Communication and Transport will be a new challenge for Martin Kenny TD

This week Sinn Féin announced it's new look front bench and changed around some roles for their current TDs as they look to the future.

In the reshuffle Leitrim TD Martin Kenny was moved from Spokesperson for Justice to Spokesperson for Communication and Transport. The Sinn Féin TD for Sligo, Leitrim, north Roscommon and south Donegal has welcomed the new challenge.

 He stated to the Leitrim Observer, “Transport will be a key pillar in ensuring the growth of communities across the northwest. 

“Over the last few years we have seen a shift in the importance of a work life balance, where people are now encouraged to work from home and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.  This has seen workers moving to areas across the west which includes my own constituency of Sligo Leitrim. 

“Unfortunately, the current transport minister has not offered enough supports to communities in the west in light of this relocation.  An improved transport system, with integration between public and private transport, will be key to ensuring these workers can still complete their commutes from more rural areas, as well as ensuring the needs of the wider community are being met – needs that have been ignored for so long by successive governments. 

“As well as a more integrated transport system for the northwest, I also believe it is vital that a transport policing division is delivered sooner rather than later.   

“In terms of the communications side of this new brief, right across rural Ireland we are still facing delays in the rollout of fibre-power broadband.  This is continuing to cause difficulties for those running businesses in the northwest, as well as those completing online learning.  Mobile phone signal is also an issue across rural Ireland, something which needs to be addressed urgently.”

Deputy Kenny concluded saying, “The longer this government clings to power, the more damage they are doing for ordinary workers, families, and pensioners.  Sinn Féin believe it is time for a general election, and it is time for change.”