Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am again using my Leaders' Questions slot to emphasise the urgency of providing funding for the long-awaited Macroom bypass, which is of vital importance to all of Kerry and much of Cork in attracting investment and jobs to the countries and assisting all who travel to Cork and beyond daily to work and to receive medical care and attention in the primary care hospitals in Cork, especially cancer treatment. It is also anticipated that Fitzgerald Stadium will be one of the venues for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This infrastructure will be of vital importance to strengthen Ireland's bid for the tournament and we must provide proper access to Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney, which will have capacity for at least 50,000 people. It is arguably one of the most picturesque pitches in the country.

Many deputations from Kerry County Council have met representatives of Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Roads Authority about this project over many years and again recently but it is clear the project will not go ahead until the Government makes the funding available. When the review of the capital investment programme takes place in the next few months, I ask that the Macroom bypass be brought forward. The project is expected to cost approximately €230 but more than a third of this will be recouped by the Government in repayments of VAT, taxes, licences and permits. It is anticipated the job will take at least three years to complete so if we work back from 2023, the latest the job can start if it is to be finished in time for the tournament is early 2019. A commitment to the project must be given by the Government to allow for the tendering process to proceed and the work to be carried out and finished in time.

Killarney and Fitzgerald Stadium would make a wonderful venue as the town is renowned as one of the best tourist attractions in the country, with wonderful hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and the massive INEC event centre, and there are many hotels in nearby towns. I appeal to the Minister to have his Government play its part in providing proper access to Kerry and Killarney in particular.

We do not want these fine big broad men getting stuck going around the back turns in Chúl a' Bhucaigh or when parked in traffic jams in Macroom. All Deputies need to pull together to bring the World Cup to the country and to showcase our country to the rest of the world. I believe this mighty event will be the next great opportunity to showcase our country to the world. I am asking the Government to play its part in doing just that.

See this speech in context