A challenging start for the New Year

A New Year's message from Deputy Brendan Smith, Fianna Fáil...

Early 2021 will bring many challenges for the health and economic well being of Irish society. Understandably people will be disappointed that further restrictions have had to be imposed again by government due to the awful COVID-19 pandemic. This time last year we did not know of this virus and, sadly, since March of this year, it has brought so much grief and suffering to so many families and communities.

Families have lost loved ones and, in so many instances, were not able to say goodbye or have traditional funeral services. Losing a family member or loved one is difficult at anytime but it has been particularly sad during this pandemic.

Thankfully the roll out of a massive vaccination programme has commenced and gives us all hope. The success in developing a number of vaccines clearly shows what can be done when governments and the broader international community work together to counteract a killer virus.

Brexit brings major changes for all of us. Britain, now out of the EU, is also be gone from the Single Market and Customs Union. How we trade with Britain, our neighbour and largest market, will be dramatically different. Despite the trade deal, there will be significant and enduring change. Businesses, regardless of size, need to focus on Brexit preparedness. Being prepared is critical and essential and so important in protecting hard-won employment. I have appealed to governments since 2016 to prioritise investment in infrastructure in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan to support the local economy. We need better connectivity through an improved road network and modern broadband telecommunications infrastructure and that is essential now due to the additional challenges that Brexit imposes on this area.

The government is providing good support to help businesses badly impacted by the pandemic and now we need that specific infrastructural investment in the border region to deal with the long-term impact of Brexit.

The Shared Island Initiative announced by An Taoiseach will give a much-needed impetus to All-Ireland and cross-border projects. We need a renewed focus on developing the All-Ireland economy, which will benefit all on this island, building on the progress achieved through the Good Friday Agreement.

This new government has outlined an ambitious house building programme and, again, we already see progress in areas like Cavan and Monaghan. Commitments have been made to achieve improved health services and the waiting lists of recent years need to be reduced dramatically.

Great credit is due to all healthcare workers and frontline staff in providing services and protecting people in very difficult circumstances since March. Those people, in so many different work settings, have worked so hard and with great commitment. Volunteers have been a great help to many families showing the great community spirit in our villages, towns and parishes.

I extend every good wish for 2021 to all readers of The Anglo-Celt. Hopefully a successful vaccine programme will have us all in a better place for the next festive season.

Stay safe and please follow public health advice.