Tubbercurry Public Meeting hears frustration at Government failure to tackle Regional Imbalance – Chris MacManus MEP
A well-attended public meeting hosted by Chris MacManus MEP in Tubbercurry last Wednesday night November 15th heard frustration at the failure of successive Governments to tackle the issues of regional imbalance and rural decline. The meeting was held in the An Chroí Digital Hub South Sligo Enterprise centreand featured contributions from INHFA President Vincent Roddy, community activist Donna Hyland and representatives of local community organisations.
A broad range of subjects were discussed, including the upgrading of the N17, the development of the Western rail corridor, the lack of housing and the challenges of planning law and county development plans. The success of Knock Airport was given as an example that shows what is possible in the region when the proper political will exists. The meeting was attended by representatives from business, tourism, community groups and residents from across county Sligo.
Speaking following the meeting, Chris MacManus MEP for the Midlands Northwest said:
“I was delighted to host this important meeting in Tubbercurry tonight and would like to thank our panellists Vincent Roddy and Donna Hyland, as well as everyone in attendance, many of whom contributed significantly to the conversation.”
“It was a very productive evening with many interesting ideas and proposals which we will be taking on board and which will inform us in our work as we seek to tackle the issues of regional imbalance and rural decline. The current crises in Health and Housing were of course prevalent as well as the cost of living crisis. It was clear from this meeting that there is huge frustration about successive Government’s failure to address these issues. A lack of investment in infrastructure and key public services.”
MacManus concluded, “At a European level I will be continuing to fight for greater supports for our region through protecting our access to regional aid, restoring the region to the TEN-T Core Network so that critical infrastructure projects can benefit from EU funding, and a comprehensive investment package for the region, by utilising Cohesion funding, State Aid flexibility, the billion euro allocation of the RRF and the Brexit Fund. Sinn Féin will continue to fight for fairness and equality for the West at local, national and European levels.” ENDS
Picture below from Left to Right: Dr Jennifer Van Aswegen , Jason Gorman , Chris MacManus MEP , Donna Hyland , Vincent Roddy INHFA , Cllr Gerry Murray Mayo CC
