Opportunity missed in Budget 2021, says TD
SOCIAL Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore has this week responded to Budget 2021, saying it was a ‘missed opportunity to address the long-term challenges facing Wicklow as a result of Covid-19 and years of underinvestment in jobs, transport and services’.
Reacting to Budget 2021, Deputy Whitmore, who is also Party Spokesperson for Children and Climate Action, said that the Budget represents a ‘ lost opportunity’ to make the choices that would lead to long-term social and economic revival.
‘While Covid-19 has highlighted the weakness in our public services and infrastructure, yet these weaknesses are as a result of years of underinvestment. If we address the long-term challenges we face, will be addressing the shortterm challenges which Covid-19 has presented.
‘Budget 2021 did include increased investment in the areas of tourism, transport and businesses, which is welcome and will help business in Wicklow, but the Government had an opportunity to expand on this even further by borrowing at a much larger capacity to address the long-term infrastructural challenges that Wicklow faces,’ she said.
Deputy Whitmore said that people want greater access to healthcare in their community, increased job and income security, safer roads and open spaces, less traffic on the N11 for commuters and more local jobs available in towns and villages across the county. ‘All of this will require continuous multi-year investment into the future which Budget 2021 has failed to pin down,’ she said.
‘It has yet to be seen where this new investment will go and if it will trickle down into towns and villages across Wicklow. I hope to see funding to address the recreational deficit in West Wicklow, or to develop Arklow Harbour which has huge job-creation potential.’
She also wants to see substantial funding provided to increase access to public transport throughout all areas in Wicklow, as well as the roll out of more local link buses in towns and villages.
‘ This will also cater to our climate action agenda by significantly reducing car use and traffic along the N11 for commuters,’ said Deputy Whitmore.
‘In terms of local businesses, there were some welcome announcements such as the continuing of the commercial rates holiday but overheads such as rents, mortgages, heating and electricity bills remain unaddressed. The Government needs to be cognisant of the everyday financial and logistical challenges facing businesses owners; they will need long term supports if the sector is to be sustainable. Workers also need greater income security with the restoration of PUP and a national sick leave scheme.
‘As the finer details are revealed over the course of the next number of weeks it will become clearer where this record spend will go and how Wicklow will benefit. Overall, Budget 2021 was short-sighted and missed a chance to really address the long-term challenges which will still be there when we emerge from the current pandemic.’