Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This issue was discussed this morning in the Dáil and the Minister of State is on record as supporting the people of Roscommon in respect of it. It makes no sense whatsoever that someone decided to take from Roscommon a part of what is Roscommon's. The position with regard to rates and future rates must also be considered. People do not realise that, in 1975 or 1976, Roscommon County Council, without funding from the Department of the Environment, put in the infrastructure to create an area in Monksland which has boomed. Some 1,000 people are employed in the pharmaceutical industry there. This is a good news story.

We must examine the area which should be Roscommon's and which was given to Westmeath years ago. When we look at it now, we see it has been depleted. Travelling through the area, it is clear it was never looked after by Westmeath. Some 1,500 people did not just show up at a meeting in Athlone for the craic. They showed up because everyone in County Roscommon - north, south, east and west - is sick to have even seen what has been proposed. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has it in his gift to scrap this ludicrous situation. Businesspeople in Monksland have been open about saying they do not and will not support this proposed change.

Who is pushing this agenda? I know that four parts of Ireland are being examined. However, this does not make any sense. Roscommon County Council has spent a great deal of money down through the years putting infrastructure in place. This is a trophy town and a fabulous example of what can be done in rural areas. It is a credit to the people who envisaged it down through the years. Will the Minister make a decision to scrap this proposal. It does not make sense. Anyone looking at it would scratch his or her head and ask what is going on here. Will the Minister call a halt to this proposal before this Government's term finishes? If a person is doing something that is not right, he or she can stop at any time. The Minister has it in his gift to call a halt to this proposal before the election.

He can say to forget about it and scrap it because it makes no sense. Furthermore, in fairness to Deputy Troy and the Westmeath side, they wrote a letter saying that it does not make any sense and they are not supporting it.

Boxer Moran has made it very clear. Many public representatives have also made it very clear that they do not support what is going on. Across the political divide in County Roscommon, everyone is standing shoulder to shoulder with the people. This cannot go ahead. There will be uproar. Can we cut to the chase? Can we forget about the toing and froing on 27 February, 30 March or whatever date this commission is to come back? I ask for the Minister to stand up and be counted and for once to cut what is going on, leave Roscommon to Roscommon and Westmeath to Westmeath and let everyone live happily.

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