Fine Gael Bye-Election Candidate James Geoghegan wishes businesses in Dublin Bay South good luck as country reopens

Fine Gael bye election candidate James Geoghegan today wished the people and businesses of Dublin Bay South the best of luck in the weeks ahead as the country reopens further with the easing of restrictions.

Councillor Geoghegan thanked people and businesses in the constituency for the sacrifices they have made over the last year, which have resulted in the Government being able to move ahead with reopening plans to coincide with the summer months.

Cllr Geoghegan, who is contesting the Dublin Bay South bye-election for Fine Gael, was joined today on the campaign trail by Fine Gael leader and An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

They met people in the constituency to discuss the bye-election candidate’s core priorities, and to listen to the views and concerns of people locally.

Cllr Geoghegan took the opportunity to thank his supporters, campaign team and volunteers who have taken the time to join him over the past couple of weeks to drop leaflets, canvass and help him inform people of his record of delivery since being elected to Dublin City Council in 2019.

This record includes;

• Voting in favour of the Dublin City Council housing developments delivering affordable houses and apartments for purchase prices ranging from €260,000 to €300,000.
• Delivering a new HSE Primary Healthcare Centre on council owned land in the heart of Rathmines village.
• Pedestrianising Merrion Row and helping to deliver outdoor dining infrastructure for local Ranelagh and Sandymount businesses.

Clllr Geoghegan said: “While the traditional methods of campaigning are different due to public health restrictions, I have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm I have received from people since my campaign got underway^.

“As a Dad and a husband one of my three priorities if elected would be to ensure there is smart investment in childcare, education, and our work environment to help get our country back on its feet after Covid-19.

“In June, hotels and B&Bs will re-open, along with cinemas and theatres, and outdoor services can start in restaurants and bars. Increased numbers will be permitted at outdoor organised events, and this resumption in activity will help to revive our capital city once again.

“The Government has provided an unprecedented level of support since the onset of the Covid pandemic, with over €14 billion spent on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, the Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme.

“A range of measures are in place to support businesses, with 18,775 businesses in the Dublin City Council area availing of the commercial rates waiver, and thousands benefiting from schemes like the Restart Grant, Restart Grant Plus and the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme.

“It is positive that measures to support people and businesses will continue as Government charts the next steps for the recovery which will support communities and job creation.

“The vaccination programme is continuing apace which is having a positive effect on the trajectory of the virus. In my own constituency of Dublin Bay South, more than 76,000 vaccines have been administered at the Aviva Stadium and I want to commend the healthcare workers and support staff for such an effective and efficient operation there.

“Covid-19 has required us to adapt to new ways of living and working, and I hope we can build on what we have learned over the past year to give people and families a better quality of life and work/life balance. Work is already underway to achieve this by Government with a strategy which sets out how we will make remote working a reality for people.”

An Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar said: “Friday marked a day of hope for the people of Ireland after a year like no other and we are now on a path to the full reopening of our economy and society thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Irish people, and the ramping up of the vaccination programme.

“James’ focus is on delivering a better future for Ireland and working towards giving individuals and families a better of quality of life. His campaign and policy priorities have received a hugely positive response in Dublin Bay South in recent weeks and I know that he will be a great addition to the Fine Gael family in Dáil Eireann.”

From tomorrow (Monday 31^st May), a series of billboards will be displayed at locations across Dublin Bay South featuring one of James key priorities with the caption; “Let’s Reopen Ireland to a better future.”