Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I supported the three most recent Finance Bills believing the Taoiseach's and the Government's commitment that Waterford would not be forgotten. However, Waterford has been forgotten. The Tánaiste's promise to deliver 24-7 to the region is in tatters. The Government gave not a penny of €650 million in the July hospitals spend to University Hospital Waterford, UHW. The promises made by the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Harris, on transformational university change have consigned the south-east region to a second-tier university status, with the former Waterford Institute of Technology, WIT, the top-performing institute of technology in the country pre-merger, receiving not a penny to deliver new buildings, courses, disciplines or student accommodation. The promises on a borrowing framework for South East Technological University, SETU, look to be consigned to the next programme for Government. In addition, our regional airport remains shuttered while Dublin Airport provides a new €10 million community fund and Cabinet shells out €45 million for a new jet. Our arterial N24 and N25 roads remain bordering on boreen status. On this report card, on what basis I should support the Finance Bill 2023 tonight?

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