MEP takes aim at EU’s ‘disgraceful’ lack of support for Ireland through Recovery Fund

SINN Féin Midands North-West MEP Chris MacManus (pitured right) has said it is a disgrace that as the EU celebrates the half-way point of the Recovery Fund launched to help EU economies recover from the Covid recession that Ireland still hasn't drawn down a single cent. He said it is now seems increasingly likely that Ireland will not be able to actually draw down its full allocation of nearly a billion euros.

MacManus said: “Recently the EU marked the half-way point of its Recovery and Resilience Fund. For Ireland there is simply nothing to celebrate as the government has not yet got our act together to draw down our share.

“The EU tells us that €225bn has been allocated so far and yet Ireland is one of only three countries not to have received a disbursement. That's a serious indictment of this government failing to draw down what is as close to free money as you can get.

“I have previously said I am concerned that we are at a point where the deadline to draw down and spend this money is approaching. Having already missed deadlines it is now a race against the clock before 2026 to apply, draw down and spend over nine hundred million euros.

“That's very ambitious and I fear that government incompetence will cost the Irish people.

“This money is earmarked to help the Green Transition, rehabilitate peatlands, aid the Digital Transition and help train workers. All on hold due to massive delays from government.”

MacManus concluded, “The clock is ticking. It is high time for the government to make sure Ireland doesn't miss out any more.”