Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006. We have heard much in the past few years about plans for infrastructure and about the billions that will be spent on roads, railways and so forth. However, if one looks at what has happened in recent years, for example, the picture is not so positive. One only has to look at the delays on the M50 and the associated costs and trauma, or the M3, that is, the road from Dublin through Navan to County Donegal. These situations are unacceptable. From that point of view, I welcome the Bill and hope that when it is implemented, it will be capable of delivering what it promises in a constructive and proper manner.

I do not wish to suggest for one second that infrastructure should simply be put in place without consultation. It is vital that there is consultation but some degree of realism is also essential. In the case of the M3 which services Cavan and part of County Monaghan, if those who are opposing the development had to travel that road on a daily basis, in commuting to or transporting goods to Dublin from Cavan or County Donegal, some of the issues they have raised would not be so important to them.

Counties Cavan and Monaghan have had the lowest growth rate in Ireland in recent times, partly because industry has not been prepared to develop in these areas because of the infrastructural deficit. Interest has recently been expressed in County Monaghan because of the excellent service provided by the M1, linked to Ardee and Carrickmacross. I hope that in the next few years the towns of Castleblaney and Monaghan will be bypassed and the improved road will continue towards the Border.

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