Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe this initiative will be transformational in our county, particularly in our town and surrounding area. I look at the young people growing up and the opportunities they need and which they have been deprived of in the past because Government policy has not invested adequately in employment locally. I welcome Amazon's building of a data centre in Drogheda, and there are good signs of increased investment in our community. Young people need to be shown the way, and they are willing to grasp the opportunities. The youth organisations and sports organisations are very anxious to be involved in this. Similarly, on our estates we have a number of community and voluntary bodies. I welcome again the inclusiveness of the Minister's proposal and the short period - ten weeks is just about right - to get everybody together and get the plan together. As she says, we will not be hesitant in putting forward proposals for investment in our community or pointing out that the option of drugs is negative in its totality for families. Opportunity, education, good health, a good future for young people and, most of all, the happiness of all the people will be determined by this initiative.

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