Opportunity for east and south Mayo to elect first TD since 2002

THE reinstatement of Mayo as a full constituency provides an opportunity for the east and south of the county to elect a TD from the area.

Mayo's Aontú representative, Paul Lawless, has welcomed south Mayo back into the Mayo constituency, saying: “The people of Cong, Cross, Glencorrib, Kilmaine, Shrule and The Neale are proud Mayo people and deserve to be represented in the Mayo constituency.

“The reintroduction of south Mayo provides a wonderful opportunity for east and south Mayo to elect the first TD since the late John Carty won a seat in 2002.”

He commented: “I firmly believe the lack of representation on the national stage has coincided with neglect for east and south Mayo. For example, in 2011 the current Taoiseach, Leo Vardkar, wiped the west and north west off the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network, a multi-billion euro programme of European investment in road and rail, airports and ports. This would have provided motorway funding from Tuam to Sligo as well as investment for the Claremorris to Athenry rail line and Knock airport. More recently, current Transport Minister Eamon Ryan (in his recent visit to Mayo) effectively suspended plans for the proposed Knock to Collooney N17 project.

“Knock airport is a jewel in Mayo; it has so much potential but is under utilised by successive governments. The airport remains largely disconnected from its two largest cities, Galway and Sligo. It desperately needs better connectivity. We should also develop a strategic development zone around the airport which would bring investment, jobs and boost the entire region.”

Mr. Lawless continued: “Legally speaking in Ireland there must be one TD for every 20,000-30,000 people. A population of much less than this was cast aside to another county, meaning they didn't have the numbers to elect a TD to represent them.

“We need to ensure we have our own TD living in and near the east and south of the county. If given that privilege I will fight for everybody in the area and not stand idly by against any attempts to cast people aside again.

“The reintroduction of south mayo provides an opportunity for greater Dáil representation for east and south Mayo to lend their voices and votes for investment and infrastructure.”