Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Of course, we welcome the work that has been done in drafting the plan, the widespread consultation to which we contributed at each stage with written submissions, and the spending programme of €116 billion. The Labour Party favours public investment in projects that benefit the public and we also favour good strategic planning. However, we do not believe the plan is radical enough in addressing inequality, protecting our environment, developing sustainable transport, achieving regional balance or in a number of other areas. I want to talk particularly about regional balance and housing.

If the plan is implemented, I have no doubt that by 2040, the country will still be in the unhealthy state it is in, with an even more sprawling greater Dublin area. I say this after looking at the spending plans rather than buying the grand aspirations that are expressed, and there are lots of grand aspirations. I say it also in the context of the growth figures in the plan for Dublin, the other cities and towns and smaller urban centres in rural areas. I particularly want to speak about cities; my colleagues will speak further on other areas and matters.

Although the draft plan clearly stated that the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford would be the major growth centres, there are limits set on their growth. I know last night the Minister said there were not caps but, effectively, they are caps. A submission was made by my region to the draft plan. It was agreed by the three local authorities, the chambers of commerce and a number of other bodies including Shannon Airport Authority. Shannon Airport gets scarcely a mention although there is funding for various other airports that are not nearly as strategic. The airport and the other bodies put forward a proposal after the draft plan came out. It was supported by me and by many other public representatives and it expressed greater ambition for Limerick but it is not reflected in the final document. Limerick is more ambitious for itself than the Government is for Limerick.

Others have confidence in us, too. Limerick was recently named European city of the future by the Financial Timesin its population category and won a number of other awards as well. We intend to grow and prosper but this plan will constrain us.

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