By Róise Collins
AS government formation talks officially commence, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce has shared growing concerns regarding a proposal to introduce a special department and minister for infrastructure.
Lead negotiators from both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael met on Tuesday evening to discuss policy and the divvying up of ministerial portfolios.
In the run up to the election, Taoiseach Simon Harris proposed the creation of a new Government department to oversee infrastructure.
The Letterkenny Chamber believes this new department could in turn negatively impact the development of vital infrastructure in the county.
“Rather than creating a new department that will take time and resources we would urge the incoming government to make housing and infrastructure a top priority,” said Toni Forrester, CEO of Letterkenny Chamber.
“The critical infrastructure that is required particularly here in the north west is urgent.
“For so many years this region has been left behind, if a new department is created we need to see priorities and more importantly action to finally address the infrastructure deficits and housing needs.
“For its part the private sector will continue to work hard to deliver on job creation and create investment opportunities to secure a prosperous future for all,” she added.
“Letterkenny Chamber has been consistent in its call over many years for Government to provide the critical infrastructure for Letterkenny and the North West Region.
“This is a region in transition as defined by the EU meaning we are way behind our counterparts in Europe and other regions of Ireland. In all our Chamber surveys roads infrastructure and connectivity is always high on the agenda for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
“While many promises have been pledged on the A5 and Ten-T Donegal Network, progress is very slow. We need the incoming government to provide multi annual finding to deliver these much needed critical infrastructure projects at a pace,” she said.
Ms Forrester also highlighted the severe lack of housing in the region, which she said is causing a “serious strain on the economy”.
“On a wider scale there is also a lack of water and waste water infrastructure and the electricity networks in Donegal are not fit for purpose or growth ambitions.
“The County and Town development Plans and indeed regeneration plans need to be delivered in a strategic, joined up approach in order to deliver on our ambitions.”
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