Local Green Party Councillor, Louise Heavin, this week reflected upon one year in coalition Government with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The Green Party Longford Westmeath is marking one year in Government, which has seen the party influence achievements across departments, including setting Ireland on the path to net-zero emissions no later than 2050 through the Climate Action Bill, the announcement of a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for artists and taking major steps to end direct provision by publishing a White Paper and developing alternative accommodation models.
Councillor Heavin welcomed the anniversary of the Green Party joining Government, saying the party has had a real impact in their community.
“The Green Party in Government has shifted the focus towards a more equal and fair society especially while dealing with this global pandemic. We have see increased funding in many community services, in Active travel, in heritage as well as the planned ending of direct provision and the introduction of cost rental housing.
"The Midlands region has also seen benefits from Green announcements in the last year including Just Transition funding for large scale retrofitting of council owned housing, the extension of the greenway through Athlone, delivery of more than €100m for large-scale peat restoration projects – creating more than 300 jobs in the Midlands and equal funding to male and female GAA players," Cllr Heavin emphasised.