Wexford ‘deserves better’
SINN FEIN LEADER MARY LOU McDONALD SLATES GOVERNMENT ON WEXFORD VISIT
THE strategic importance of Rosslare Europort in terms of regional and economic development shouldn’t be underestimated.
Speaking during a whistlestop tour of Wexford last Thursday Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Wexford deserves better from the Government.
Deputy McDonald met with a number of groups including Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Family Carers Ireland, The Collective Sensory Group and childcare workers.
She said: ‘Wexford is brimming with talent, brimming with ambition, brimming with potential. Unfortunately the county has been badly let down by bad regional development policies from this government and previous administrations. The business community is clearly not getting the support it needs from government. This is best exemplified by the fact the IDA had not visited the area for over a decade.
‘Due to lack of business support infrastructure, Wexford has lost out on investment and badly needed jobs from a number of companies that had shown an enthusiasm to locate in the area. The quality of the broadband network is a huge part of the problem. It is clear to me that this will only be solved through state intervention.
‘It is shocking that Rosslare Port is not included in the Ireland 2040 plan. It requires significant investment to become the economic driver it could and should be for the South East. Rosslare is not just a local asset. It is a national asset, especially in the context of Brexit. The proper development of the N11 is also critical to this.’
Speaking about her engagements with the groups she met in Wexford, Ms McDonald said that worthwhile groups were missing key government supports.
‘It is clear that the community and voluntary sector in Wexford does amazing work despite a chronic lack of government support. I was particularly taken with the work and experiences of The Collective Sensory Group on St John’s Road.
‘This is a parent driven group providing Occupational Therapy services for children who otherwise would be left on HSE waiting lists for years and would not receive the clinical inventions that are essential to improving outcomes.
‘Despite the fact the CSG supports over 400 families, and provides therapies and supports that should be provided by the state, it receives no funding.
‘I will be raising this matter directly with Minister Finian McGrath. I will work with the families of the Collective Sensory Group to ensure that the fantastic and vital work they do is supported.’