Dublin: A €14 billion tax bill from Apple could become a transformative asset for Ireland, with public enthusiasm growing around the potential impact of this funding. Prime Minister Simon Harris has received a flood of letters and emails advising on how best to allocate these funds, with many citizens urging that they be used to drive significant national improvements.
The surge in public feedback, made public under the Freedom of Information Act, has revealed a diverse range of proposals. Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan, for example, suggested that a portion of the funds be directed toward upgrading the N71 in Cork. The Irish Farmers’ Association also advocated using the funds for infrastructure improvements, such as modernising water systems to alleviate rising water charges.
Additional recommendations include support for women affected by the Magdalene Laundries, enhancements to family resource centres, and addressing delays in services for children with special needs.
Transformational Visions for Ireland’s Future
Some suggestions stretched into visionary territory, calling for bold, large-scale investments. Proposals included developing a new administrative capital city in Ireland’s geographical centre, following the examples of Brasília, Astana, and Putrajaya. One correspondent estimated such a project would require between €5 billion and €15 billion. Calls were also made for new subway systems in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, along with upgraded infrastructure at the ports of Foynes, Killybegs, and An Port Dubh. Another suggested that a portion of the funds be set aside to help finance the reunification of Ireland, aiming to mitigate the financial burden of a united government.
Healthcare and Housing Solutions
Healthcare advocates requested allocations for upgrading University Hospital Limerick, building a new hospital near Dublin’s M50, supporting scoliosis treatment for children, and expanding Cork University Hospital. Affordable housing also featured heavily, with suggestions to create low-cost accommodations for frontline workers such as Gardaí, nurses, teachers, and firefighters across major cities. Other ideas included rezoning land near national ports for housing projects and implementing government-backed mortgage programmes to assist citizens unable to obtain bank loans.
Advancing Technology, Infrastructure, and Community Support
The potential to strengthen Ireland’s tech sector through investments in artificial intelligence was also raised, alongside proposals for supporting low-cost electricity and community energy schemes. Infrastructure improvements, such as the N17 in Galway and the Limerick-Waterford motorway, as well as upgrades to the immigration system and new youth detention facilities, were also mentioned.
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