At last Friday's annual, joint meeting of the Border, Midland and Western and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly, in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Tanaiste Mary Coughlan responded to criticism levelled at her and the Government by declaring "it is obvious there are a lot of people in this room don't realise how bad things are."
Outlining what she perceives to be key measures that need to be taken in order to reinvigorate the economy, the Tanaiste emphasised the importance of competitiveness.
“Competitiveness is a clear goal that we have to achieve in this country if we a
re to remain economically viable. How we are going to do that is going to be very difficult but we have the capacity to do it.
“Competitiveness means reducing the cost base. People in the public sector feel that they have had to cough more than others in the private sector. Everyone is going to have to take a little less.”
One key way to increase competitiveness according to the Tanaiste is to reduce local authority charges.
“You’ll not want to hear it because there is an election in June but we have to cut our local authority charges. I know how hard that it is.
“The problem is, I have companies saying to me the cost of the grant is equal to the cost to the council. Expecting companies to take a little less will have to be reflected in local authorities. A little bit of pain will hopefully be reflected with gain.”
Having addressed the joint meeting of the assemblies, the floor was opened for questions and the Tanaiste was faced with frustrated members regarding her suggestion for local authorities to cut costs. She was also asked about the future of various projects around the country.
Addressing the subject of the future of the Western Rail Corridor, the Tanaiste said “I can’t give that commitment. I’m not against it, I’m married to a Mayo man so I know the score.
“The harsh realities,” the Tanaiste continued “are lovely projects, good projects and things that are very important are going to have to be put on hold until such time as we have a financial situation and the where withal to pay the people who work in this country, to provide the services and that’s the harsh reality of it.
