CLLR SARAH O’REILLY: Cavan LIS Allocation Makes A Mockery of the LIS Scheme

Aontú Cllr for Cavan & Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Sarah O’Reilly, has criticised the LIS allocation for Cavan of € 289,254 for 2021. This allocation makes a mockery of the scheme and the communities who are relying on it. Some LIS applications are waiting more than 13 years for a response.

Cllr O’Reilly:

“The funding is a slight increase on last year’s allocation of €269,240, and a measly four rural lanes were completed. However when inflation and the increase in the cost of materials is considered, it is actually a decrease in funding of the scheme - an absolute joke! There are 220 applications from rural farming communities in county Cavan, some waiting more than 13 years on a list that has stagnated for more than a decade. Today’s allocation from Minister Humphrey’s department is an insult to those who were living in hope that our local Minister has heard or understood their plight.”

“At last Monday’s meeting of Cavan County Council FG members waxed lyrical about the LIS scheme, bemoaning the fact that “something needed to be done” and “Someone has to do something” - they seem to be blissfully or wilfully unaware that it is fully within their gift and the Minister’s remit to actually DO something and that something CAN BE DONE - only of course, if the will is there to do it. I have attended many meetings over the last 5years where members of Cavan County Council have requested a meeting with Minister Humphreys, to discuss this issue and I have yet to see a reply. The LIS should be a function of
the Dept of Roads and Transport, but it is not, it lies within the Dept of Rural Affairs. Cavan County Council met with Minister Ryan in December where a strong case for adequate funding for roads in the county was made and ignored. With this kind of attitude from ministers and the wilful ignorance of others, I fear for our rural communities.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.