a plan for county wexford

A Plan for County Wexford

Reform Recovery

Republicanism

County Wexford Sinn Fin Local Government Plan 2014 - 2019

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A Plan for County Wexford 2014 - 2019

Contents

Local Election Candidates 2 European Election Candidate 3 Introduction 4 Job Creation 5 No Family Tax 8 Funding local government 9 Tackling Commercial Rates crisis 9 Housing 10 Utility bills 10 Water 11 Pylons 11 Roads 11 Combat crime 11 Fishing 11 Farming 12 Post offices 12 Youth & Education 13 Health 13 Women's Refuge Centre 13 Childcare 13 Infrastructure 14 Cost of Doing Business 15

Fighting for County Wexford The only real alternative to austerity,

corruption and broken promises Sinn Fin


yOur Candidates

Oisin O' Connell - New Ross

Oisin O' Connell is a farmer in South Wexford. He is married with two children. A BFA graduate of Texas Christian University, he was President of the International

Students Association and a recipient of several awards. Recently he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Economics from Open University. Oisin is the current Chairperson of County Wexford Sinn Fin and a rep to the

party's national governing body.

Cllr Anthony Kelly - Wexford

Anthony Kelly has been a Borough Councillor in Wexford Town for the past 14 years, taking a seat that was previously held by his late brother Phil. He has led the campaign

against any form of downgrading at Wexford General Hospital and has been at the forefront of the opposition to the property tax, water charges and the septic tank tax.

Anthony has fought for investment in job creation and social housing. Anthony was on the commemorative committee which planned the centenary commemorations for the

1911 lock out in Wexford town.

Mick Roche - Wexford

Mick Roche joined Sinn Fin in 2010 because he felt that it was time to make a stand for his local community. A Scaffolder by trade, Mick is one of the many people from the construction industry who lost his job during the recession. Mick and his wife Betty helped to establish the Bridgetown Community Group which has been working to

provide essential services for the rapidly developing area. He is the Chairperson of the local No Water Charges Bridgetown group and has highlighted the criminalisation of the local fishing community in Kilmore Quay and the problems with the public water supply

coming from the Mayglass Water Tower.

Cllr Johnny Mythen - Enniscorthy

Cllr Johnny Mythen is the current Chairperson of Enniscorthy Town Council, having been elected for the first time in 2009, taking a seat previously held by Noirin Sheridan and Martin Sheehan. Johnny was born and reared at No 9 St

Aidans Villas in Enniscorthy and played for football with the local Starlight's GAA club, soccer with the Enniscorthy Town FC and rugby with EFC. He has also

coached in these areas. He is a member of the local 1916 committee, a director of the 1798 centre and a supporter of the Big Issue.

Fionntn O' Silleabhin - Gorey

Fionntn is a primary school teacher in Gaelscoil Mosholg, Gorey, and is

passionate about the Irish language and culture. He has previously taught in Tara Hill N.S. as well as in Ballygarret and Kilmuckridge national schools last year as a

Learning Support Teacher. Fionntn has been an activist with the INTO for many years, campaigning for smaller class sizes. He is on the committee of the Kilanerin / Ballyfad Community Development Association and Loch Garman Against Austerity ; was involved in stopping a large quarry development being imposed on his parish,

Community Alert , Tidy Towns and many others.

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Your European Candidate

Liadh N Riada

Liadh is the youngest daughter of the iconic composer and musician, San O' Riada. She is a native Irish

speaker from Cil-Aodha and lives in the Cork Gaeltacht, Baile Mhic Ire, with her husband Nicky and three children.

In 1993 Liadh was appointed by the then Minister Micheal D Higgins as a member of the Board for setting up Teilifs na Gaeilge (TG4). She trained with RTE in television production and has produced and directed numerous documentaries for RTE and TG4. She is the National Irish Language Officer for Sinn Fin since

2011 and is a member of the Ard Comhairle.


Introduction

The County Wexford Sinn Fin Local Election 2014 campaign is not about profiling and getting five individual candidates elected but rather about sending a strong, united team that will represent the people of

County Wexford to the new look County Council.

Many things have changed since the last Local Government Elections five years ago. Under Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Labour Party in Government, this county has been stripped bare. Unemployment has been allowed to run rampant with no real solutions from the governing parties at either local or national

level. Many of our counties GAA and soccer clubs can no longer field under age sides, such is the extent of the emigration epidemic here. Local businesses, crippled with the cost of rates and taxes, are shutting down

and shops are being boarded up. Unfinished houses lay empty while the social housing waiting list continues to grow.

This is the legacy of the Austerity Troika - Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour.

Other things have changed too however. People have woken up. They won't be fooled by flashy sound bites or biased pre election articles in local newspapers speaking in support of the very parties who have

destroyed our economy anymore. The old civil war politics of either voting for Fianna Fail or Fine Gael is finally dying as people struggle to tell them apart. Support for Sinn Fin, the only party to consistently

oppose the austerity measures and offer realistic, progressive alternatives is surging.

We are on the verge of massive political change in this state.

Phil Hogan's political reform means that the whole way local government works has also changed. The four town councils in this County will be abolished after this election. The new look County Council comprising eight reps each from New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey, and ten reps from Wexford will be the only game in

town. It's here that the battle between austerity and recovery will be fought. It's here that the people of County Wexford will need a strong, united team.

Team Sinn Fin.

This document sets out our plan for County Wexford.

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Job Creation

Sinn Fin believes that Local Government has an important role to play in getting this county back to work. We have identified several

initiatives that could bring employment into this county.

Build a new Sugar Beet Processing Plant in New Ross

The current Sugar Beet Quotas will change in 2018 giving us the perfect opportunity to win our national quota back. Beet Ireland have already identified New Ross has one of a number of locations perfect for the construction of a sugar beet processing plant which would be

used to process sugar and ethanol.

The Irish Sugar Beet Bio-Refinery Group has said that such a factory would cost 350 million, would create five thousand jobs and be

profitable within the first year. Think of the boost that this would offer to New Ross, recently reported as being the eight poorest town in this

state!

Invest in Rosslare Europort

Rosslare Europort is a strategic asset from a national perspective, supporting exports and tourism. An Irish Ports Association report

revealed that ferry based tourism through Rosslare Europort in 2004 was worth 550 million to the Irish economy and supported

over 5000 jobs.

Sinn Fin believes that this Port needs to be protected and developed to meet the demands of the 21st century. We have

called for the deepening of one of the berths in the harbour to 9 meters. This was costed by the Department of Finance in our

party's Jobs Plan of 2013. The deepening of the port would allow larger freight (Such as the expected Chinese) to use Rosslare and increase the already high levels of freight traffic coming through. To further aid this, a rail cargo depot could be built at the harbour which would facilitate the logistics business and help divert heavy traffic from the public road network. It could in turn lead to the

reopening of the Rosslare to Waterford Rail line. All this would create employment.

Rosslare Europort should be developed as a gateway for tourism into the south east. The promotion of County Wexford and the wider south east as a tourist destination, particularly for the

British and continental European market would create further employment, provide vital reinvigoration for the struggling South Wexford retail industry and further make use of a reopened Rosslare to Waterford Rail

line.

Development of a new Heritage Centre in North Wexford

The development of a new heritage centre in Gorey would unlock North Wexford's huge heritage potential and attract tourists, many of whom are currently only passing through the district on their way to some other

destination, to stay and enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of our county.


Major Repair operation on the

Fardystown Water Scheme

The water being supplied to thousands of homes across the Wexford District through the public water works at Fardystown has been a constant

problem since it came on line more than a decade ago. Local Sinn Fin rep Mick Roche has been

highlighting and has already approached our European candidate Liadh N Riada to look for funding from Europe to clean up the supply. As well as ensuring that clean and safe water will be provided from the Mayglass Water Tower, Sinn Fin want water softening facilities introduced at

the source of supply.

Designation of a new 1916 Revolutionary Quarter in Enniscorthy

During the1916 Rising, Enniscorthy was one of the few towns outside of the capital to go out and fight. Republican forces occupied the town and nearby areas for a week and were the last group to surrender to the British. Currently Sinn Fin is seeking to set up a revolutionary quarter around Moore Street in Dublin. In

this county, understanding that many people are unaware of what happened in Enniscorthy during this period, we wish to create a similar project, which will boost tourism, education and serve as a fitting

monument to the events which forged our state ahead of the centenary in two years. As well as creating direct employment, the project would also bring new revenue into the town of

Enniscorthy, boosting existing businesses and helping new ones develop.

Roll out of superfast broadband across County Wexford

Sinn Fin has demanded that the government invest 2.5 billion

into the development of next generation superfast broadband right across this state. Our reps will fight for the roll out of this high speed connection across County Wexford. This county has

one of the highest rates of unemployment in the state while having one of the best trained labour pools. With the inclusion of

superfast broadband, our towns could become new tech hubs.

Convert Old Wexford Gaol into a museum

Cllr Anthony Kelly has been campaigning for the provision of funding to convert the old Wexford Gaol into a museum.

Wexford County Council recently turned down his plan to carry out a feasibility study on the project but our Sinn Fin team on

the new look County Council will continue to seek funding to be made available.

The Old Gaol is historically significant to County Wexford. In

1923 three men, James Parle, John Creane and Pat Hogan were executed in the prison yard. Before this the building was used as a fort and has also served as a headquarters for Wexford County Council. Its opening

as a museum will have huge educational benefits and will boost tourism in the town. It will also create employment, both direct and indirect.

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No Family Tax

Sinn Fin has led the opposition to what we term the family tax - the property tax, water

charges and the septic tank tax in this county. Our Councillors are mandated to vote for an

immediate 15% reduction in the Local Property Tax, the highest allowed reduction. In Government, Sinn Fin would reverse the tax and refuse to introduce water charges. In

fact, in the six counties, Sinn Fin reps successfully resisted the implementation of

water charges.

Real Alternatives

A Wealth Tax

At a national level, we support the idea that those who can afford to pay more should do so. A 1% tax on all assets over 1million net of all liabilities, including mortgage and other debts would raise 800 millon. The

tax would not be levied on 20% of the family home, the capital sum in pension funds, business assets or agricultural land. It would apply to the global assets of those domiciled or ordinarily resident in the state

and domestic assets only for those who are resident in the state for tax purposes. Our proposal is modelled on both the French and Norwegian wealth taxes and would seek to bring in up to

0.5% of GDP in a full tax year. France, Norway, Sweden and Iceland are among the several OECD countries currently operating wealth taxes.

Reinstate Central funding to local authorities

The cuts to Local Government funding from Central

Government must be halted immediately, and reversed where possible. 150 million of funding from motor tax revenue that was taken away from local authorities must

be reinstated. The Government claim that the property tax will be used to fund local government is a lie. In 2013 not one cent

from the LPT went to local government. When you realise that the LPT is not being used to fund

local government or services, then you very quickly determine that we are all being duped by the supporters

of this tax. Where exactly is this money going?

Introduce a third rate of tax on those earning over 100,000 per annum

Sinn Fin would increase the tax paid on income over 100,000 by 7 cent in each euro. The effective rate of tax in this state is quite low. Information from the Department of Finance reveals that an income earner of

100,000 pays an effective tax rate of 20.7%. Someone earning 150,000 pays 24.4%. An income earner of just over 1million pays an effective rate of 26.7%. This is because of the large number of tax reliefs

applicable in this jurisdiction.


Funding Local Government

The Capital Budget for Local Government has been cut from 1.4 Billion in 2010 to 600 million in 2014. This has had extreme knock effects as local services have deteriorated, commercial rates have shot up from

12% in 2008 to 20% in 2011, and local authority housing lists have increased despite the introduction of figure-manipulating schemes like RAS. The Government has also been able to use this lack of funding to

legitimise the Local Property Tax.

Your Sinn Fin County Council team in Wexford will push a string of progressive measures to fund the local government. These will include;

Introduction of commercial rates

on public buildings - Raises 50 million.

Increased recovery

of planning fees - Raises 40 million.

Introduction of

a Packaging Tax - Raises 80 million.

Collection of Court Fines

- Raises 20 million.

Collection of Plastic bag levy - Raises 4.9 millon.

Collection of

dormant account funds - Raises 6 million.

We would also push for the

introduction of the following initiatives;

A vacant land tax

A levy on chewing gum

Tackle Commercial Rates Crisis

Sinn Fin is completely opposed to commercial rates as they exist in their current form and believe that they

have done more to damage the retail industry than any other factor. Our representatives support the introduction of a fairer system of Commercial rates which would be revenue neutral.

It would mean that a business that was most under stress would have an increased chance of survival as the rates would be set by profits. Currently business rates are a flat tax, inflicted upon businesses whether they

are in profit or not. This system has led to the collapse of many small and medium businesses, and has particularly damaged the retail industry and pubs.

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Housing

This state is currently experiencing an housing crisis. Despite the fact that we have more empty

houses than we have use for, many of them boarded up, over one hundred thousand people are in need

of local authority housing. Currently there are 98,000 people on housing waiting lists. 94,000 are

on rent supplement while another 23,000 are on RAS.

We have argued for many years that NAMA properties should be handed over to the local

authorities for distribution. Last year only 500 were taken for social housing out of 33,000. The

rest remain empty.

In our 2013 Jobs document, we argued for the construction of 9000 new social housing units in eighteen months and the fast tracking refurbishment of NAMA properties for use as social housing. As well as

creating homes, this would also create jobs.

Sinn Fin supports the establishment of local housing trusts. These have worked in other states and funding can be acquired from the European

Investment Bank. We also support the creation of a Housing Ombudsman, who would deal with social housing

complaints, mortgage arrears difficulties and ensure that housing

prices stay stable in the future to prevent another bubble.

Sinn Fin also believes that the

County Council has a role to play in reducing private rent subsidy through direct negotiations with the landlords. This would be especially relevant for people who are having trouble getting

on RAS.

Utility Bills

In recent years utility bills have risen at a rate much higher than the average rise in income leaving many homes facing a

dangerous shortfall. The introduction of the carbon tax, cuts to the fuel allowance and the energy regulator allowing energy

companies that are already profitable to raise their prices has led to a situation where half the population will be living in fuel

poverty within the next five years unless defining action is taken now. Our candidates support a cap being placed on all utility bills for the next three years in an effort to curb the rise of fuel

poverty.


Water

When Sinn Fin proposed that the government invest 500 million into upgrading our antiquated water

supply network, we were told that we were economic illiterates and asked where the money would come from. So far, Irish Water has managed to squander 2 Billion on staffing over a seven year period, with 29

employees on salaries of over 100,000 per annum, and over 80 million on consultancy fees during its establishment.

Sinn Fin opposes the introduction of water charges. Instead of home metering and taxation, we would

introduce district metering to track down where exactly the leaks are in our supply network. 58% of treated water is currently being lost

through leaks in the system before it reaches a home. If the government cared about water conservation as they claim to do, then they would tackle this issue instead of introducing yet another tax and

setting up yet another quango.

Pylons

Eirgrids current plans for high voltage overhead power lines should be halted until an independent cost-benefit analysis on the undergrounding

of these power lines is carried out.

Roads

The condition of many roads across this county are poor and are causing drivers to incur heavier wear and tear on their vehicles. More

funding must be released. We want the 150 million revenue generated from motor tax revenue that was previously issued to local

authorities for the upkeep of roads reinstated at once.

Combat Crime

Wexford County Council needs to play a greater role in tackling the crime spree that has plagued sections of this county over the past few years. The closure of Garda stations in Ballywilliam and Baldwinstown were

regressive steps and further closures must be resisted. We have also outlined our opposition to the downgrading of the Gorey Garda station to now fall under Enniscorthys control.

The closed barracks in Baldwinstown was recently sold by the OPW. It seems only right that some of this money should be used to fund local active community watch groups who have been forced to band together

to try and protect themselves and their neighbours.

Fishing

The criminalisation of our fishermen and the decimation of local fishing communities like Kilmore Quay and Duncannon must be halted. Invasive techniques planned by the EU to spy on fishermen and the use of the Irish Navy to treat these men and women like criminals needs to end completely. The idea of tagging a

fisherman like a sex criminal is repulsive but is being consider by this state. Loopholes surrounding fishermen's inability to claim social welfare when out of work need to be closed and new schemes such as a fishing version of the Single Farm Payment and a possible set-aside payment during

spawning season should be seriously investigated and debated at every single council meeting until the needs of these hard working people are met.

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Farming

Sinn Fin recognises the huge importance that agriculture plays in our economy. The IFA estimates that farmers and farm families spend 8 billion per year in our economy. Its thought that 300,000 jobs are supported by the agriculture, food and related industries. For every 100 of agriculture output there is a

further 73 of output to the wider economy. 71% of raw materials used by our agri and fishing industries are sourced in the domestic market. Clearly it is the job of Sinn Fin, at both national and local level, to

protect this industry. Our Councillors will; Continue to push New Ross as the perfect venue for a new Sugar Beet Processing Plant which would create 5000 direct jobs. . Support the IFAs call for a 14 day notice period. Farmers must be given adequate notice when facing a farm inspection. Strive to ensure that no farmer must pay development charges when building new farm buildings to comply with legislation. Make certain that Wexford County Council fully complies with the 2012 protocol set out to control the problem of stray or wandering horses. Support full Country of Origin labelling for all meat products. Ensure that farmers are supported when weather means that certain regulations cannot be adhered to, such as the spreading of slurry deadline.

Post Offices

Sinn Fin rejects the closures of post offices. Two years ago the Post Office in Duncormick was closed down and the adverse effects can still be seen in the local community. Our reps will support any post offices

in danger of being closed and will highlight the government's attempts to remove administrative services from local post offices.


Youth . Education

Our Councillors will be a voice of opposition against further cuts to SNAs, DEIS schools and education grants as well as pushing progressive measures that can help bring about a more efficient education system.

Our Councillors will; Support the abolishment of charges for the Leaving cert, Junior Cert and the Mocks. Push for the introduction of school crests that can be easily affixed to supermarket bought jumpers. Attempt to set up book lending schemes in every primary and secondary school in the county. Call for the reformation of college grants to take into account the real cost of third level education. Endeavour to end the post primary transport scheme which unfairly discriminates against students in relation to where they live. The cost of school transport should be capped at 100 per year, with free transport for primary school children.

Health

Sinn Fin has always stood proudly in support of Wexford General Hospital and has steadily opposed any form of

downgrading at the county hospital, from Hanley to Harney. We welcome the construction of the new A&E and will

continue to keep a watchful eye on it to ensure that it will be fully staffed and not just a propaganda piece for local TDs.

Our Sinn Fin team on Wexford County Council will; Campaign for the reversal of cuts to

home-help hours, homecare packages, respite care grant and the respite allowance. Petition the government for additional

funding for autism and ASD diagnosis. Work for a 24 acute mental health unit

for County Wexford. Fight for the provision of adequate

drug rehabilitation services in this county. Use tax revenue generated from the sale of cigarettes to help smokers quit.

Womens Refuge Centre

The temporary closure of Wexford's Women's Refuge Centre last year should never have been allowed to happen. The centre, one of only five of its kind in the south of the country, provides a vital resource for

women and children fleeing domestic violence. Our Council team will stand against any further closures of this important institution.

Childcare

The cost of childcare in this state is among the highest in Europe. Our Councillors support the devising of a state childcare strategy to reduce the cost of childcare to enable parents to be in the workforce. This strategy

can include provision of on-site childcare by larger employers where feasible.

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Infrastructure

Your Sinn Fin County Council team will work to bring about; The construction of the planned second bridge in New Ross, which will alleviate the major traffic problems when approaching the town from the Kilkenny/Waterford side.

The reopening of the Rosslare to Waterford Rail Link and the protection of other lines, including the Rosslare to Wexford link which is currently under threat.

The safe and prompt demolition of the Albatross factory in New Ross Town.

The immediate reopening of the tourist office in Rosslare Harbour.

The Council take-over of boarded up houses across the County, including those in Bridgetown. Immediate and effective coastal protection programme for Duncannon. The construction of secondary treatment plants for raw sewage in Kilmore Quay, Arthurstown,

Ballyhack and Duncannon. Upgrade of the primary treatment facilities in Campile and Fethard. Traffic calming measures and the construction of new parking facilities around Bridgetown

Vocational College. Provision of funding for the culling of dangerous trees along roadsides. New flood protection plan for Marshmeadows area in New Ross and the provision of state

insurance for businesses situated on these flood plains. Construction of a new WIT campus in New Ross town which could be used as a feasibility study to

prove that New Ross would be the perfect location for a new regional Technological University. Introduction of Wexford Tourist Board Kiosks on all ferries coming into Rosslare. Agreement for New Ross Port to remain in majority public ownership. A new development plan for Cullenstown with a view of turning it into the tourism hotspot which

it once was. The reopening of the Post Office in Duncormick. Protection of the rural transport service. Social Welfare to be made available to our volunteer fire-fighters.


Cost of doing business

The greatest potential for jobs growth is within the SME's sector. 70% of people employed in Ireland work for SME's. Since the recession started over 128,000 jobs have been

lost in that area because the government have not tackled the problems being faced by Irish businesses. Your Sinn Fin County

Council team will support; The abolishment of upward only rent reviews. There has

been a 50% drop in property prices yet businesses remain locked into contracts that are set at boom prices.

A full review of current commercial rents and a guarantee that our party will demand that action be taken to deal with the single biggest issue that is shutting down businesses across the state.

Major investment in broadband access across County Wexford. We want high-speed broadband provided across the county in the next Council term.

A temporary rebate on fuel for County Wexford transport firms. The Irish Road Haulage Association claimed that this state is losing 200 million a year in revenue because we dont offer a fuel tax rebate for hauliers.

A review of current sell-by date regulations which allow importers to avail of the same sell-by date as domestic producers.

A crackdown on the misuse of 'Irish' branding. The introduction of tax credits for home-grown purchases. A speed up of revenue refunds and rebates. A full debate on why SME's are not receiving credit which could lead to job creation. The

refusal rate for SME loan applications has risen from 50% to 54%. The County Council to work much closer with the Chamber of Commerce to enhance and

protect operations that will boost County Wexford's tourism industry. Car parking rates should not act as a reason to stop people shopping, socialising and meeting in

towns. The County Council must monitor parking rates and ensure that adequate spaces are available around each of the town centres.

The option for self employed people to be able to pay PRSI at the same level as PAYE workers in order to receive the same entitlements in the event of becoming unemployed.

Would-be entrepreneurs receiving the necessary supports from the Local Development Organisation. Introduction of a county-wide entrepreneurship programme with incubation centres in the five main towns. Funding could be accessed through the EIB.

a plan for county wexford

Documents

wexford town

south wexford

local community

wexford general hospital

local fishing community

funding local government

enniscorthy town fc

local starlights gaa