Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Rural Independent Group, I sympathise with the shocking loss of life in Donegal and on other roads around the country over the weekend.

The programme for Government is strong on its commitment for rural proofing legislation. The Taoiseach committed in Dáil Éireann to the establishment of a task force to look after Tipperary town and its environs. Last year, on a bleak November day, 5,000 people protested on the streets of Tipperary but little other than the promise of a task force has happened since. The Taoiseach also promised collaboration and co-operation. Groups such as March for Tipp and Jobs for Tipp want to co-operate and collaborate but they are not being engaged with. March for Tipp recently polled 774 people and 96% of them had no confidence in the county council to head up the rescue plan. Will the Taoiseach insist that an official from his Department be put in charge of this process and that all groups that are ready, willing and able to help be allowed to do so? There cannot be a solo run by the county council. The people came out onto the streets because they do not have confidence in Tipperary County Council, unfortunately. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy English, properly addresses this issue and that he meets the groups he has committed to meet because he has not yet given me a date to meet them?

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