Fine Gael continues to prioritise balanced regional development

Plan will ensure that Waterford continues to grow and develop as one of Ireland’s best places to live and work

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney; and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, today (Thursday) set out Fine Gael’s plans to build on their track record of balanced regional development.

Speaking from Waterford, where he was joined by Minister Bruton, the Tánaiste said: “Fine Gael is committed to the development of Waterford as a thriving city, a great place to live and work, and a major urban centre for the South East region.

“The crash hit the South East particularly badly with unemployment reaching over 20.1 per cent at its peak. Big closures like Talk Talk and traditional manufacturing jobs had a devastating impact on the city and surrounding region. By implementing the South East jobs plans, Waterford has come a long way. Over 32,000 extra people are at work since 2012 in the South East. But there is a way to go to ensure the county reaches its full potential. Fine Gael in Government will continue that work so that the people of Waterford can continue to have pride in their county and the entire South East.”

We will do that by:

• Establishing a Technological University for the South East to help drive jobs and economic growth by providing the skills that employers need;
• Working quickly to finalise the details of the North Quay Project in Waterford City to transform City and Regional access and mobility and provide for game changing development on the North side of Waterford, and build on the €6m that has already been invested;
• Investing €59 million to connect almost 15,000 homes, schools, farms and businesses in Waterford county to high speed broadband – so they are not left behind and have the opportunity to thrive;
• Attracting further new investment to Waterford, particularly through the second IDA advanced factory which was completed in 2019, so we can continue to grow the number of people employed in IDA supported companies above 7,100;
• Enabling the Waterford Local Enterprise Office to invest in Waterford companies with more than 10 people, to help them win new export markets and grow new jobs further;
• Implementing the South East Regional Enterprise Plan to drive on jobs and investment, building on the South East Employment Action Plan in 2011 and the South East Regional Action Plan for Jobs in 2015;
• Implementing a Cycling Plan for Waterford to develop safe cycle facilities.

Minister Bruton said: “Fine Gael’s objective is to implement a jobs plan for every region, focussing on what each region does best. This is the best way to ensure our cities, towns and villages prosper in the years ahead. The roll-out of high-speed broadband will be a game changer. So too will the delivery of a Technological University for the South East, which will drive economic and jobs growth and the regeneration of the North Quays. Project Ireland 2040 clearly lays out the plan and vision ensure Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford grow at twice the rate of Dublin and that towns and villages with fewer than 10,000 people benefit from the €1 billion Rural Fund. Our plan will ensure that Waterford continues to grow and develop as one of Ireland’s best places in which to live, work and raise a family.”