MEP says Troika policies are damaging Cork

Labour MEP for Munster, Phil Prendergast, has invited Troika officials to visit disadvantaged areas of Cork City to see the what she calls the “devastating impact of the EU-IMF bailout programme” In a letter to officials of the ECB, IMF, and Vice-President of the European Commission Miss Prendergast says when bailout officials visit Ireland they enjoy the “cosy surrounds” of Government Buildings in Dublin. The MEP says the Troika need to see how areas like Knocknaheeny, Hollyhill, and Gurraunabraher are suffering from unemployment and emigration. At least nine parts of Cork were labelled as “very disadvantaged” in a recent All-Island “Deprivation Index” compiled by a firm of Dublin economic consultants Phil Prendergast says when she meets with members of the Troika she intends to tell the human side of policies which she says are misguided and destructive.