Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach. I do not dispute the city-led approach. I am saying the northern and western region cannot benefit from it to the same extent as other regions. We need a more nuanced approach. The Taoiseach mentioned all the great projects in Sligo. I could say we have not had a road project in 20 years. I could quote the Northern and Western Regional Assembly report, which states that we are not getting our fair share in regard to regional projects in the NDP, but that is not the point. The Taoiseach and I could play ping-pong across the floor of the Dáil all day regarding projects. However, unless we can measure progress and there is a system in place to do so and unless there is accountability across Departments, a nuanced approach to the northern and western region that recognises its specific circumstances and challenges and regional-proofing like we have with the climate action plan that requires adjustments to achieve planned outcomes, I do not believe we will see change.

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