Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I appreciate that planning now falls under her remit. It is important for the national spatial strategy to be continually reviewed and updated. I am glad the Government acknowledges that there have been failures and that imbalances need to be addressed. Employment is one of the most important indices for any region. As the gateway city for the south-east region, it is essential for Waterford to be prioritised by the Government. There should be a cross-cutting departmental response to the challenges that lie ahead. I have no doubt that the Government will do everything in its power to address those imbalances. If it does not, the south east region will sink further and fall further behind. Time is not on our side. I again thank the Minister of State.

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