FG unveil €18bn plan to transform economy

Fine Gael today unveiled a €18bn masterplan to transform the Irish economy through investment in broadband, green energy and water networks.

Party leader Enda Kenny claimed its radical proposal would create 100,000 jobs over four years while revolutionising the commercial semi-State sector for the 21st Century.

Mr Kenny maintained its scheme would make the country competitive again and get people back to work.

“This plan will invest €18bn over four years in making our broadband network among the top five in the world, in turning us into a net energy exporter by 2030 with 50% of our energy coming from renewable sources by 2020 and in overhauling our water networks and infrastructure so that we have a system that is fit for the 21st century, not the 19th,” said Mr Kenny.

Mr Kenny admitted it was also part of a wider set of proposals the party will put to the electorate at the next election.

The NewEra report on the proposal was written by Simon Coveney TD, who believes it represents the single greatest transformation of the economy in over 50 years.

“We intend swapping old state companies for new ones that can position our economy for the competitiveness challenges of the 21st century,” said Mr Coveney, the party’s energy and communications spokesman.

“There is no longer a need for the state to own and run Bord Gais, ESB International and ESB Power Gen & Supply.

“Fine Gael will divest the state of these assets when the market and other conditions are appropriate and use the funds raised to re-invest in new 21st Century infrastructure.”

“This plan is transformational in its nature.”