Sinn Féin spokesperson on urban regeneration Deputy Ellis has welcomed aspects of Kieran Mulvey’s outline plan for the social and economic regeneration of the north inner city.
“The plan announced last night has positive aspects but it doesn’t deal with the wider and longer term issues in the area. This is the consequence of not engaging fully with the local community. Successful urban regeneration has to understand the social, environmental, cultural, educational, safety, business  and structural needs of the area. This report focuses on the short term and finding the solution to immediate crisis, but unless a holistic long term approach is forthcoming the regeneration will problematic. ”
Deputy Ellis continued ” the actions outlined in the plan will have a positive effect on the area in the short term where the limited funding outlined will allow, but no thought is given to what the north inner city will develop into over the next number of years , such as how the effects of gentrification will effect it. However, the initial step taken by the Government is welcome in so far as that they are engaging with a community that they have ignored for years.”

Speaking today under promised legislation Deputy Ellis asked the Taoiseach if he had any concerns for the existing industrial relations framework due to Tesco’s stance which led to the present strike.
The Dublin North West TD said ” Workers rights are under attack and attempts are being made to undermine existing agreements and conditions. This strike by Tesco workers is about stopping that company attempts to break the Union. If we allow this all that is left is a race to the bottom.

Deputy Ellis continued ” I asked the Taoiseach to support the workers and if he agreed that others should stick by their own agreements. The Taoiseach replied that he did support workers but he could not interfere in this matter. Which is very unfortunate.
Sinn Féin fully support the Tesco workers in their defence of their working conditions. Many of my constituents work for Tesco and the way in which it has tried to force in new contracts on its employees does not belong in modern Ireland. and the Taoiseach should acknowledge this.”