I have had the honour of representing Dublin South for the past nine years. I am now asking for the people of Dublin South to give me their Number 1 vote, so that I can continue with this work in the next Dáil.
Eamon Ryan TD
During my time as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I made numerous policy changes, that have helped to deliver thousands of jobs in the green, digital sectors, vastly improved Irish broadband hugely increased the amounts of electricity from renewable sources and have seen 110,000 homes insulated to be warmer, and more comfortable.
The Green Party has maintained our stance that politics can be different – we have protected education against the worst cuts, cleaned up planning, done the same with politics in changing the system for State board appointments, reduced Ministers’ and TDs’ pay, introduced a vouched expenses system and helped to protect homeowners in difficulty with their mortgage repayments.
Green Stimulus
In my time as Energy Minister, we doubled the amount of renewable electricity while bringing down prices. Over 5,000 construction jobs were created and protected as we insulated 110,000 homes – many locally, in areas like Hillview. We must build on this work to make Ireland an exporter of renewable energy and a leader in energy efficiency. Investing in a low-carbon economy will dramatically reduce the €6 billion per annum figure that we spend on imported coal, oil and gas, and keep that money in the Irish economy.
Digital Jobs
Despite the economic downturn, employment in the digital sector grew by 6% in 2009 to 75,000 jobs. Broadband subscriptions trebled and speeds doubled – delivering policies that brought broadband to one million people who were previously without. Numerous trials of high-speed broadband are underway, like the next generation trial which takes place in Sandyford.
If we continue to get Government policy right, that growth will double again. See details of over 20,000 jobs that have been created during the Green Party’s tenure in Government here.
Education
In the most difficult economic circumstances, the Green Party protected education against the worst of cuts. Here in Dublin South, I am proud that major new school buildings are starting this year in Knocklyon and Goatstown as well as building works in Holy Trinity Leopardstown and Sancta Maria in Ballyroan. 38 schools received funding for ICT equipment and a 100 MB high speed broadband service was made available in St. Colmcille’s Community School and St. Benildus. All schools will have high speed broadband by the end of next year as a result of policy I initiated.
We now need new education reform so that our teachers can instil in students a love of learning for its own sake.
New Economics
Our financial system is broken and in need of repair. We need to work with our European partners to ensure a least cost solution to our financial crisis. This task has been made easier by the cooperative approach I initiated between the four larger parties in the Dáil to progress the Finance Bill. This allows us to enter international negotiations as a more stable State in a stronger position.
Local Amenities
At a local level, I was glad to be able to secure funding for the redevelopment of the Library in Ballyroan, which is due to commence building this summer. I have also always been proud of my involvement in establishing the Dublin Mountains Partnership which protects one of our most precious amenities and promotes the Hills as a sustainable recreational facility. The Partnership is doing great work.
Better politics
The Green Party has always done politics differently. In office, I took politics out of my State board appointments. We cleaned up our planning system which was one of the root causes of our property bubble. We need now, to clean up our political system by ending corporate and union donations. We need to restore real authority and responsibilty to local Government and start a new political culture, from the bottom up, as well as in the Dáil.
Politics can, and will, be different. I’m asking for your Number One vote. Ireland needs the Green Party in the Dáil.
See more of the Green Party’s achievements in Government including:
- insisting on the re-introduction of the cervical cancer vaccination
- setting up a banking inquiry
- setting up a Mortgage Expert Group
- introducing Civil Partnerships law
- changing Ireland’s energy landscape
- protecting education – staving off full college fees
