Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Minister's response. I appreciate that he has visited Waterford and is working to improve the economic lot of the citizens of Waterford and the south east.

Since TalkTalk's high profile closure, we have seen economic reports. Indeed, I welcome the Forfás economic development strategy. The Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation's south-east economic development strategy was also published recently and we also have the DKM economic strategy for Waterford city and county. The reports highlight the same issues and show what city and regional weaknesses need to be addressed. Some of those need direct Government support and intervention. I will name some of the requirements, but key is the establishment of a regional technological university. That is in the programme for Government, and it needs to be delivered as soon as possible in order that we can help the economy of Waterford and the south east. Under the Minister's direct responsibility is the location of a regional director for the IDA. The joint committee's report and the economic strategy for the region identify that we are at a disadvantage because we do not have a regional director for the IDA located in the gateway city of Waterford. That issue must be addressed. Furthermore, I know that the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brian Hayes, is looking into matters at the Mount Congreve gardens, which are being run by the Office of Public Works. That international attraction can help the region's economy. In addition, the extension of the runway at Waterford Airport also needs to be looked at. Those are some key areas where Government intervention and support will help to address the huge deficits in economic activity and employment figures in Waterford and the south east.

Only four Deputies represent this active constituency. Waterford is the gateway for the south east. We are demanding Government support. In fact, we expect Waterford to be supported on the same level as other cities. I ask the Minister and his Cabinet colleagues to give Waterford the focus it deserves. There are positive signs. As I have mentioned, 3,000 more people are employed in the Waterford and south-east region than there were when this Government came into office, but we need to see further progress.

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