Labour Euro Candidate Launches 'Seven Point Plan'

Labour European election candidate Emer Cotello, has vowed to make Europe work better for Dublin, as she launched a seven point plan as part of election campaign.

One-third of Ireland’s population lives in Dublin. An economically vibrant Dublin is therefore vital to Ireland’s overall economic and social well-being. In fact, Dublin is the only region of Ireland that can compete for much of the foreign direct investment and scarce talent that goes to city-regions across the globe, Ms Costello said.

Adding: I know that Europe has worked well for Dublin in the past. I want to ensure it does so again. As a public representative with twelve years' solid experience of representing and of delivering for Dublin, I know the crucial role that Europe can now play in making Dublin a better place to live, work  and raise a family.

Part of Ms Costello's commitment includes:

A Working Dublin

•  Use of the European Social Fund and other EU funding to set up Local Employment Pacts  to tackle Dublin’s unemployment crisis.

•  Implement a quality European Youth Guarantee to tackle youth unemployment in Dublin.

•  Use the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and Erasmus+ to promote more apprenticeships in Dublin.

An Inclusive Dublin

•  Use the European Social Fund and other EU fund  to tackle poverty and social exclusion in Dublin.

•  Implement the EU Recommendation ‘Investing in Children’ and support  EU social investment in the provision of quality and affordable childcare in Dublin.

•  Use the ESF and other EU funds to expand  Dublin’s Local Authorities Housing construction programmes.

A Liveable Dublin

•  Use EU programmes such as Jessica  to support urban regeneration n Dublin.

•  Use the Connecting Europe Facility to Dublin’s transport, ICT and energy infrastructure needs.

•  Use EU programmes such as CIVITAS to expand sustainable transport solutions in Dublin

A Smart and Sustainable Dublin

•  Use ERDF and other EU funds to promote comprehensive water conservation in Dublin

•  Use EU funds support the expansion of the Better Energy Homes Schemes in Dublin

•  Support the adoption of higher EU air quality standards, to improve air quality in Dublin

An Enterprising Dublin

•  Promote access to finance for Dublin’s businesses through the European Investment Bank and EU programmes such as COSME.

•  Support the creation of a Digitial Single Market to provide new opportunities for businesses in Dublin

•  Ensure Dublin’s retailers benefit under the European Retail Action Plan

A Learning Dublin

•  Promote greater EU support, including from the European Investment Bank for schools and colleges in Dublin

•  Use EU programmes such as Erasmus+ to improve Dublin’s schools and colleges

•  Promote adoption of an EU ‘up-skilling’ guarantee, based on the Youth Guarantee model, for older workers.

A Creative Dublin

•  Ensure Dublin’s cultural and creative communities benefit under the new Creative Europe programme.

•  Promote development of a Dublin cultural tourism strategy under the EU’s emerging tourism policy.

(MH/CD)