GREEN Party TD Brian Leddin says that his party’s general election manifesto is strong for Limerick.
It includes a commitment to delivering over 50,000 homes per annum for the next five years, 27,000 affordable and social homes, a measure which Deputy Leddin is very supportive of.
“The need to develop affordable, sustainable housing has never been greater. I welcome the commitment to deliver on housing and to revising the National Planning Framework to increase our ambition for delivery in towns and cities outside of Dublin,” Deputy Leddin said.
He also emphasised the Green Party’s commitment to addressing the healthcare challenges facing Limerick.
“I am particularly happy to confirm that the manifesto includes a specific commitment to expand capacity for acute healthcare in Limerick and to implement the results of recent and forthcoming reports to tackle overcrowding in UHL,” he said.
“These measures, combined with the 78 beds that will be delivered in St John’s and the ongoing work to deliver over 90 beds in UHL, are confirmation of my own and the Green Party’s strong commitment to Limerick.”
Deputy Leddin also noted that there has already been an extensive roll-out of covered bus shelters across the city and county to support the growing bus use and new bus routes in Limerick county.
The Greens’ manifesto, he says, also provides a commitment to continue investment in these items and in larger investments such as the recent magnificent improvements made in Colbert Station.
There is also a commitment to invest in a dedicated Public Transport Unit within the Gardaí starting with locations where demand is greatest.
“This investment is part of ensuring our public transport is safe for users and staff who can travel to and from work and go about their business without needing to worry if a service will be disrupted due to anti-social behaviour,” he explained.
Deputy Leddin welcomed the commitment that new roads which reduce traffic in Limerick towns and cities will continue to be prioritised by the Green Party and that maintenance and repair of existing roads will be properly funded.
“Ensuring our existing road network is properly maintained and repaired as needed is a vital part of adapting to the reality of climate change and more frequent extreme weather events. I welcome my party’s commitment to ensuring our road networks are maintained in the face of this emerging challenge,” he said.
