O'Sullivan Urges Local Government T.D.s To Seek Urgent Meeting With Taoiseach
Issued : Monday 23 November, 2009
Limerick City Labour T.D. Jan O’Sullivan has called on all F.F. T.D.s in Limerick City, Limerick West and Clare to seek an immediate meeting with the Taoiseach to demand action from the Government on a number of serious challenges facing the Mid-West Region.
‘There are a number of critical issues that require a concerted effort by Government Deputies if we are to halt the serious decline in this regions fortunes.’
- We need a firm commitment from Government that the necessary resources to implement recommendations from the regional jobs task force will be provided. The fact that not a single job has been delivered to the region by the IDA is extremely disappointing and is systematic of the failure by this Government to assist the area.
- Shannon Airport if not supported will be the catalyst for further job losses in the region unless serious action is taken. The Government must support additional measures to develop the airport in terms of new route incentive schemes to attract in new airlines and also develop the potential to expand the airports cargo and freight handling facilities with major international carriers like DHL, UPS, FedEX, TNT.
- Abolish the €10 departure tax which has become revenue neutral due to route closures and job losses.
- Government deputies must demand that the masterplan for the regeneration of housing estates in Limerick must be approved by the Cabinet which will ensure funding will continue albeit in lesser amounts.
- Extend Limerick Cities Boundary to provide for the sustainable development of the City. A vibrant region needs a strong City and the boundary question has been debated for long enough and it is time to put the entire region first and support the need for a significant boundary extension.
We simply cannot continue to witness increasing unemployment, critical infrastructure being downgraded and serious governance issues resulting in the delivery of adhoc public services. Local Government T.D.s have the power collectively to persuade the Taoiseach that action must be taken and resources allocated to ensure our region can meet the challenges during this difficult economic period.
ENDS
