Christy O'Sullivan TD

The Economy:

As a FF TD, I must acknowledge a level of responsibility for the situation in which we find ourselves. Things could have been handled differently. However, we must now look to the future. Our party has published a 4 year plan aimed towards economic recovery. We will experience growth in the 1st quarter of this year. It is totally unclear how FG, Labour and others are going to address our current situation. Their policies are unproven, not researched and lack substance. FG & Labour continue to contradict each other. Details of our 4 year plan can be seen at http://www.budget.gov.ie/RecoveryPlan.aspx

Jobs:

The downturn in the economy and in particular in the construction industry has impacted upon the lives of many people here in West Cork. The idea of the EU/IMF intervention was to stabilise our banking system so that we could get credit flowing to SME’s and other businesses. I believe we have achieved the first part of this aim, but, there is no doubt that banks must start lending. In order to address the recovery in West Cork, I have facilitated several meetings between local businesses and various Ministers.

I am strong in my belief that it is our indigenous sectors that will get us out of economic trouble. The farming industry is leading the way. Farmers in Cork South West have been resilient & adaptable. I have also continued to fight for a more equitable distribution of our fishing quota for our West Cork Fishermen.

Healthcare:

I have worked hard to improve the Health Care System. The reconfiguration of Bantry General Hospital resulted in the continuation and the addition of vital services. I also made representations to improve services available in CUH.

In addition

I have worked on the following areas: Tourism, Infrastructure, Education, Youth, Leisure and Waste Water Treatment.

• Cork Swansea Ferry
• Progressing school projects for towns and villages.
• Secured OPW funding for flood relief works in Bandon, Skibbereen and Clonakilty
• Aided Clonakilty GAA with several aspects of their new Complex at Ahamila
• Secured Department of Transport funding for the development of piers & harbours (eg Baltimore €6m).
• Funding for youth cafés (eg Skibbereen & Clonakilty)
• Progression of Sewerage Schemes. (Courtmacsherry/Timoleague/Skibbereen)