Tipperary town task force
Deputy McGrath seeks engagement on a Tipperary town task force and says locals do not want more street digging until an inner relief road is in place. The Taoiseach says he is open to working with local representatives and local authority members on the issue.
Approximately a month ago, I raised the issue of a Tipperary town task force with the Taoiseach. The people of Tipperary town and western Tipperary are very vibrant and fair-minded people. They want engagement. Groups such as Jobs4Tipp, March4Tipp and a new committee of the chamber of commerce want to engage but they do not want the streets dug up again until such time as an inner relief road is in place to alleviate the traffic congestion in the town. I ask the Taoiseach to engage with these groups and with the people and representatives of Tipperary. If he cannot visit, will he commit to a virtual meeting to discuss these issues? The county council intends to once again dig up Main Street in Tipperary town in January, which will destroy whatever business is left in the town. As we await a plan and design for a relief road for the town - and I am not referring to the bypass, which is not to come for a long time - will the Taoiseach meet those people virtually, if he will not visit? I will keep raising this because these people deserve no better. They have not had jobs or factories over the years. They have had to help themselves. They have great community spirit and need to be helped.
Comment on this
I have no difficulty working with any Oireachtas Member from Tipperary, or indeed any local authority member, in respect of any specific issues. The Deputy seems to be raising an issue with which the local authority is dealing. The local authority should consult, engage and deal with the issue. I will, however, take advice from Oireachtas Members. We can talk about it again and determine how best to proceed.
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach engage with them?