Kelly welcomes South East Economic Development Plan

Cllr Anthony Kelly has welcomed the presentation of a draft of the South East Economic Development Plan (SEEDS) to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.  The Sinn Féin rep said that he had made many representations on behalf of Wexford to one of the plans architects, Senator David Cullinane, and felt assured that the implementation of the plan in full would be of huge benefit to the this county.

"This report is unique as it not only examines in detail the high regional unemployment rates in the South East, but also puts forward progressive, achievable measures to create jobs and nurture the development of industry across the region," Cllr Kelly said.  "There are up to one hundred practical recommendations put forward, outlining both short and long term measures that could tackle our unemployment crisis."

"I am proud to say that I had input into this plan by pushing a number of measures that would benefit County Wexford.  Chief among these ideas was the potential for the development of Rosslare Europort."

"In 2004 it was estimated that Rosslare port was worth €550 million to the Irish economy.  Trade has increased through the port in recent years despite being it being neglected by successive governments.  Since 2007, continental corridor traffic has increased by 15%, seeing 230,000 continental corridor passengers pass through the port in 2010.  Freight has increased from 20,000 units in 2007 to 26,000 units in 2010."

"I am calling for the deepening of one berth at Rosslare Europort to 9.2 metres.  The start up capital for this project could be provided in part by National Pension Reserve Funding.  This project would make Rosslare harbour truly competitive on a global scale and boost the entire South East with new trade and tourism."