SF €1bn investment fund would transform Westmeath communities - Clarke

Sinn Féin’s €1bn investment fund "would help transform communities like Longford-Westmeath", according to Deputy Sorca Clarke.

Deputy Clarke says that the party’s commitment to put €1bn of the Apple tax money into an Investment in Communities Fund would help transform communities across the constituency.

Deputy Clarke made her comments after party leader Mary Lou McDonald announced this week that, in government, Sinn Féin would invest the money in working class communities left behind by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

“Mary Lou McDonald this week confirmed that, in government, Sinn Féin would put €1bn of the Apple tax money into an Equality for Communities Fund to invest in working class communities that have been left behind by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and that bore the brunt of austerity cuts at a time when this tax should have been collected.

“This would benefit Longford and Westmeath, communities that has been forced to live with the barriers created by austerity, including intergenerational disadvantage, poverty and young people denied access to opportunities.

“It’s time to repair that damage, to invest ambitiously in community development and build a better future for all.

“This would be a targeted capital investment fund for sports facilities, play facilities, community facilities, youth facilities, arts facilities and public spaces to transform communities that bore the brunt of austerity," Deputy Clarke said.

The Mullingar based TD also said that "for years, Longford and Westmeath have been crying out for investment in sport facilities, youth facilities, arts facilities and public spaces".

“This fund would finally deliver the facilities that the people of Longford and Westmeath deserve, and this commitment to invest in such projects across the state will be a key part of Sinn Féin’s overall plan to tackle poverty and disadvantage and ensure equal opportunities for all.

“This is about giving the same opportunities to build a better future to every community.

“Community is everything. It’s the beating heart of life in Ireland and Sinn Féin is absolutely committed to backing communities held back by neglect and cuts, ensuring they can reach their full potential.”