Public is angry over government's waste of money

County Kildare residents are angry over the waste of public money by the government parties.

“When I’m knocking on doors in Clane, Maynooth and Naas, I’m hearing frustration from people who are tired of waiting. We’re living in a country of waiting lists. We have waiting lists for childcare, waiting lists for school places, waiting lists for medical procedures, and a housing crisis that’s resulted in staggering waiting lists. These aren’t just numbers on a page. They’re families, children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals – all waiting because of misplaced government priorities," said Labour Party general election candidate for Kildare North Angela Feeney

She said the decision to spend €9 million on phone pouches for schools and hundreds of thousands on a bike shed at the Dáil is seen by the public as a distraction from real educational needs.

Cllr Feeney said Ireland has become a wealthy country by the numbers, but for so many, it doesn’t feel that way. 

“Labour believes in investment in the public services that matter most to people. We know that Ireland is a rich country,  but this needs to translate into better quality of life for everyone.

"We want to see public funds directed where they’re needed most. We need investment in healthcare services so people aren’t waiting months or even years for critical procedures. We need real investment in education, to make sure no family is left searching endlessly for school places. And we need to tackle the housing crisis head-on, not by promising solutions, but by delivering affordable, accessible homes.

"We’re living in a new era, where Ireland’s wealth offers opportunities we couldn’t have dreamed of a years ago. But this conservative coalition lacks the vision to plan and invest for our future. They are failing to meet the real needs of housing, climate, water, energy, and public services in 2024 and beyond. 

"We know that Ireland has the resources to provide for the people who need it most, to eliminate the endless waiting lists, and to make real, tangible improvements to people’s daily lives. It’s time for a government that understands that wealth should be a means to improve the lives of all its people.”