Bravery gives hope to others

Project Ireland’s aim to even out economic development throughout the State is much overdue and will be essential if, as anticipated, the population will grow by one million people over 20-year lifetime of the plan.

While Dublin will continue to grow the Project Ireland forecasts growth targets of 50% for the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

There is scarcely a soul in the country who will object to plans build more homes, schools and hospitals along with a radical programme of transport infrastructure development.

The proposed Metro-link between Swords and Sandyford through Dublin Airport should have been built years ago as should a Dart extension to Drogheda and Maynooth.

While all the projects contained in the National Planning Framework are desperately needed Opposition parties, and the general public, are not convinced they will be delivered.

The NPF claims half-a-million new homes will be required up to 2040 but 100,000 of them are needed now and Fine Gael has consistently failed to meet its own targets to build them.

If the Government can’t construct the houses we need how does it propose to rebuild the State’s infrastructure? THE victims of sex abuse know all too well the torment suffered by Stephanie Prendergast and Michaela Murphy.

These brave women managed to summon the strength bring their evil father to court where he was sentenced to eight years in jail.

They also waived their right to anonymity, a decision which will undoubtedly help other victims of sex abuse.

For far too long sex abuse has been swept under the carpet in this country.

Thanks to the actions of these two courageous women, victims can know it is possible to bring those who abuse children to justice.