'Laois is growing quite significantly' Taoiseach on Laois flood defences and IDA investment

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has addressed the urgent need for Laois housing, flood defences and largescale IDA job creation, while attending the Laois Fianna Fáil centenary celebration in Portlaoise.

The Taoiseach spoke at the Midlands Park Hotel where he joined over 300 members and supporters of Laois Fianna Fáil for a gala dinner as the party reaches 100th years since its formation in 1926.

At the event he was asked by the Leinster Express / Laois Live what potential he sees in Laois, and how will his party realise it.

“The population of Laois is growing quite significantly, has grown significantly, which is evidence then of people’s desire to come and work and live in Laois and in Portlaoise and across the county.

“As a party we have to make sure we build enough houses, in a sustainable way, and in fairness Laois has played its role in that respect.

“We realise that infrastructure is the significant challenge of this government. We have put funding aside in the National Development Plan, but more importantly we have looked at the mechanisms to ensure a more speedy delivery.

“Such as the flood relief scheme in Mountmellick and other areas in Laois that have received planning permission lately,” Mr Martin said.

He noted the need for local jobs also.

“Also in terms of employment, working with the SMEs (small and medium enterprises), Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, to make sure that we create a strong indigenous base. Particularly in agri food, life sciences and in technology. I think we have a very strong future in that regard.

“It is all about cultivating our SMEs, and in time, working with Sean (Fleming) and others to see if we can bring in investment through the IDA,” the Taoiseach said.

The Laois Fianna Fáil committee with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Sean Fleming TD at the Laois Fianna Fáil Centenary Gala Dinner in The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey.

With no new Laois Fianna Fáil politicians elected in more than a decade, and TD Sean Fleming serving for 30 years, the Taoiseach was asked about the challenge of renewal in Laois.

“It is a challenge and the challenge enables you to lift your game.

“We will be appointing area representatives, to encourage younger people to come forward and to contest.

“The next local elections will be an opportunity to do that. Our party has some of the youngest councillors in the country. It’s doable,” he said.

Read next: PHOTOS: Laois Fianna Fáil celebration with Taoiseach in Midlands Park Hotel

“I’m delighted to meet Liam Hyland again. I call him the extraordinary gentleman of Irish politics. And of course the late Paddy Lalor, Sean Fleming and the Fleming family, John Moloney and what he did in a new vision for mental health.

“It’s a very loyal, very strong bedrock Fianna Fáil organisation, always has been from the very beginning,” the Taoiseach added.