Deputy Tony McCormack outlines his vision for Offaly's future in first speech in Dail Eireann

HIS priorities for county Offaly and his commitment to improving the lives of those he represents were highlighted by Fianna Fail TD Tony McCormack in his maiden speech in Dail Eireann this week.

Tullamore based Deputy McCormack acknowledged the hard work and support that brought him to this position, particularly thanking his family, friends, party colleagues, and the people of Offaly for placing their trust in him.

"I will do everything I can to make County Offaly a great place to work, rest, and raise a family," he vowed.

A key focus of Deputy McCormack’s speech was the need for better support for people with disabilities. He highlighted the importance of reinstating physical therapists at the Offaly School of Special Education, a cause he championed during his campaign. While welcoming the government’s plan to reinstate therapists nationwide, he urged swift action, stating:

"We need this done sooner rather than later."

He also addressed the challenges faced by carers, particularly the difficulties in accessing services for their children. He expressed support for removing means testing for carers' payments but stressed that more needed to be done.

"We must remove the red tape that families encounter daily when trying to access the services they are entitled to."

Deputy McCormack spoke strongly about the urgent need for investment in Offaly’s road network, particularly the N52 Link Road. He highlighted how unsafe conditions at the High Road Junction in Durrow posed a serious risk to schoolchildren, parents, and elderly residents attending mass. He also emphasized the economic importance of infrastructure, stating that a new link road was essential for business growth in Tullamore.

"This road has over 19,000 traffic movements per day—it's already over capacity and growing at 5% per year. If we put it back on the roads program tomorrow, it would still take until 2032 to build. We need to act now, not later."

He also noted that the Durrow High Cross Committee is eager to develop an interpretive centre showcasing the area’s rich monastic history, but progress is stalled until the road is completed.

Deputy McCormack welcomed the government's commitment to ensuring over 50% of new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is located outside Dublin and Cork. He stressed the need for new IDA business parks in Tullamore, Birr, and Edenderry, stating:

"Our IDA park in Tullamore is full—we now need a new park to attract companies and provide jobs for our young people. They should have the opportunity to stay in Offaly, build their careers, and raise their families here."

Recognizing that farming is the backbone of Ireland, Deputy McCormack called for strong government support for the agriculture sector. He emphasized the need to work with the EU to secure an extension to the nitrates derogation and to ensure that products imported under the Mercosur trade deal meet the same high standards as Irish produce.

"Our farmers adhere to strict regulations to produce high-quality food. We must ensure that imported goods meet the same standards and do not undermine our agricultural sector."

He also called for greater incentives for young farmers, ensuring that agriculture remains an attractive and viable career path for future generations.

Concluding his speech, Deputy McCormack reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Offaly and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest level of government.

"I am honoured to represent Offaly, and I promise to do everything I can to make our county a great place to work, rest, and raise a family."