Dublin suicide help group expands

From Ballyfermot Post
A Lucan-based centre for suicide prevention and self-harm is set to expand, branching out to North Clondalkin, Tallaght and Finglas.

Pieta House say they will provide outreach services for people affected by suicide or harboring suicidal feelings. They aim to provide outreach services to most of Dublin city throughout 2008.

Staff at Pieta House are also hoping to see out the year with a new centre being established in rural areas of the country. Established in 2006, Pieta House is a community based counselling service, the first of its kind in Ireland and works with those who have attempted suicide or self-harm, as well as their families. [Read Rest of Article]

Rabbitte criticises decision to close Cherry Orchard Rail Station

The Leader of the Labour Party, Pat Rabbitte TD, has criticised plans to close the Cherry Orchard rail station in Ballyfermot and has urged the Minister for Transport and the Dublin Transport Office (DTO) to review the plan which he said would seriously inconvenience commuters from the Ballyfermot area.

"The Kildare Route project, which involves upgrading the line from Heuston Station, is designed to enhance rail services between the city centre and the suburbs. However, it seems extraordinary that Ballyfermot is going to be the only area to actually lose a station as a result of this development.

"Ballyfermot is one of the biggest suburbs in Dublin. It has high public transport dependency levels and a poor bus service. Already an old platform/station has been ripped out at Sarsfield Road and now it is proposed to close down the station at Cherry Orchard.

"The proposed new station at Park West will not be adequate to meet the needs of people from Ballyfermot who wish to travel by train.

"I am now calling for a review of this decision. If the Cherry Orchard station is closed it is unlikely that an opportunity to re-open it will arise for many years."