Longford Sinn Féin meeting highlights need to tackle regional imbalance and rural decline
Lack of investment in infrastructure as well as the failure to protect family farmers were key themes highlighted
A well-attended public meeting hosted by Chris MacManus MEP in Longford heard frustration from local communities and individuals at the failure of successive Governments to tackle the issues of regional imbalance and rural decline.
The meeting, held in the Longford Arms Hotel, featured contributions from Sorca Clarke TD as well as local election candidates James Donnelly (Longford Municipal District) and Barry Campion (Granard Municipal District).
Michelle Gildernew MP is Sinn Féin's second candidate in the Midlands-North West European Parliament constituency (running alongside Chris MacManus). While John Rooney (Ballymahon MD) and Sadia Athar (Longford MD) are running in the local elections.
A broad range of subjects were discussed, including the upgrading of the N4, a lack of public transport, agriculture and the lack of affordable housing in the local area.
Chris MacManus MEP for the Midlands Northwest said: “I was pleased to host the meeting in Longford. It’s one of a series of regional meetings that I’ve organised and I’d like to thank our panellists Sorca Clarke TD, James Donnelly and Barry Campion, as well as everyone in attendance, many of whom contributed significantly to the conversation.”
“It was a very productive evening with many interesting ideas and proposals which we will be taking on board and which will inform us in our work as we seek to tackle the issues of regional imbalance and rural decline.
“A lack of investment in infrastructure such as the re-alignment of the N4 and key public services as well as the failure to protect our family farmers were key themes highlighted throughout the meeting. It was clear that there is huge frustration about successive Government’s failure to address these issues.
MacManus concluded, “At a European level I will be continuing to demand greater resources and supports for our region. Investment is key for tackling these issues and delivering economic development for County Longford and the region as a whole. Sinn Féin will continue to fight for fairness and equality for this region at local, national and European level.”