Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

According to the Minister's own estimates at the year's end, there was a surplus of €5 billion recorded in 2022. Tax revenue in 2022 stood at €83 billion, which was €15 billion, or 21.5%, ahead of the figure for the same period in the preceding year. This should have a good news story. Why does it not transfer to everyone? Where did the money go? Who has suffered? We have a strong income tax receipt, up to 40% over that of the previous year. Surely, delivering rural infrastructure and critical services across the region should be a priority. I am talking about sewerage and water facilities, which are being upgraded only, not added to. That means we cannot build houses in our rural towns and villages. That means people cannot locate in them or support business and the school and transport networks.

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