Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

That is also a generous gesture and I hope it continues. The proposals envisage crowds of 30,000 people coming to a town which has a good history of being capable of hosting events. This small town and county also have a history of producing world champions. I refer to Barry McGuigan, who brought great pride to the nation. Moreover, the boxer, Kevin McBride, also brings great pride to us. In addition, Ciaran Murray is physiotherapist to the Irish soccer team. There are many good people in Clones.

While this would cost approximately €23 million, it would be money well spent, as it would be if such a facility existed in each province. While the notion of a national campus is worthwhile, Members should consider the regions in the context of decentralisation. People follow facilities. When someone considers a move to the west, the presence of a good swimming pool, football facilities, rugby, golf or whatever can be used a means of attracting him or her. Some Departments have encountered difficulties when people are asked to relocate to different towns. The first thing such people do is examine the services of the town in question. They consider the infrastructure and what it has to offer in terms of schools, colleges and medical facilities.

The better the amenities that are piled into Dublin, the more difficult it is for people to leave them. Hence, the regions should not be forgotten. Facilities should be provided in the regions to give people a reason to decentralise. If people affected by decentralisation knew that such facilities were to be provided in the regions, it would sweeten the pill for many of them. People have families in Dublin and are tied to life in the city in different ways. They must be given a carrot rather than a stick.

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