Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the midlands needs that extra assistance and I appreciate what the Minister said in respect of Moneypoint, but I have outlined the employment opportunities for the community. Responses to parliamentary questions have shown that when it comes to the construction of the offshore wind farms at Moneypoint, there may be employment of up to 600 positions but outside that, employment opportunities available for the community are very unsure.

The most recent Pobal report showed that urban Kilrush is the most severely deprived settlement in County Clare. Urban Kilrush was the only area to be classed as extremely disadvantaged. Of a population of 306, only 6% are attending third level education, one in three are unemployed while 47% of households are recorded as lone parent families. I think there is a case for Clare to be included for funding to ensure a just transition for that community. I would also like to add that it is very far back west.

See this speech in context