The Public Expenditure Minister has said he understands the frustrations of those who believe the government is not delivering for Waterford.
Minister Paschal Donohoe was speaking ahead of a visit to the North Quays site, where €170m will be invested to unlock the city's potential.
Frustrations have been voiced on issues such as 24/7 cardiac care, Waterford Airport, and SETU recently.
Minister Donohoe pointed to three examples of how the government is committed to Waterford.
"I think Waterford is making extraordinary progress at the moment and I just want to recognise the business community at the very heart of it. That's the reason why Senator Cummins and I are here today to engage with them - but in acknowledging the progress, I also know we all need to do far more. We need to ensure more homes are built. We need to continue with the progress in Waterford Hospital. We need to accelerate our efforts now to make the Technological University of the South East a reality, and to fulfil all the potential that it can offer to Waterford and the region. We're making progress. I want to thank the business community for their massive contribution to that, but we're all hungry and ambitious to do even more."
Minister Donohoe has dismissed claims from Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan that the government are not delivering for the South East. The pair were involved in a war of words in the Dail earlier this week.
"When Senator John Cummins wakes up every day, the first thing he thinks about is how he can deliver on behalf of Waterford. So it's a little bit odd to me that Deputy Shanahan appears to be obsessed with Fine Gael. We're obsessed with how we can do better. We're obsessed with how we can ensure we can realise the potential of the Technological University of the South East, realise the need to build even more homes. Progress is being made, but we can and want to do more. People like my great colleague John are at the heart of that, and he's as committed as I am to realising even more potential in the time ahead."
The Public Expenditure Minister outlined that he does understand the level of frustration that exists with some members of the public.
"I can understand the frustration that people want to see more happening quickly. Of course, I get that. But for those who feel like that, I make the case about three points. Look at the progress that has been made here now in North Docks. €170 million of funding is being delivered by the government to realise the potential that the city has to offer. Secondly, look at the work the IDA has done. A far greater number of people are working in more international companies here in the South East. And then thirdly, Waterford in particular is leading the way, not only with improving the supply of homes but also with delivering affordable homes. I understand the case for us to do more. We're really hungry and committed to doing that. I do and would respectfully make the case for the difference that people like Senator Cummins have already made."
"We need to build more homes. We need to build more homes in Waterford, in the South East, and across our country. Of course, as we build more homes, that does have an impact then on the schools and the available public services. It is also the reason why we've recruited over 20,000 more nurses, doctors, consultants, and healthcare professionals in the last three years. That's also the reason why we're building new schools and investing in the schools that we have."
"I do appreciate it if more homes are built, it has an impact on the public services. It's why, however, our budget for public services is at the highest level it ever has been, and it's why we have to continue with our efforts to build those homes."
He also discussed the vast tourism potential of the region.
"What Waterford has done from a tourism perspective is magnificent. I think the progress that you've made here in the city, the fantastic Time Museum, the Silver Museum, the work you've done here with the Viking Quarter, I think the work that has happened in Dungarvan and Lismore, I think places like Tramore are wonderful. I think the tourism potential that is here to come is great, but I do think this is a beautiful part of our country that your tourism sector has transformed in support of the government."
"In terms of what we can do in hotel accommodation, we do have to be honest in acknowledging that our focus at the moment is on building more homes. That does inevitably mean there are other things we can't build as quickly as we would want. I do understand more hotels will be built here. I'll consider the points that have been made to me here today regarding how we can deliver more hotel accommodation to ensure that Lismore, Tramore, Dungarvan, and Waterford City can get the reward they deserve for all the progress they've made in tourism."
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