Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to make a contribution to the Bill which will enable the national convention centre to apply for a licence to sell intoxicating liquor. I understand that the centre, which is built on the banks of the River Liffey at Spencer Dock is scheduled to open in September 2010. There is little doubt that this facility will be a world class international conference and event venue, one of which we as a nation can be justifiably proud.

I take this opportunity to raise again the possibility of developing a national conference centre in the mid-west. The idea was first spoken of by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation in 2006. The mid-west centre was intended to be a 2,000 seater international conference facility but the plans for it were shelved by the former Minister, Martin Cullen, in February 2009. The economic landscape of this country has changed fundamentally since the decision. Significant value for money is to be found in terms of construction and land costs. The project which was originally costed at €60 million would only cost a fraction of that price tag now. The development of a convention centre would provide jobs in the short term for hard pressed construction workers and would sustain a number of long-term jobs in the region.

The mid-west region is nestled in the heart of the west. Our region boasts spectacular scenery, with places like the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, miles of golden beaches and the rolling plains of the Golden Vale together with ancient castles, some of which have been transformed into five star luxury accommodation such as Dromoland Castle and Adare Manor. We in the mid-west have a world class international airport which provides easy access to global air hubs and airports throughout the world. We have two world renowned universities in the University of Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology. Our road network has improved with the opening of the Ennis bypass and soon to be opened Limerick Port Tunnel. The N7-M7 has been developed, as has the N18, part of which is currently under construction from Crusheen to Gort. It is critical that the Gort to Oranmore section is not allowed to be put on the long finger.

In recent weeks we have witnessed the opening of the Ennis to Athenry section of the western rail corridor which has proven to be a tremendous success with more than 16,000 passengers using the service in the first month. That highlights the need to proceed immediately to develop additional rail services in the region. I refer to the need to develop a rail spur to Shannon Airport which could deliver passengers right up to the door of the international airport. The railway line is a mere three miles from the airport.

I also support the need to develop a new railway station at the University of Limerick. I will continue with my representations on the provision of a rail stop in the village of Crusheen in County Clare where Iarnród Éireann has made an official application for funding to complete the station. The opening of a rail stop at Crusheen would be a massive boost-----

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