‘There is a difference between making noise and being active’ – Byrne
RECENTLY elected Senator Malcolm Byrne has fired back at Independent TD Verona Murphy’s assertion that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Oireachtas members in Wexford have not been vocal enough on the subject of Rosslare Europort.
Speaking last week, Deputy Murphy noted that there are four Oireachtas members whose parties are in government formation talks and stated that she had ‘never seen such a lax attitude to such a big opportunity’.
Having beaten Deputy Murphy in the by-election in November of last year, Malcolm Byrne ultimately lost out in the general election, in which Murphy took one of the five Wexford seats, before being elected to the Seanad.
‘I was pursuing it during my brief time as a TD and also now as part of the discussion on government formation,’ Senator Byrne said of the Rosslare issue. ‘I appreciate that Deputy Murphy has been very vocal on this issue but there is a difference between making noise and being active and looking to influence the programme for government. I don’t think her remarks help when we should all be working together.’
Senator Byrne says that Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is well aware of the potential of Rosslare Europort.
‘He is certainly aware of its potential and James Browne and I have both been pushing the issue of ownership with him,’ Senator Byrne said. ‘I would also give a lot of credit to Independent Cllr Ger Carthy who has probably done more behind the scenes to raise the future of Rosslare than any other politician.
‘I am always happy to work with anyone on a political issue and it is vital for Wexford that we get investment in the port, but also in re-imagining Rosslare itself and the surrounding villages.’