Making sure town remains an electoral priority

I AGREE with Declan Waugh (January 17) that the main political parties (Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil) have turned their back on Bandon. However, the Bandon Labour Party branch and Cllr Gearoid Buckley has ensured the Bandon electoral area remains a “high priority” through active engagement with the local community and businesses.

On January 7, 2011 the Bandon Labour Branch held a public forum in Bandon on the very important and crucial County Development Plan. Further to this public consultation process the branch submitted a set of strategies and plans to the Cork County Council in relation to the County Development Plan. The submission highlighted that jobs could be created immediately through the expansion of Community Employment Scheme. With four post-primary centres in the town, the opportunity for increasing further educational and skills courses at post-Leaving Cert and third level must be explored. The increase of bed capacity at Bandon Community Hospital must be a priority. Flood relief works must be given precedence to ensure that business can operate without fear of flooding. A functional and purposeful youth centre, a second by-pass via the north side of town, greater support for local markets and indigenous business and a sustainable plan for the long-term future of the town, are all needed.

John Lyons