The economic model and approach of successive governments, whereby they put all our eggs in one basket, has today left us exposed and vulnerable. In Wicklow and Wexford, we certainly are as we have no fewer than nine pharmaceutical companies and our local struggling agricultural sector cannot afford any more cost increases. Recent governments in this State failed to properly invest in infrastructure or, crucially, build up indigenous industries. Instead, we rushed headlong into becoming the 51st state of the Union.…

Uisce Éireann has failed miserably so many villages in our counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Recently in Aughrim and previously in Camolin, I met builders who are ready to build desperately needed housing but Irish Water's failure to invest in wastewater treatment plants in both villages means they cannot proceed. Householders and small businesses, whether in Bunclody, Gorey, Arklow, Rathdrum or other areas, are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. A water tax would represent the last straw. As previou…

As a County Wicklow man, the Tánaiste will be very familiar with the small, rural town of Carnew. This town is somewhat isolated, lacks basic facilities and services and has insufficient public transport. This week, local people were alarmed to learn that an investment fund, Quest Retirement Solutions, is applying to install an international protection accommodation services, IPAS, centre to accommodate 44 persons, who are usually young males, in a public house on Carnew's main street. Needless to say, as usual, th…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. More than 8,000 learner drivers are languishing on waiting lists in Wicklow and Wexford. Some have been waiting for more than eight months, which is unacceptable. A young person could be fleeced by exorbitant insurance costs of €2,000 to €3,000, which is frustrating. Then comes another shock, that is, trying to navigate and drive safely on County Wexford's rural road network, which is disintegrating before our eyes, especially after the recent bad weather. After the…

Ar dtús, ba mhaith liom roinnt rudaí a lua mar gheall ar an gclár Rialtais chomh fada agus a bhaineann sé le mo cheantar féin, which is tuaisceart Loch Garman agus deisceart Chill Mhantáin. First, let us take the example of Arklow, which has never had a TD elected in the history of the State and has been neglected for decades by Government. It is a town which, in many ways, is dying on its knees. However, it is also a town that has massive and unharnessed potential. It needs to be a key objective of this programme …