Call for critical infrastructure in South East

Sinn Féin TD, Deputy David Cullinane has said the Government’s first tranche of projects designated for accelerated delivery under the Critical Infrastructure legislation exposes the continued failure to prioritise the South East.

Deputy Cullinane said it was deeply disappointing that not a single project from the region was included, despite the South East's significant infrastructure deficits and its growing population.

Commenting on the matter, Deputy Cullinane said: "Sinn Féin supported this legislation because we recognise the need to speed up the delivery of nationally important infrastructure. Ireland has become far too slow at delivering major projects and that has real consequences for housing, transport, healthcare and economic development."

“However, the first list of designated projects raises serious questions about the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development," he said.

"Not one project in the South East has been included," he added.

The Sinn Féin TD went on to comment: “The South East has been waiting far too long for investment in the infrastructure needed to support its people and economy. This region cannot continue to be overlooked while other parts of the country move ahead. The reported exclusion of BusConnects from the first tranche is particularly disappointing."

He said communities across the South East need significant investment in public transport, including improved bus services and the infrastructure needed to support them.

“The South East also requires major investment in rail," he said.

"We need faster, more reliable rail services between Waterford and Dublin, improved connectivity across the region and a clear long-term commitment to expanding rail capacity," he added.

Deputy Cullinane said sustainable transport cannot remain an aspiration while investment continues to flow elsewhere.

“It is equally disappointing that no third-level education projects have been designated," he said.

Referring to SETU's "ambitious plans" to expand teaching, research and student capacity through new academic buildings, healthcare facilities and a proposed medical school he said: "These are projects of national and regional importance that deserve Government backing and should be recognised as critical infrastructure."
"The South East also has compelling cases for the inclusion of the N24 and N25," said Deputy Cullinane.

"These are strategically important national routes that are essential for road safety, regional connectivity, access to our ports and economic development," he added, while also commenting that investment in water and wastewater infrastructure must also be accelerated.

He said across the South East, housing developments are being delayed because the basic infrastructure needed to support them is not in place and then commented: "For too long the South East has heard announcements, strategies and promises, only to see projects delayed or ignored. This latest decision will reinforce the view that our region remains an afterthought within Government."

Saying further projects are expected to be designated under the legislation he said The Government must ensure the South East is not overlooked again. 

"Investment in our road, rail, bus, water, healthcare and third-level education infrastructure is essential if this region is to realise its enormous potential," he said.

"The South East deserves the same ambition and the same level of investment as every other region. The time for excuses has long passed.”