Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn says the Government’s Brexit Plan must lead to major investment in Donegal.
“Projects like the development of Greencastle Harbour, the construction of the N56 Letterkenny Relief Road and the upgrade of the N14 and N15 roads must be provided for”
Speaking after the Government published its plan and approach to the Brexit negotiations, Donegal Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn drew attention to two key stated objectives in the government statement that must lead to major investment in Donegal.
Senator Mac Lochlainn said “Two key stated objectives stand out to me from a Donegal perspective.”
They are:
Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in sectors and regions most affected by Brexit
Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents serious disturbance to the Irish economy
He said “These two stated objectives twinned with the opportunities presented by the new 10 year Capital Plan and the National Planning Framework 2040 must lead to major investment in Donegal if the governments Brexit strategy is to mean anything.
The Goverment will soon sign off on their new 10 year Capital Plan. Projects like the development of Greencastle Harbour, the construction of the N56 Letterkenny Relief Road and the upgrade of the N14 and N15 roads must be provided for this time. There can be no more excuses”.
He continued “The roll of the National Broadband Plan must also be prioritised for Donegal. As we stand, tens of thousands of Donegal homes will be waiting years for an adequate and modern broadband supply.
“What additional investment will the LYIT receive? They must be at the heart of any economic strategy.
“It is clear that our farming and fishing communities in Donegal will need huge support to deal with the threat of Brexit. The government need to spell out clearly what that support will be.
“Yesterday’s published government strategy for the Brexit negotiations is a step in the right direction but much more now needs to be done and the proof will be in the pudding, as they say, over the time ahead. Me and my Sinn Féin colleagues will hold them to account all the way”.
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