Stimulus package would benefit Clare, says Carey

Government TD Joe Carey has come out in support of claims by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) that Clare projects could benefit under a new EU stimulus package.

The CIF and Deputy Carey believe if the EU-wide package was agreed, major infrastructure projects could go ahead and would bring employment to the area.

The CIF this week published its list of previously announced projects, which could be advanced if the Government secures an EU stimulus package.

The industry lobby group cites water conservation works as part of the watermains rehabilitation project in the county, the Newmarket-on-Fergus to Ennis interconnection that forms part of the Ennis Water Supply Scheme and the upgrade of the Clonroadmore Waste Water Treatment Plant, as some of the projects that could be funded if the money was to come on stream. It also says the controversial Doolin Pier development could also be paid for under the stimulus package.

Also on the list is the Kinvara Sewerage Scheme; a Library Information Resource Centre at Limerick Institute of Technology; the second phase of the library at University of Limerick; the Engineering School at Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology; the Radiation Oncology Unit at University College Hospital Galway and a Satellite Radiation Oncology Unit at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.

Speaking about the list, CIF director general Tom Parlon said, “Since the possibility of an EU stimulus package was first suggested, the CIF has been looking into what projects could be included, including four projects in Clare. By going through Government-published data and intelligence provided by our own members, we have been able to compile this list, which identifies hundreds of projects all around Ireland that could benefit from the EU stimulus deal.”

“The projects listed are labour-intensive and fit in with the Government’s ongoing investment priorities. They would also help stimulate economic growth, not just in selected areas but on a nationwide basis.

“For a stimulus package to be really effective, we need to see a very wide impact, which would not be regionally specific. If this list of projects were implemented, then there would be a boost in employment and investment in practically every county in Ireland.

“The other strong appeal of these projects is that they would profit the country in other ways. The projects included would boost our health services, education, transport, justice and many other areas.  When you combine this with the employment connotations and general economic impact, you can see why the stimulus package could be so important to the future of the country,” he said.

“All that remains is for the Government to secure the package. While it was first mentioned when the country was in the midst of the EU Fiscal Treaty Referendum campaign, there has been very little movement or commentary from Government on the package since,” Mr Parlon added.

Deputy Carey said he agrees that an EU stimulus package would be of major benefit to Clare and the region but admits even if such a package can be negotiated, the timescale for implementation would also have to be agreed.

“Certainly, if the EU were to consider a stimulus package throughout the EU, it would benefit Ireland and Clare greatly.

“At Government level, the Taoiseach is leading the negotiations for this and he is being assisted by Minister Michael Noonan. Obviously, if such a package was brokered, the Mid-West would benefit from such a package,” he said.

“Alternatives to austerity” has been discussed at EU level, Deputy Carey stated.

“There is a commonly held understanding in Europe that there is need for consensus on a growth and stimulus package. We are working day and night to make sure this will happen,” he went on.

As well as the projects outlined by the CIF, Deputy Carey suggested that school-building projects could also be completed under any such a stimulus package.

“The Tánaiste, when he visited Clare two weeks ago, mentioned the possibility of Sixmilebridge National School benefitting from such a stimulus package, as it would bring more money on stream to complete school projects, which are very labour-intensive. I would concur with the CIF in their support of this measure,” he said.

“We need to get a consensus in Europe. It is not just Ireland that would benefit but the EU as a whole. In order to get growth in the European economy, you need some kind of stimulus but for that you need to get agreement at EU level. Because of that, it is hard to give a definitive timeframe for it. This is central to the Government’s agenda,” Deputy Carey concluded.