Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In fairness to the Department, everyone agrees that there is a large financial shortfall in Galway. The first line of the report on Galway points out that it needs funding. Some moves are afoot and the Minister of State has had two meetings with us, for which we thank him, but this is not just a question of €500,000 or €1 million, it is a question of many millions of euro. That has been pointed out to him.

There is a major concern in rural areas of Galway. The municipal districts are under pressure. Unfortunately, populations in particular areas are not what they once were. We must face the fact that some rural villages will go into decline. Representation in such places is important. We must ensure that money is ring-fenced to try to keep them vibrant. All politicians are trying to ignite small villages in rural areas, including in Galway.

We are putting the cart before the horse. It is fine if the changes in Cork are going to go through - the Opposition supports them - but I do not know much about Cork. We will vote on those changes but we will know damn all about them. The people from Cork know more about them than any of us. In terms of Galway, though, the changes need to be well thought out and done right. The first step is to put the money in place so that Galway is on a level playing field. It is agreed by nearly everyone that the system of allocations is flawed. We need to right that for Galway and every other county that has not got its fair share. Galway borders many counties and has many peripheral areas. Every Deputy and councillor is working hard to try to pull a few quid to those areas.

By its nature, Galway city will expand. It is already nearly out to Barna. There does not seem to be a plan for Galway. I would have a Luas or something in it. The outer bypass is being built but transport infrastructure is needed. I can get to Dublin as quickly as I can drive to Galway, which is only 40 miles away from my home. That is not a good situation for people who travel to the city in the mornings.

Those in Galway's peripheral areas are very worried that they will become the forgotten people. Regardless of whether we like it, the city will extend out past Oranmore. That is a fact. The areas in question will become more prosperous, which is good and no one would disagree with it, but there would then need to be extra city councillors who would look after their own areas. I do not know much about mayors in different places, but my understanding is that there were many problems in Limerick. People have referred to Tipperary. What are the Minister of State's thoughts in that regard?

We are from Galway and we do not know enough about Cork. I mean no disrespect, but it would be like someone from Cork talking about Galway in that he or she would not know the ins and outs. Galway deserves something of its own. There is no such thing as "we are willing to engage" - we are actually willing to work with the Minister of State. The first lines of the report say enough. They basically say, "Show me the money".