Questions for Ken Ó Héiligh

Mr_Hat

Cllr Ken O Heilligh has been very good to come on Boards and enter into a discussion with us Boardsies. In the Tolls thread the Cllr has been very good in not wanting to derail the thread with some of the questions put to him. So I'm hoping he will be very good and indulge us with this thread. A thread where he can address are questions and not be in danger of derailing any threads. I'd like to get the ball rolling

Hi Ken, in the toll thread you explain that you believe the toll (a e1.80 charge) is one of the reasons behind Droghedas high unemployment. But isn't the rate for hourly parking in the town similar. So what have you been doing to address this. Wouldn't local business benefit from free parking in the town, Would you agree that the cost of parking in the town is a greater barrier to employment then say a motorway toll?

I also understand that a lot of business in the town are unhappy with the cost of rates, and that they would be lowered. Where do you stand on this.

K nacker

CMpunked

Mr_Hat

So Ken, any chance of a answer?

Lord TSC

Did anyone ever really expect an answer?

Anyway, when you google his name now, this topic comes up right at the top. Should be good PR around election times when people start researching people in the running....

Mr_Hat

I suppose not, its pretty embarrassing and looks pretty bad. That he wont answer the question. But will come online and report a critical post.

Thanks Ken, I'll be asking you about this thread, next time you come knocking in Ashfeild.

CMpunked

Mr_Hat wrote: »

I suppose not, its pretty embarrassing and looks pretty bad. That he wont answer the question. But will come online and report a critical post.

Thanks Ken, I'll be asking you about this thread, next time you come knocking in Ashfeild.

Why not bring it to his attention at the next of his meetings about the tolls?

Lord TSC

I'll be honest and say I think if you ask him, he won't have a clue what you're on about. I don't know what boards.ie policy is on politicans starting up accounts and starting to answer questions, but I have a feeling that the arguement of "Get a life" may have been because he wasn't as mature as one may believe.

CMpunked

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

I'll be honest and say I think if you ask him, he won't have a clue what you're on about. I don't know what boards.ie policy is on politicans starting up accounts and starting to answer questions, but I have a feeling that the arguement of "Get a life" may have been because he wasn't as mature as one may believe.

I would have thought the same.
However, he reported that post in the other thread, and that doesnt seem like something someone who is masquerading as another person would do. Defend his honor like that, infact it seems quite the opposite.

Lord TSC

Not if you're related to the person in question

PinkFly

Mr_Hat wrote: »

I suppose not, its pretty embarrassing and looks pretty bad. That he wont answer the question. But will come online and report a critical post.

Thanks Ken, I'll be asking you about this thread, next time you come knocking in Ashfeild.

He was at our door last night about the water pipes freezing in winter , was he not at yours??

Mr_Hat

PinkFly wrote: »

He was at our door last night about the water pipes freezing in winter , was he not at yours??

No I went out for a few drinks after work. I didnt get home till after eleven. I wish I hadn't now

Mr_Hat

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

I'll be honest and say I think if you ask him, he won't have a clue what you're on about. I don't know what boards.ie policy is on politicans starting up accounts and starting to answer questions, but I have a feeling that the arguement of "Get a life" may have been because he wasn't as mature as one may believe.

Well Digital Darragh is definitely Kens son. He has mentioned this thread a number of times in his twitter feed (strangely it looks like some posts relating to what he posted have been remved) At no stage has DD said that the person posting as Ken is not his dad. So I belive the poster calling himself Ken is Ken. Unless DD says otherwise.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/64102314.png/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/47403041.png/
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8135/35754541.png

Lord TSC

Ok, I was trying to be subtle but screw it. I could be wrong here, and apologies if I am, but here's what I reckon happened.

I think DD started a topic up to help his father's campaign. I think that some people reacted "negatively" to the topic at first and reacted very badly when they found out he was who he was. I think some people challanged his ability to make an unbiased arguement on the topic. I think all that because on the face of it, that's what happened.

I think after this we go into speculation. I am now of the belief that DD set up a new account where he himself posed as his father. I think he did this because he knew people would take him seriously if he led people to believe he was his father. However in the process, I think he inadvertantly started to make the problem worse. I think the reason he's refused, point blank, to answer questions on policy is that he's not foolish enough to start answering questions on his fathers behalf. If you look back, he lept quickly out of the last topic when I pointed out that googling the campaign (and now the Counciller's name) led to the topics popping up. In other words, anyone searching for info on Ken now gets a stark picture of someone who is immature and refuses to answer very basic questions.

I think all this because I quite simply cannot believe the counciller would actually act the way he did, say the things he did and imply the things he did. And I think he/Ken is not answering questions now because he knows he's dug himself into a hole and it's dangerous to his father's career now.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I've been reading to much detective novels as of late. But that's just the impression I've been getting as of late.

PinkFly

Mr_Hat wrote: »

No I went out for a few drinks after work. I didnt get home till after eleven. I wish I hadn't now

Twas about 7 or so... Neighbourino

Mr_Hat

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

I am now of the belief that DD set up a new account where he himself posed as his father. I think he did this because he knew people would take him seriously if he led people to believe he was his father.

I really hope thats not the case. I can understand why he might want to defend his dad. BUT if he really was posing as him. He really needs to come clean.

Mr_Hat

PinkFly wrote: »

Twas about 7 or so... Neighbourino

Do you know if he is going to be coming back.

Edit. I still wouldnt be home then anyway. Commuting sucks. What did he say?

Lord TSC

Mr_Hat wrote: »

What did he say?

"Tolls cause unemployment. Ireland needs a space program. This rock scares away lions."

Mr_Hat

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I've been reading to much detective novels as of late. But that's just the impression I've been getting as of late.

Hmm so it look like Ken and DD were last online here at pretty much the same time. The plot thickens.

mickey mac

Good work agent Mr Hat, I think the evidence is overwhelming! All those guys are after is self publicity!shame on you Drogheda leader, all those pictures of Ken pointing at "things" over the years are just lazy Journalism.

PinkFly

Mr_Hat wrote: »

Do you know if he is going to be coming back.

Edit. I still wouldnt be home then anyway. Commuting sucks. What did he say?

about a meeting that was on in ORats about the pipes freezing over the winter, apparently some of the estates are not down far enough and are more liable?

It was on Thursday, I didn't go though as we havent had any of those problems.

CMpunked

I used the drogheda leader facebook page to inform the Cllr about the questions put to him on the thread.
Wonder has he seen it yet.

http://www.facebook.com/droghedaleader/posts/229876513728840?ref=notif&notif_t=share_reply

Mr_Hat

CMpunked wrote: »

I used the drogheda leader facebook page to inform the Cllr about the questions put to him on the thread.
Wonder has he seen it yet.

http://www.facebook.com/droghedaleader/posts/229876513728840?ref=notif&notif_t=share_reply

Probably, but I'm sure he plans on just ignoring it.

Mr_Cat

Mr_Hat wrote: »

Hi Ken, in the toll thread you explain that you believe the toll (a e1.80 charge) is one of the reasons behind Droghedas high unemployment.

Mr_Hat just for your information id like to inform you that for commercial vehical's are e3.20, e4.50 and e5.70. You Clearly haven't fully studied your subject and might want to change your view?! by reading your comments it seems to me that you must have a dislike for cllr.o heiligh? if so i should think you should do this offline and stop posting stupid comments such as the ones posted. if you wanted, you can ask serious questions to Cllr. O heiligh or if you really want your questions answered just ask someone running the tolls?

Lord TSC

Oh hai DigitalDarragh/Ruth/Counciller

Mr_Hat

Mr_Hat just for your information id like to inform you that for commercial vehical's are e3.20, e4.50 and e5.70.

What exactly is your point?

by reading your comments it seems to me that you must have a dislike for cllr.o heiligh?

I have no problem with Ken Healy, just his type of populist politics.

if so i should think you should do this offline and stop posting stupid comments such as the ones posted. if you wanted, you can ask serious questions to Cllr. O heiligh or if you really want your questions answered just ask someone running the tolls?

Ken (or at least someone claiming to be Ken) posted in another thread. I and other posters put questions to Ken on the other thread. He refused to answer them for fear of de railing the thread. So I started this one.

Have you actually read my questions. I don't think the people running the poll would be able to answer them, they run the motorway not the town.

I can imagine what there answers would be

Me: Do you think lower council rates would be benifical to local bussiness
Mr Tollman: Well being a local employer I can assure you they would

Me; Do you belive free parking within the town, would increase footfall within the town.
Mr Tollman: Well the lack of free and convenient parking within the town is clearly one of the reasons people are shopping outside the town

What are your thoughts Mr_Cat. DO you think there real and viable options that could improve the town for everyone. Or would you prefer the Cllr wastes his time with his unrealistic attack on a company which is providing local employment

I also find it a little strange that your first two posts, and only posts are in defence of Mr O heiligh

Mr_Hat

Mr_Cat wrote: »

if so i should think you should do this offline and stop posting stupid comments such as the ones posted. if you wanted, you can ask serious questions to Cllr. O heiligh

Just so you are aware Mr_Cat. The Cllr in fact invited us to open this thread, and has since chosen to ignore it. You can see his invite here


http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=74123124&postcount=143

Can you please explain why you find the comments stupid?
Are they stupid because the questions are so self evident. Or stupid because you don't like them?

I'd also like to point out the irony of someone with such poor grammar and a shodily constructed rambling post, calling the posters here stupid.;)

PinkFly

Yet you still spell his surname wrong! Its Ó Héiligh. you can clearly see that in your quotes.

Mr_Hat

PinkFly wrote: »

Yet you still spell his surname wrong! Its Ó Héiligh. you can clearly see that in your quotes.

Sorry corrected. I didnt see it there. It was a trade off between spelling his name in English or spelling his name wrong in Irish.

I think this is probably my last post on the whole Ken thing, unless he decides to come back and post. Its just become a troll magnet.

Mr_Cat

yes right fair enough the Cllr may have invited you to put up this or whatever? and yes my comments may have been in defence but what do you expect its one man against 1 or 2 ? and to be honest Mr_Hat what should you care about the company if in fact you are probably one of many who have to pay this toll ? there is no need for it to be there in the first place? and politics is a dirty game the job doesnt come easy. you should be just happy there is some one out there actually fightening for something and not sitting back waiting for some to answer the questions been asked.

Mr_Hat

It not one against two or three. Were not battling it out on West St after a few beers and a kebab. Its a couple of posters who were invited to set up a thread with questions for Ken. Which he then ignores. We would just like our questions answered.

I don't care about the company. The toll is there to pay for the infrastructure and maintenance of the road. The company who run the toll, helped pay for the road. Why shouldn't they be able to recoup there investment. Its there now. There is nothing anyone can do about it. A contract was signed years ago with them. There is nothing anyone can do about it now.

My problem is not that is not a snowballs chance in hell of the toll being abolished. I would prefer my local repetitiveness fought for something that will actually help Drogheda and develop the town further. I live in Drogheda, my children live in Drogheda I'm invested in the well being of the town.

Do you honestly believe that the abolition of tolls is of greater benefit to local business, then say the lowering of council rates or the implementation of free parking in the town. Something which the Cllr can do something about. But which might not nesserially get his picture in the paper every week. Do you??

Maybe you should be asking yourself why Ken has chosen to ignore this questions when put to him. Now piss off and stop trolling Darragh.

I really wish there was someone out there fighting for the people of Drogheda and lest interested in getting there picture in the paper. Unfortunally politians like that in Drogheda are thin on the ground.

EDIT: That's it I'm done for real this time.

Scotty #

Mr_Hat wrote: »

I would prefer my local repetitiveness fought for something that will actually help Drogheda.

HEAR! HEAR!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Mr_Cat wrote: »

yes right fair enough the Cllr may have invited you to put up this or whatever? and yes my comments may have been in defence but what do you expect its one man against 1 or 2 ? and to be honest Mr_Hat what should you care about the company if in fact you are probably one of many who have to pay this toll ? there is no need for it to be there in the first place? and politics is a dirty game the job doesnt come easy. you should be just happy there is some one out there actually fightening for something and not sitting back waiting for some to answer the questions been asked.

Look Mr Cat, I have no doubt you are very closely connected to Mr Healy. Even your poor grammar and spelling resembles that from the Healy family to date.

If the Cllr. can't answer basic questions on what is affecting trade in Drogheda, when he himself asked for the thread, then he is not worth our time or our votes. I too am finished not only with this thread but with supporting the likes of Ken Ó Héiligh ever again.
I truly feel that he will regret the day he (you, his family...) came on here and made an ass of himself. It's amasing how many people (outside of Boards.ie) are talking about the debacle here. I was quite laid back on the issues before this but the Cllr. has opened my eyes and shown me what prats are out there as our so-called representatives.

digitaldarragh

To anyone who questions the validity of the posters identity behind the accounts for Ken Ó Héiligh or myself I invite and in fact encourage you to contact the moderator. I have no doubt that they will be able to clearly demonstrate that posts from my account have come from three static IP addresses. 1 from Irish broadband, 1 from Eircom and 1 from a Vodafone mobile broadband Sim. And the posts from Ken have come from one or maybe two dynamic addresses both on the Vodafone home broadband network.

I correct this as I’m tired of reading the allegations cast by contributors. I haven’t signed into boards since earlier in the month for one very simple reason. I have better things to do. I have had an account on this forum since august 2008 and I’ll likely have one for years to come. I come and go when I find topics interesting but I don’t feel compelled to stay up to date with what’s going on with it.

For anyone concerned with search engine ranking let me assure you that it changes regularly. It’s why companies specialize in it. I wouldn’t be too concerned. Maybe this topic will stay at the top of the search engine results. Maybe it won’t. If it does, maybe people will see the unfounded accusations. Maybe they’ll agree with most of the posters who have a problem with Ken. Maybe this toll campaign will succeed. Maybe it won’t. Is it not more important that someone is trying?

Let’s also stop this ridiculous argument that there are better things that Ken should be giving his attention to. I answered that before and I shouldn’t have to do it again. Of course he is focused on other very important issues. If you want more details, you might want to contact him directly with questions. One thing that is important to point out in defence of this claim that he’s a populist politician is that if he was so eager for public credit and recognition surely then you already know everything he is working on therefore you can’t seriously think that the issue of the tolls is his main focus?

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

Mr_Hat wrote: »

Cllr Ken O Heilligh has been very good to come on Boards and enter into a discussion with us Boardsies. In the Tolls thread the Cllr has been very good in not wanting to derail the thread with some of the questions put to him. So I'm hoping he will be very good and indulge us with this thread. A thread where he can address are questions and not be in danger of derailing any threads. I'd like to get the ball rolling

Hi Ken, in the toll thread you explain that you believe the toll (a e1.80 charge) is one of the reasons behind Droghedas high unemployment. But isn't the rate for hourly parking in the town similar. So what have you been doing to address this. Wouldn't local business benefit from free parking in the town, Would you agree that the cost of parking in the town is a greater barrier to employment then say a motorway toll?

I also understand that a lot of business in the town are unhappy with the cost of rates, and that they would be lowered. Where do you stand on this.

I would like to apologies for the delay in replying to your request. I have had a lot of constituent work to clear and I should be able to tackle the above questions this evening.

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

digitaldarragh wrote: »

To anyone who questions the validity of the posters identity behind the accounts for Ken Ó Héiligh or myself I invite and in fact encourage you to contact the moderator. I have no doubt that they will be able to clearly demonstrate that posts from my account have come from three static IP addresses. 1 from Irish broadband, 1 from Eircom and 1 from a Vodafone mobile broadband Sim. And the posts from Ken have come from one or maybe two dynamic addresses both on the Vodafone home broadband network.

I correct this as I’m tired of reading the allegations cast by contributors. I haven’t signed into boards since earlier in the month for one very simple reason. I have better things to do. I have had an account on this forum since august 2008 and I’ll likely have one for years to come. I come and go when I find topics interesting but I don’t feel compelled to stay up to date with what’s going on with it.

For anyone concerned with search engine ranking let me assure you that it changes regularly. It’s why companies specialize in it. I wouldn’t be too concerned. Maybe this topic will stay at the top of the search engine results. Maybe it won’t. If it does, maybe people will see the unfounded accusations. Maybe they’ll agree with most of the posters who have a problem with Ken. Maybe this toll campaign will succeed. Maybe it won’t. Is it not more important that someone is trying?

Let’s also stop this ridiculous argument that there are better things that Ken should be giving his attention to. I answered that before and I shouldn’t have to do it again. Of course he is focused on other very important issues. If you want more details, you might want to contact him directly with questions. One thing that is important to point out in defence of this claim that he’s a populist politician is that if he was so eager for public credit and recognition surely then you already know everything he is working on therefore you can’t seriously think that the issue of the tolls is his main focus?

Hey Darragh thank you for the support. I will do my best to answer Mr_Hat’s questions. However research is required when passing the long grass.

Scotty #

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh wrote: »

Hey Darragh thank you for the support. I will do my best to answer Mr_Hat’s questions. However research is required when passing the long grass.

ROFPMSL!!!

Lord TSC

For the record, I did ask a mod to do a check and he said the IPs are different. That said, I still find it suspect that three accounts were created just to argue one side of this debate.

Personally, I look forward to Ken's responses to the questions, and hopefully, if he is taking time to research them as he claims, we can expect a higher quality of answer than "You need to get out more"

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

Mr_Hat wrote: »

Cllr Ken O Heilligh has been very good to come on Boards and enter into a discussion with us Boardsies.

Mr_Hat wrote: »

Hi Ken, So what have you been doing to address this.

• Wouldn't local business benefit from free parking in the town,
• Would you agree that the cost of parking in the town is a greater barrier to employment then say a motorway toll?

Pay parking was up and running in the town centre prior to my election to Drogheda Borough Council. However I do recall that the Council raised the issue of vehicles parking all day in the one spot and obstructing day to day activities. At that time it was a 20p scratch card parking discs that you purchased from various shops.

When an extension was proposed I strenuously opposed any expansion of the pay parking regime into areas such as Patrick Street. During 2010, Drogheda Borough Council were proposing to introduce new controlled areas and amending pay parking bye laws. Prior to going on public display, I made efforts to have this document amended; however only one other Councillor supported this proposal. When such documents are put on public display, it is an opportunity for concerned citizens to submit their views and recommendations, prior to further consideration by members of the Council in a public meeting.

During this period I made a submission and raised concerns that the Borough Council had introduced pay parking in two areas prior to a decision of Council. Also, at the request of Stockwell Street traders I successfully had the half hour parking extended to two hours.

A new traffic committee that will involve members of the public and statutory agencies is being set up and they will be tasked with looking at improving all matters such as pay parking, traffic lights, etc in the town. I intend to make submissions and representations to this forum. I would agree that free parking should be available and I would go one step further and look for designated parking areas with a link to a shuttle bus. But I would say that pay parking and the Toll to enter Drogheda have both a negative impact on employment and I will continue to work to cut the impact of both.

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=eE081x2HB70f&EID=d7ac898e-7bda-477f-8142-cf75c8c3be4d&skip= proceed to page 4

http://www.drogheda-independent.ie/news/cars-wrongly-charged-for-pay-parking-2165482.html

Mr_Hat wrote: »

I also understand that a lot of business in the town are unhappy with the cost of rates, and that they would be lowered.

• Where do you stand on this.

For ease of reference I refer you to the following.:


The 2009 Drogheda Borough Council budget meeting had proposed an increase of 1.9% on its rates base and that could be reversed.
The County Manager brought forward the budget with a 3% Commercial Rates and a 5% Water Rates reduction.
Councillor Ken O’Heiligh proposed the reduction of 6.6% on Commercial Rates and a 50% water rates reduction, exactly as sought by the Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the business community in Drogheda but no one would second his proposal.

The Budget as presented by the County Manager was proposed by Mayor O’Dowd and seconded by Cllr. Maher. On a role call vote Cllr O’ Heiligh votes against the budget.

http://www.droghedachamber.com/cms/publish/article_706.php

I hope this answers your questions above.

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

CMpunked wrote: »

I used the drogheda leader facebook page to inform the Cllr about the questions put to him on the thread.
Wonder has he seen it yet.

http://www.facebook.com/droghedaleader/posts/229876513728840?ref=notif&notif_t=share_reply

Yes Chris I have.

mickey mac

digitaldarragh wrote: »

To anyone who questions the validity of the posters identity behind the accounts for Ken Ó Héiligh or myself I invite and in fact encourage you to contact the moderator. I have no doubt that they will be able to clearly demonstrate that posts from my account have come from three static IP addresses. 1 from Irish broadband, 1 from Eircom and 1 from a Vodafone mobile broadband Sim. And the posts from Ken have come from one or maybe two dynamic addresses both on the Vodafone home broadband network.





The lady doth protest too much, methinks. (William Shakespeare)

Lord TSC

Mr_Cat wrote: »

Oh and by the way Srameen the name's O' HEILIGH not healy! its about time you got it right! :mad:

No offence, but if you're not willing to use proper punctuation, criticising someone about misspelling a name is a tad hypocritical.
Debate the points. The spelling of the name doesn't change the arguement. Focus on the points instead of childishly attacking someone for their spelling.

Scotty #

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh wrote: »

But I would say that pay parking and the Toll to enter Drogheda have both a negative impact on employment and I will continue to work to cut the impact of both.

Some questions I feel are important....

1. How many toll booth staff will be made redundant by the closure of the two toll booths in question? I guess 6-10 but I know you MUST have the exact figure.
2. How many local jobs will be created AS A DIRECT RESULT of the closure of the toll booths?
3. What evidence do you have to support your answer for Q2?
4. Motorways and town car parks are very expensive to maintain/operate. If their use is provided free of charge as you are proposing - where are the funds required to operate them going to come from?

10green bottles

Funniest thread (sort of) Ever !! A 3 pronged attack by the O'Heliums lyes battered on the forum ground !!
Sham response, and your political career may well lie in the debris of this thread Mr O'Heiligh.:rolleyes:

bigneacy

Mr_Hat wrote: »

It not one against two or three. Were not battling it out on West St after a few beers and a kebab. Its a couple of posters who were invited to set up a thread with questions for Ken. Which he then ignores. We would just like our questions answered.

I don't care about the company. The toll is there to pay for the infrastructure and maintenance of the road. The company who run the toll, helped pay for the road. Why shouldn't they be able to recoup there investment. Its there now. There is nothing anyone can do about it. A contract was signed years ago with them. There is nothing anyone can do about it now.

My problem is not that is not a snowballs chance in hell of the toll being abolished. I would prefer my local repetitiveness fought for something that will actually help Drogheda and develop the town further. I live in Drogheda, my children live in Drogheda I'm invested in the well being of the town.

Do you honestly believe that the abolition of tolls is of greater benefit to local business, then say the lowering of council rates or the implementation of free parking in the town. Something which the Cllr can do something about. But which might not nesserially get his picture in the paper every week. Do you??

Maybe you should be asking yourself why Ken has chosen to ignore this questions when put to him. Now piss off and stop trolling Darragh.

I really wish there was someone out there fighting for the people of Drogheda and lest interested in getting there picture in the paper. Unfortunally politians like that in Drogheda are thin on the ground.

EDIT: That's it I'm done for real this time.

THIS!!! times ****ing forty!!!

Have to say, I find the consecutive posting times of the three accounts hilariously amateurish.

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

criticising someone about misspelling a name is a tad hypocritical.

I don’t support the view that it was a misspelling of my surname but a deliberate attempt to cast aspersions. That said I would appeal to Mr. Cat to remove the comments and let us focus on the issues that negatively impact on our Town and how we can make future improvements.

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

10green bottles wrote: »

Sham response, and your political career may well lie in the debris of this thread Mr O'Heiligh.:rolleyes:

I am a locally elected Independent Councillor and I have always viewed my election to office as an extension of my community work. My career as you put it is more as a social housing and development / Clerk of Works manager.
“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated” Mark Twain (aka Samuel Langhorn Clemens) 1897.

Should you require further clarification on my position on the Donore Road Ramp Tolls possibly you should make that clear to me.
Thank you for the correct spelling of my surname but you can call me either Ken or Cllr. O Héiligh.

CMpunked

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh wrote: »

I believe that if a unified group representing all skateboards agreed on a site. We would then be in a much stronger position to progress the project.

I know for a fact that the site proposed (on the rathmullen road) was opposed so heavily owing to it being so far out of town, i know, its still relatively inside, but its still a good 20 minute walk away from the cbd.
The other factor was forseeing a major accident involving skateboarders coming down such a steep hill at speed.

Ken, is there any way a site within the ramparts area, near the childrens playground, be suggested?

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh

CMpunked wrote: »

I know for a fact that the site proposed (on the rathmullen road) was opposed so heavily owing to it being so far out of town, i know, its still relatively inside, but its still a good 20 minute walk away from the cbd.
The other factor was forseeing a major accident involving skateboarders coming down such a steep hill at speed.

Ken, is there any way a site within the ramparts area, near the childrens playground, be suggested?

Site adjacent to Leisure complex / swimming pool
From recollection the reasons put forward by those who signed the petition was that they were fearful of been assaulted when coming into the area. I didn’t share the same opinion also Garda Superintend Gerry Smith advised that no such incidents had occurred with young people using the adjoining complex. The local secondary school attracts students from every corner of the town.
The site is secure at night, in an area with passive surveillance, toilets and showers in close proximity and a designated area for sport activity.

A suitable site in St. Dominick’s Park was considered but for the following reasons was ruled out,

• Residents on the Rathmullen Road had objected
• No Toilet Facilities
• To move the skateboard area further down the ramparts removed the opportunity for passive surveillance and supervision of users.
• Security at night was a major concern.

I had identified a section of St. Domincks Park adjacent to the pedestrian bridge (St. Domnicks Bridge) but this was not supported. However I felt that the residents would not have objected to this location and may need further investigation.

A site in The Lourdes stadium is a designated sport arena and may be considered.

bobbysands81

digitaldarragh wrote: »

To anyone who questions the validity of the posters identity behind the accounts for Ken Ó Héiligh or myself I invite and in fact encourage you to contact the moderator. I have no doubt that they will be able to clearly demonstrate that posts from my account have come from three static IP addresses. 1 from Irish broadband, 1 from Eircom and 1 from a Vodafone mobile broadband Sim. And the posts from Ken have come from one or maybe two dynamic addresses both on the Vodafone home broadband network.

I correct this as I’m tired of reading the allegations cast by contributors. I haven’t signed into boards since earlier in the month for one very simple reason. I have better things to do. I have had an account on this forum since august 2008 and I’ll likely have one for years to come. I come and go when I find topics interesting but I don’t feel compelled to stay up to date with what’s going on with it.

For anyone concerned with search engine ranking let me assure you that it changes regularly. It’s why companies specialize in it. I wouldn’t be too concerned. Maybe this topic will stay at the top of the search engine results. Maybe it won’t. If it does, maybe people will see the unfounded accusations. Maybe they’ll agree with most of the posters who have a problem with Ken. Maybe this toll campaign will succeed. Maybe it won’t. Is it not more important that someone is trying?

Let’s also stop this ridiculous argument that there are better things that Ken should be giving his attention to. I answered that before and I shouldn’t have to do it again. Of course he is focused on other very important issues. If you want more details, you might want to contact him directly with questions. One thing that is important to point out in defence of this claim that he’s a populist politician is that if he was so eager for public credit and recognition surely then you already know everything he is working on therefore you can’t seriously think that the issue of the tolls is his main focus?

Cllr. Ken O Heiligh wrote: »

I would like to apologies for the delay in replying to your request. I have had a lot of constituent work to clear and I should be able to tackle the above questions this evening.

I hope you all excuse me for interrupting this thread, and I do note that you say you're two distinct people, but I find it very odd that you both use a different sized font to the default one on this forum, it just seems a little strange to me.



Ciao!

digitaldarragh

The reason for the different font is quite simple. My spelling is terrible. I write posts in Word then copy and paste into boards.ie. I'm assuming Ken is doing the same thing. I would be very surprised if this is the first time you have seen such a font change?