The recently received €14 billion Apple tax money has sparked a flurry of suggestions from the public on how the Government should spend it. Ideas include building a new administrative capital city in Ireland, developing subways in major cities, and funding for the reunification of Ireland.
Among the 52 letters and emails received, one suggested creating a new capital city similar to global precedents, while another proposed investing in subways and upgraded ports. Many emails also highlighted the need for investments in health care, social care, and housing, with suggestions ranging from hospital expansions to a Government-backed mortgage scheme.
Furthermore, there were calls for investments in technology, infrastructure, and power generation, as well as various road upgrades. Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan even requested improvement works on the N71 in Cork.
With such a wide array of suggestions, it remains to be seen how the Government will choose to allocate this substantial sum of money and address the diverse needs and priorities expressed by the public. The possibilities for transformative change and development across various sectors in Ireland are endless with this substantial windfall.