Senator attacks proposed Shannon Development plan

STRIPPING Shannon Development of its industrial promotion role will make a bad situation worse in West Limerick, according to Senator Michael Finucane.

The Fine Gael Senator, who is based in Newcastle West, said the proposed restructuring of Shannon Development will make the situation worse.

In a recent announcement, Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin stripped Shannon Development of its industrial promotion role in the Mid-West.

“I am very concerned about the effects of the proposed change and restructuring of Shannon Development and its future role in job creation and inward investment in West Limerick. I want to see firm details from the minister about his proposals for industrial development in the Mid-West and the minister must clarify the situation,” Senator Finucane said.

He felt that West Limerick had lost out in industrial promotion.

“Reducing the role of Shannon Development will not solve the problems of West Limerick and simply moves the responsibility for answering the tough questions from one agency to another.

“ This goes against the whole concept of regional development and while the current situation is far from perfect, are we going to be left with an even worse problem when Minister Martin drives his proposals through the Oireachtas?” Senator Finucane said. He accused the Government of a pathetic performance on industrial delivery in West Limerick.

“Take Newcastle West for instance, it is the largest town in the constituency of West Limerick and if one asks what has been delivered by the current administration since 1997, if you answer truthfully one would have to say little or nothing. Any jobs that have been created in the town have been as a result of the endeavours of local people themselves, with minimal State assistance.”

He called on Minister Martin to formulate a plan for West Limerick and commit the various agencies to deliver once and for all.

Senator Finucane said the Government’s failure would be a major local issue at the next general election.

“All we are looking for is our fair share and to be treated as equals. Until West Limerick puts itself first, we will continue to be passed over by those that have for years taken the people for granted,” he said.