Views sought for west master plan

AS a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I have been tasked with producing a report on ‘What is required to develop the counties along the west coast of Ireland, both in economic and social terms’.

The report seeks to reflect the demands of the people of the west regarding what action needs to be taken to ensure a vibrant future for the region.

I am seeking maximum input from groups and individuals across the west for the report.

Over the summer I travelled extensively along the west coast and met with a wide range of groups and individuals to hear their concerns and demands.

I am inviting members of the public and any groups with whom I have been unable to make contact to offer submissions to the report by email to me no later than September 19.

If you, or the organisation you are involved with, has views on any of the following questions, I want to hear them as soon as possible.

* What needs to be done to ensure the creation of employment in the west?

* What needs to be done to improve public services?

* What needs to be done to create a sense of safety for people, in particular the elderly, in their own homes?

* What are the main infrastructure deficiencies in the western region or in your own local area and how this impacts on social and economic life?

* What needs to be done to improve access to social, cultural and recreational facilities for people throughout the west?

* What has been the impact of the closure of key social infrastructure such as post offices and garda stations across the west, or what needs to be done to ensure thriving Irish language communities in the Gaeltachtaí?

Senator Pearse Doherty

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Regional Development and Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Leinster House

Kildare Street

Dublin 2

email: [e-mail]