Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

All Members appreciate that there has effectively been a lost decade in terms of investment in infrastructure. We can see that in many of the problems we are having to deal with in housing, health and other areas. That is equally true in this area.

However, it is encouraging that as the economy has recovered the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has been able to increase the capital budgets. He did this already last year. We are now approaching a capital review in the context of which, because of the progress we are making, we will be able to see additional capital programmes. We are in a position to start to repair the damage. We need to understand that our capacity to do that will be limited because we are in recovery mode. It is a question of using the money to the best effect.

I can assure Deputy Healy-Rae that, on the basis of everyone I have spoken to, this is regarded as a priority project. It is recognised as a priority for Kerry and Cork. There is broad Government belief that this project is high priority. I reckon that will colour decisions in future. Clearly, however, I cannot give an indication today on decisions that will be taken in future.

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