Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I completely concur, especially on public transport. If we take Ballincollig to Carrigaline via Mahon, the whole bus network and a 24-hour bus is important. I also believe the CMATS implementation office needs to be resourced and beefed up so it can drive and pull together the different strands. I am aware there is a commitment to delivering that office in Cork. The Minister referenced Wilton Road as an example. There was huge resistance from the residents despite the best will of many of the councillors. As the Minister said, I can understand the reluctance of the residents because they are on a busy road as it is. I hope he drives the CMATS implementation office in Cork as well.

My final point is there is huge progress and there are huge positives. The Minister has my full support on the whole issue we are trying to achieve. I am just concerned that we will say the Cork-Limerick road is not necessarily of importance. In his opening remarks, the Minister spoke about where we will be with transport in ten years' time. There needs to be a strategic direction. It is tricky, as he said. We are a dispersed population. As my father keeps telling me, what is the option for the person living in Kilmichael, who is a good bit from Dunmanway and a good bit from Macroom, to get onto the main road between Cork and Macroom? These are the people we must try to win over as well. It is okay for us urbanites or townies who are close to major access points for transport. What of the person who is living in rural Ireland, such as out in Kilmichael, who is off the beaten track in terms of connectivity to the population centre or to the main artery? We need to support them. I thank the Minister for his engagement.