Donegal general election - Charlie McConalogue - Fianna Fáil

2 days ago

Donegal Live

Deputy Charlie McConalogue has thrown his hat back in the ring as he seeks re-election on polling day, November 29.

Speaking on why he is running and plans if elected, the agriculture minister said: “I'm running because I want to work on behalf of County Donegal in Government, I believe our county has tremendous potential and can have a very positive future.

“It’s important that we have strong representatives particularly representatives in Government and at the Cabinet table that can bring our county forward and ensure the investment comes into the county to improve services in Donegal and to realise the potential that it has.”

Deputy McConalogue explained he hopes to continue his work if re-elected, he said: “I've worked hard as a Cabinet minister over the last four and a half years to bring funding, unprecedented funding into the county to make sure that we're investing in terms of our health services, make sure that we're significantly investing in terms of the sports capital and tourism.”

Fianna Fáil has stated in its manifesto that should it stay in government it will increase the State pension to €350 a week by 2028 while also increasing core welfare rates by at least €12 annually.

The party has also said it will reduce childcare fees to €200 a month, over the timeframe of the next government, with an increase in the National Childcare Subsidy and keep the VAT rate at 9% on energy bills.McConalogue also outlined investments that had been made in housing and his intention to further progress the defective concrete blocks scheme.

The party says it will increase the supply of housing to up to 60,000 a year by 2030 and build 10,000 affordable units a year as well as build at least 12,000 social housing units per year and double the renters tax credit.

Deputy McConalogue concluded: “I want to continue that work in government. I'm seeking support from the public to be able to do that.”

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