Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue with the Taoiseach which, unlike Brexit, is within our own control. The issue relates to Tipperary town. On 24 October and 20 November, thousands of men, women and their children, young and old, marched through Tipperary town to ask local government and national Government to help to put the place back on track. I attended both of those marches and I was struck by the genuine plea for help from decent people. They want help to rejuvenate a once great town. People were on the streets protesting at the years of accumulated neglect. They feel disillusioned and angry with the authorities of the State. Based on a Pobal report that drew on the 2016 census, it is a fact that the town has been identified as disadvantaged. The startling figures for unemployment in Tipperary are a damning indictment of Government and those which preceded it. There is 31% unemployment among males and 23% among females. When these figures are compared with the national average of 5.6% one can see how big is the problem. Some 20 years ago, Tipperary town was one of Ireland's leading market towns. Despite its current problems, it still has an enormous amount to offer and to work with. It is imperative that the inner relief roads are built as a priority to get the heavy vehicles off the main street, which will soon be completely resurfaced. The business community requires that its members' financial situation be taken into account when it comes to rates, levies and charges.

The one principle lacking in Tipperary is leadership with a vision for the future. All of our national agencies are aware of the problems in Tipperary and some of these agencies, including the county council, have available resources to assist the town but there is no overall plan that can be implemented. Efforts are disjointed and are not co-ordinated. Decision-making is choked by bureaucracy and stifled by the round-robin system within our State agencies. A new approach involving joined-up thinking is required.

We need a strategy and a plan to reinvigorate Tipperary town. The five primary schools in the town need extra resources for their pupils to tackle the cycle of disadvantage. I compliment and thank the Minister, Deputy McHugh, for his recent initiative in that regard. I ask the Taoiseach to nominate a figure with professional experience and competence to establish and lead a dedicated working group. This individual would bring together all relevant State agencies, local business and interest groups and would be capable of delivering a renewal plan for the town. What Tipperary needs is a new policy, new ideas and investment. Change is needed to secure the future of Tipperary town and its people.

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