Mayo TD calls for fast-tracking of rural infrastructure in recovery drive

A MAYO TD has issued a call for the fast-tracked of rural infrastructure as part of the government's plan to rebuild the economy when the Covid-19 crisis passes.

Sinn Fèin Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh, in her maiden Dàil Èireann speech, said investment policies driven by population numbers do not work. 

The Erris-based representative stated: "We can no longer miss out on the opportunities to deepen and widen the lengths between education and industry or to forgo opportunities for remote working and learning because we do not have equal access to broadband and telecommunications. 

"We are losing out so much on human capital, denying children with autism, parents of children with autism and those living with disabilities the opportunities to develop and use their abilities and talents to their full potential.

"The economic recovery must include the fast-tracking of critical physical telecommunications infrastructure as well as introducing fairness into our fishing and agriculture industries.

 "We must ensure we proactively pursue all monetary opportunities as well as using the fiscal instruments available to direct industry and job creation. 

"The long-promised strategic development zone at Knock Airport must be advanced as a matter of urgency and the airport itself must be enabled to reach its full potential as a catalyst for growth in the west. 

"The EU Commission proposal to make 2021 the year of rail presents us with opportunities to bring the western rail corridor to fruition and to upgrade existing rail lines. 

"We now have an opportunity to reconfigure our health services to provide equality of access to all of our citizens, no matter where we live. 

"To squander this crisis would be a travesty. The crisis inevitably brings about change but progress is optional."