Waterford economy ‘flatlining’ amid ‘imbalance’ in Government funding

Waterford’s economy is “flatlining” amid an “imbalance” in Government funding, the Dáil has heard.

Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness spoke on the subject during Taoiseach’s Questions recently.

Deputy McGuinness said: “The latest South East Economic Monitor shows that while the south-east region has 9 per cent of the country’s population, it has four per cent of national GDP, five per cent of IDA-supported jobs and just 1.8 per cent of ongoing major public capital spending.

“Several times on Taoiseach’s Questions and Questions on Policy or Legislation, I have raised the lack of inward investment into Waterford and the south east, particularly in terms of transport with the Taoiseach.”

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He went on to describe the impact this apparent lack of investment is having on Waterford and the wider region.

He also asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin what action was going to be taken to address this imbalance.

Deputy McGuinness stated: “The economy of the south east is flatlining. There is neglect by the IDA and the Government when it comes to investment.

“Major capital spending in the south east is now the lowest of any region. It receives just €1,738 per person in major public capital investment, which is less than half the spend in the south west and 14 times less than Dublin.

“What is the Taoiseach going to do to address this imbalance to end the inequity and make sure that Waterford and the south east get the fair investment they deserve?”

However, he received no response from the Taoiseach on the issue. Having responded to questions from a number of other TDs, the Leas Ceann Comharile told Deputy Martin that he had run out of time.

“There were a couple of questions unanswered,” Deputy McGuinness protested. The Taoiseach subsequently said he would come back to the Sinn Féin TD privately.