Fianna Fáil is on course to see its share of the first preference vote in the Waterford constituency drop by 8% but the swing away from the party will not result in the loss of a seat in next month’s general election.

WATERFORD Fianna Fáil TD Ollie Wilkinson is calling for a major garda probe, which concerns allegations of planning irregularities within Waterford County Council, to be brought to a speedy conclusion with the full findings made public.

PLANNING has been granted for a new €10 million 32-bed hospital for Dungarvan in Co Waterford.

PRIMARY school teachers in Waterford county and city are preparing to make classroom sizes a key issue in the next general election in the four-seat constituency where Fianna Fáil will be defending the two seats it has consistently held for a generation and more.

TWO childcare facilities in Waterford are to get a major boost under the latest round of funding for crèche nation-wide.

BACKBENCH TDs and senators spent €500,000 last year on foreign travel, including a number of fact-finding trips to exotic long-haul destinations.

MORE radiography places are needed in the country’s universities to fill specialist staff positions as plans advance for the expansion of BreastCheck throughout the southern region, Waterford Fianna Fáil TD Ollie Wilkinson has said.

AFTER years of waiting, doubt and uncertainty, Dungarvan’s long-promised new €10 million 32-bed hospital has gone to the planning stage and a favourable decision is expected within weeks.

WATERFORD needs more targeted, expert garda power and resources to tackle drugs and drug dealers, a local TD says. And he’s vowed to fight to have those resources deployed in the region.

HOUSEHOLDERS across Waterford are being urged to switch to greener, renewable home heating.

PERSISTENTLY disruptive pupils who make life hell for their teachers and fellow classmates will be tackled under new teams designed to help schools, Waterford Fianna Fáil TD Ollie Wilkinson has said.

TWO Waterford TDs have clashed over plans to bring radiotherapy to the south-east, based at Waterford Regional Hospital.

THE vigorous campaign of opposition to the introduction of new flat charges for refuse collection in Dungarvan town and throughout Co Waterford is set to escalate in the coming weeks.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen has been confirmed as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Waterford constituency for the next general election.

LOCAL groups in Waterford whose work focuses on the disadvantaged, young people and the elderly are being urged to apply for their share of a €24 million fund which is being made available by the Government from the dormant accounts fund.

FIANNA FÁIL’S two TDs for the Waterford constituency, including Environment Minister Martin Cullen, have been called on to “end the deception” and tell the people of Dungarvan whether or not the Government’s decentralisation package is going to be delivered for the town.

WATERFORD is well-positioned to become the new financial hub outside Dublin, according to Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin.

POLITICAL wrangling between TDs has begun in Waterford, even before there’s a hint of an election.

YOUTHS in souped-up cars are terrorising residents in west Waterford according to a local TD.

ALLOWING retired farmers to qualify for “farmer” grant aid for forestry has been proposed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food.

THE highest claiming expenses TD in the Dáil, John Deasy, has put his high claim record as being down to him “not being as cute” as his other 165 colleagues.

A FIANNA FÁIL deputy has accused his constituency colleague John Deasy TD of making “damaging and over-the-top” comments about decentralisation and other local developments.

IF, as predicted, Fianna Fáil loses two seats in Waterford, the finger of blame will be pointed at Health Minister Micheál Martin.

HEALTH MINISTER Mícheál Martin is facing increasing opposition from TDs within his own party over plans to ban smoking in pubs.