Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said the Government’s failure to designate a single infrastructure project in the South East as Critical Infrastructure is further evidence of its ongoing neglect of Waterford and the wider region.
Deputy McGuinness said the first tranche of designations includes major transport projects in Dublin, Cork and Galway, significant water infrastructure serving Dublin, the Midlands and Limerick, and strategic energy projects in Donegal, Clare and across the island. Not one project in the South East has been included.
“Sinn Féin supported this legislation because Ireland urgently needs to accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure. We supported the principle of removing unnecessary delays and ensuring projects of strategic importance can be delivered more quickly.
“What we cannot support is a Government that claims to prioritise balanced regional development while failing to designate a single project in the South East in its first list of critical infrastructure. That speaks volumes about where this region ranks in Government priorities.”
Deputy McGuinness said the omission is particularly disappointing for Waterford, which continues to wait for investment in infrastructure that is essential for economic growth, public safety and housing delivery.
“Waterford has a strong case for nationally significant infrastructure. The N25 requires major safety upgrades on one of the country’s most dangerous strategic routes, linking Waterford with Cork and Rosslare Europort. The N24 is a vital corridor connecting Waterford, the Port of Waterford and Rosslare with Limerick and the west. We also urgently need investment in water infrastructure so that homes can actually be built where they are needed.
“These are not luxury projects. They are essential infrastructure that will save lives, support jobs, unlock housing and strengthen the economy of Waterford and the wider South East.”
Deputy McGuinness said the decision also raises serious questions about the Government’s commitment to the region.
“When projects are being designated across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Clare and Donegal, but not a single one in the South East, nobody can seriously claim this Government is delivering balanced regional development. People are entitled to ask what influence Government ministers representing the South East are actually bringing to bear around the Cabinet table.”
“For years this Government has excelled at announcing plans, launching strategies and identifying obstacles. What it has failed to do is deliver the housing, transport and water infrastructure that communities need.
“The Government has indicated that further projects will be designated under the Act. It must ensure that Waterford and the South East are not overlooked again. The N25, the N24 and the water infrastructure needed to unlock housing and support economic growth in Waterford should be among the next projects designated as Critical Infrastructure.
“This latest announcement will ultimately be judged not by today’s press release, but by whether infrastructure is actually delivered. Waterford and the South East deserve their fair share of investment, and this Government must stop treating our region as an afterthought.”