The duty of a government is the protection of its citizens. The value system that defines us is overshadowed by cold analysis of the unelected, such as “An Bord Snip Nua”. Examples of this are highlighted recently in Gneeveguilla and Shrone. By making cold financial academic decisions, instead of protecting the warmth and wellbeing that defines our communities, does not define true value.
Primary schools could close if they have less than fifty pupils. There is a real danger that this could happen to Shrone national school. The protection of small rural schools against government policy is a must.
According to the HSE website, “Your Local Health Office is the focus of our community health and personal social services”. The possible loss of the local clinic centre in Gneeveguilla contradicts this statement.
Local services are disappearing. In many townlands local Creameries and local post offices are in the history books. Making decisions far removed from real communities must be challenged. Are these decisions being made by city dwellers that have the advantage of transport and other services at their doorstep? With emigration unfortunately now the norm again, will families have a community to come back to. Local objective planning is needed to give real definition for real people in real communities. All public representatives of all parties have to work locally together in the national interest.
tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260
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