Chairman of Wexford County Council, Michael Sheehan has called on the Government to develop a Regional Task force for the South East.  

The South East Economic Monitor is a seminal publication that shows how little attention is being paid to the south east by the Government and the entire policy framework of the government is failing the people. Of all the counties at risk, County Wexford look like its teetering on the verge of recession.

In comparison to the other areas of the country and the national average, there are warning signs ringing across the entire spectrum that needs the focus of a regional task force: some of the key points are that

Our regional tax take is 52% of the national average; Wexford is 39% of the national average. South East is the highest region with employees on minimum wage or less. Unemployment is twice the national average for the region and is still 2% higher than State. The economy is growing at a slower rate than the rest of the country. The region is short 14,700 jobs due to the lack of investment by the IDA in the area. No university in the region creating a brain drain and population declines. No university makes it harder to compete with other regions. IDA/ EI strategy favour Cork, Limerick and Dublin at our disadvantage.

Cllr Sheehan, from the New Ross district, said; “What is needed now is a better way for the Southeast and the government needs to move away from its failed Action Plan for the Southeast. A clear plan with clear targets and binding numbers would be better in ensuring we get a better share. Coupled with a genuine plan to address the deficit of capital investment and deficit of investment in education and social sectors will address of the regional decline.

“What is happening is the economies of Dublin and Cork, the national powerhouse are driving ahead and we are tagging along. We need a boost- for us to catch up to their levels and to slow down the runaway growth of Dublin and Cork. Unless we get serious government statement of intent, then the current trends of relative decline will continue.

full report here: