John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Having made this major strategic decision, the Government's focus dropped to a low level institution role and relationship problems. I urge the Government to withdraw that Bill. What is urgently needed is a single semi-State water utility tasked with the comprehensive management of all aspects of our rivers and lakes. It is only in this way we will get the best strategic direction and management of one of our most valuable natural resources.

On severely damaged local and regional roads, I urge the Minister for Transport to reconsider his priorities and to reallocate funds within his departmental budget so that we can invest heavily in the urgent repair of county roads. The Minister has funds that can be reallocated. For example, he is funding many suburban road improvement projects in the major cities, including a proposal from Fingal County Council for an additional bus lane in a Castleknock housing estate which will cost millions of euro. This new bus lane will serve approximately four morning bus runs and 100 passengers and might result in a five minute time saving. I believe this money should be reallocated. We must get our priorities right. The Government's appalling mismanagement during the past six weeks illustrates its regard for and how out of touch it is with the needs of rural Ireland.

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