John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

It is high time that planning and development charges and rates be reduced significantly and for a new structure to bring about a uniform approach across the counties.

Much work can be done in our changed circumstances. There is an appetite for change, an understanding that we are in a difficult position and an acceptance that we can only get out of it by working together. I appeal to the sectors that understand their places in this market to play their roles within the changes and to deal with issues of competitiveness as quickly as possible.

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