow a group of Sinn Féin and Ógra activists held a Vigil outside the annual Fianna Fáil ‘think-in’. The activists were protesting around the delay in funding for a stretch of the N11 between Rathnew and Arklow.
Assembled from early in the day the activists watched as a torrent of Fianna Fáil elected reps and senior politicos sped into the ‘think-in’ - all of whom showcased the evident wealth of Fianna Fáil through their pricey saloons. The principal quarry of the day however was Fianna Fáil leader, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who arrived shortly before noon.
Having agreed to come out and meet the assembled crowd, the Taoiseach eventually shirked the invite sending in his stead, local TD, Joe Behan. Behan was presented with a letter addressed to an Taoiseach, calling on him to intervene around the continued delays in upgrading the stretch of the N11 road between Rathnew and the Arklow.
Speaking at the Vigil local Sinn Féin councilor, John Brady said,
“We have already had three deaths this year alone. It has been described by the Road Safety Authority as one of the most dangerous sections of roadway in the country. We are being told that the finance for the project has been diverted and that it may not be built for another few years possibly 2010 and beyond. This is unacceptable and I have no doubt will lead to more deaths on this particular stretch of road.”
“We are appealing to the Taoiseach today as Fianna Fáil gathers here in County Wicklow to do what is right and ensure that the funds needed are released so that upgrade work can begin immediately.”
Local Ógra organiser Jason Doyle said,
“This is an extremely important issue for us here in Wicklow, however it also resonates of the situation that many are experiencing right across the country. In the context of Ógra’s national campaign this is especially poignant. Road casualties and fatalities cannot be avoided by any level of careful and responsible driving if the relevant roads are not up to scratch. While our message in this campaign remains the same, Moilligh Síos! Our message to an Taoiseach today is quite the opposite, Brostaigh Ort! (hurry up)
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