Wexford Greens welcome new coalition government
Wexford’s geography puts it in a good position to capitalise on the creation of jobs in clean energy generation, according to Wexford members of the Green Party who have welcomed the new coalition government.
‘The world was already facing a climate and biodiversity crisis before Covid-19 presented us with considerable challenges’, said Killian Ormond, acting communications officer for the Wexford branch of the party.
‘The programme for government presents significant opportunities for Wexford as we decarbonise our economy and look forward to a brighter future for the south east.’
On the jobs front, he said Wexford is uniquely placed to take advantage of the jobs-led recovery in clean energy generation with its long coastline for off-shore wind and many hours of sunshine for solar energy generation.
Speaking on behalf of Wexford Greens, Mr Ormond said Wexford should see enhanced transport connections as a result of the new government programme which contains a commitment to a threefold increase in passenger journeys on Local Link.
‘This is the type of rural-focussed initiative the Green Party has promoted that will increase connectivity and mobility for people living in towns and villages across Wexford.
He said funding has also been ring-fenced for cycling and walking, which could have a transformative effect on the county and parents can look forward to safe cycling and walking for children on their way to and from school.
‘Meanwhile, tourism in Wexford can expect a boost with the potential of additional Greenway projects and safe cycling in the county. However, we recognise the lack of sustainable transport options for road and rail users and will constructively engage with all such future projects.
He said the Greens will continue to be a voice for Wexford in advocating for services in the south east that match the requirements of those who most need them.
‘In every coalition there are compromises to be made and this programme for government is no different. The Wexford Greens see the unmet needs of the people of Wexford, particularly in, but not limited to healthcare, and especially in the area of mental health.’
Green Party members in Wexford are looking forward to the ending of Direct Provision and a fairer system for those seeking refuge from conflict and persecution and a better life in Wexford and across Ireland, according to the communications officer.
‘In addition, the Wexford Greens will continue to be an advocate for clean water, safe food and a healthy environment.
‘We recognise that farmers are the primary custodians of the rural environment. A key objective of the programme for government is to protect and enhance the incomes and livelihoods of family farms as we embrace the mission of delivering on climate change and biodiversity objective’, he said.
He highlighted the retrofitting of houses as another important project in the programme for government, which will see people living in warmer homes while enjoying a lower cost of living through reduced heating bills.
He also singled out a new apprenticeship programme which will help young people advance their careers while living in their communities and a Town Centre First policy to regenerate and strengthen towns and villages.
‘The Green Party is of the view that this provides the key to a sustainable future and towards climate resilience. However, this ambition can only be realised by a new departure in how our urban spaces are organised and in how we act to unlock their immense potential’, he said.
NCT services were suspended during the COVID-19 emergency.
If your car was due for its NCT between 28 March and 30 June, your test date was extended for four months from the original date of the NCT.
This means that if your car was due for an NCT on 1 June, your NCT is now due on 1 October 2020.
You can check the date for your NCT on the NCTS website. You can also request a reminder by email or by text message.
If your car was due for its NCT before 28 March, you can now book a test.
Some NCT centres reopened from 8 June. You can see what NCTS centres are open on the NCTS website.
If you couldn’t complete the NCT earlier this year (because of issues with car lifts), you should continue to carry the Vehicle Inspection Report that says that your test was incomplete.