Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, was in Cobh recently at the Irish Open and he visited Fota Wildlife Park where he opened a tropical house and animal care centre. In his speech, the Minister highlighted the fantastic facilities, the fantastic coastline and that Cobh attracts large cruise liners, and he applauded the considerable investment into Cork Harbour, all of which is true. I supported every word the Minister stated. However, there is one missing link.

The R624 and Slatty Bridge into Cobh are in serious need of upgrading. This is an issue that has been ongoing for years but the situation has been deteriorating. Reduced funding being made available by the Government under the strategic regional and local roads programme has meant no funding has been released.

This upgrading is an essential piece of infrastructure. Not only is it a life line for residents, but it is also essential for business and for an area heavily reliant on tourism. The upgrading, at an estimated cost of €60 million, would provide a jobs boost to our local economy and provide an essential piece of infrastructure for future investment. Proper roads and transport facilities are important factors that attract investment.

Earlier this year, not for the first time, there was flooding in the Cobh area. Cobh itself was cut off, also not for the first time. The main road was impassable and the ferry was unable to dock. Emergency services were not able to access the residents of Cobh. That poses a serious threat to health and safety for the people of Cobh but it also sends out the wrong message to any potential investor. If one invests in Cobh, there is no guarantee that one can move one's goods or products in or out of Cobh. One's success is weather dependent. One's best ally is not the Government, but the weather man. The Government applauds itself as pro-business and pro-enterprise, but does that not count if one lives or works in Cobh?

Will the Minister prioritise funding so that this essential infrastructure can be built?

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