Deputy Ward: ‘Rural Ireland is left to pay the price for government neglect'

Deputy Charles Ward has said that rural Ireland ‘has been left to pay the price for government neglect’

The Donegal Deputy stated: "As someone living in rural Ireland, it is evident to me that this government has fallen significantly short in providing the infrastructure, resources and investment needed to support and develop these communities.

"The lack of sufficient investment is reflected in many aspects of daily life, from limited public transport to poor broadband connectivity. There are towns in Donegal that have only received fibre broadband as recently as yesterday, and many other parts that still haven’t received it at all, yet there are areas in Dublin that have had fibre for over a decade now."

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Deputy Ward also highlighted inadequate and inaccessible healthcare, education and employment opportunities in Donegal.

He said: "These structural disadvantages have led to severe population decline, economic stagnation, and a growing sense of neglect. And then you wonder why people from rural communities are forced to take to the streets, when every price hike at the pump feels like yet another direct penalty for where they live.’

 The 100% Redress Party leader criticised the government’s "Our Rural Future Policy", stating that it was nothing more than yet another government policy document full of "empty promises."

Deputy Ward said: "There seems to be little to no implementation of any of the policies outlined and I would hope that any future document would at least be more realistic. Without meaningful and sustained investment, the gap between urban and rural areas will continue to widen, and the quality of life for those in rural regions will only continue to deteriorate. The Minister must act and implement."