Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am very proud to come from Knocknaheeny. The northside of Cork city is one of the best places in the world. We have brilliant communities with brilliant people, amazing history and huge potential. When I was elected to the Dáil, I gave a commitment to the people who elected me that I would fight to end the neglect of the northside. Part of this is making sure that when Government allocates funding, it is given out evenly and fairly. However, that is not what is happening. I have spoken to people in Departments, and when they have looked at the maps of the funding, they openly admit there is unfair distribution. My real concern is that we are now seeing patterns across Departments that the northside is not getting proper or equal funding. This is being allowed to happen and, as a result, the northside will not reach its potential. Does the Minister’s Department monitor this? What are the Minister and the Department doing to combat it? There is a duty on the Minister and this Government to ensure there is equal and fair distribution of funding.

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