Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon, has welcomed the publication of a Programme for Government and has highlighted some of the commitments which will be of benefit to Mayo.
The document in excess of 120 pages contains a range of commitments across all areas of society. Of particular interest is the focus on increased remote working and renewable energy and how they may benefit counties like Mayo.
Deputy Dillon said: "It is just over four months since the General Election in February. While our way of life has changed beyond recognition, it is reassuring to now have a plan for the future which takes full consideration of Covid-19.
"It recognises the immense task ahead and how to overcome our future challenges. Therefore, I will be supporting this Programme for Government in its entirety and not shirking away from my responsibility to the people of Mayo. The programme contains a July Jobs Initiative and Recovery Fund to help restore employment and provide much-needed investment and stimulus.
"I should add the programme contains a strong commitment to rural Ireland. For instance, accelerating the roll-out of the national broadband plan, investing in tourism, and increasing community collaboration in rural policy development.
"A REPS-2 scheme will be developed to reward more sustainable methods of farming, and significant investment in roads will continue to take place. It also commits to capital programmes to support services and safety at our regional airports such as Ireland West Airport Knock.”
Dillon added: "We have more people working from home which offers many employees significant benefits for their quality of life. Making the west of Ireland more attractive for continued working from home features heavily in the newly published Programme for Government.
"This programme has balanced regional development at its heart because all parts of Ireland including Mayo must thrive if we are to prosper as a country.
"Balanced regional development is more possible now than it ever was in the past as we embrace our digital future. As the Mayo County Development Plan from 2020 onward is progressed and nearing publication, I hope it will work in tandem with the National Broadband Plan and the Programme for Government.
"The commitments to renewable and offshore energy have massive potential benefit to the west of Ireland and I will be proposing that Mayo will serve as a central hub.
"The climate challenges ahead also represent an opportunity for the west of Ireland to take advantage of our abundance of renewable energy resources.
"I will be working to support the creation of a large-scale renewable energy industry to support job creation and other economic spin-offs in our local communities.
"We need strong political will to ensure Mayo and the wider Atlantic seaboard is seen as Ireland’s Centre of Excellence for renewable energy."
