"Utter, utter rubbish": Senator Slams Misinformation Campaign Over Rathangan Convent Plans

Friday, 3 May 2024 09:47

By Martin Osborne

She condemned the actions as unjust and harmful.

"Utter, utter rubbish."

That's according to Kildare South Senator Fiona O'Loughlin who has lambasted the spread of false narratives regarding the fate of the Convent in Rathangan.

Speaking out against what she termed as "utter, utter rubbish," O’Loughlin emphasised the longstanding contribution of the Sisters of Mercy to the community of Rathangan, spanning over a century of educational and social support.

Clarifying the plans for the convent, she said: “The Sisters of Mercy order have determined that this historic building will be repurposed to provide housing support for the community.”

In collaboration with Kildare County Council, it has been decided that the site will be developed to accommodate 26 apartments tailored for individuals aged over 55 and those with disabilities.

Addressing the proliferation of unfounded rumours, O’Loughlin expressed concern over the deliberate dissemination of misinformation.

She lamented the fabrication of stories suggesting the housing initiative was intended for drug addicts and individuals with mental health issues.

O’Loughlin highlighted instances of misinformation being circulated near the adjacent school, where flyers containing false information were distributed, aiming to sow division within the community.

She condemned the actions as unjust and harmful, particularly to vulnerable families and children.

She urged for a collective effort to combat misinformation and ensure transparency in community initiatives.

More from Local News

Call For Sanitary Bins In Men’s Toilets To Support Prostate Cancer Survivors

Audio

Each year, around 4000 men in Ireland are diagnosed with the disease, with research from PHS and the Irish Cancer Society finding more than half of men with incontinence feel anxious because of poor toilet facilities.
Own-Brand Foods Often Produced By Same Factories As Big Labels, Says Money Doctor John Lowe

Choosing own-brand products can also save money, with Lowe noting that many supermarket labels are produced by the same manufacturers as well-known brands.
Kfm Strengthens Position As Kildare’s Most Listened-To Station, According To Latest Ipsos/MRBI Report

Kfm CEO Clem Ryan said: “This latest research is a major reflection of the power of local radio, which showcases local issues , and where advertisers reach their target customers in real time."
Quarter Of Uisce Éireann Staff Earned Over €100k Last Year

Audio

Officials from Uisce Eireann are appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, outlining the company’s financial statements for 2024.
Meath Bird Flu Case Prompts Warning, But Chicken And Turkey Safe To Eat, Says Agriculture Minister

Audio

After confirmed cases in Carlow and Cork, the Department of Agriculture is imposing a mandatory order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from next Monday.
One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.