Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In this budget, much of the funding for roads – I believe it is €1 billion plus – will be spent around Dublin, but what about funding for roads like the N71, R586 and R585 in west Cork where we are starved for funding? Of all the road projects mentioned in the budget, I see nothing about roads in west Cork, for example, the bypasses for Innishannon and Bandon. Both projects have been around for a number of yeas but nothing has been done. This is an outrageous attack on the people of Cork South-West. They deserve to be involved in the budget.

I wish to discuss the carbon tax. What annoyed me was the comment by the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, in the House earlier that this would be a winner and people would accept it. Of course we will accept it – we will be given no choice in the matter. It looks like the 37% of people living in rural Ireland will be penalised to sort out 100% of the people living in cities, especially those who need their homes insulated. The Minister kept saying that the carbon tax would be used where people wanted their homes insulated. That is fine, but the people of rural Ireland should not have to pay a heavy fee for it. This must stop. The Minister should not come to the Chamber and claim this will be a winner. It will be a winner for every city. Who voted for it last night? Look around. The Social-Democrats, who were delighted to back up the Government, voted for it, as did the Labour Party. The Green Party Deputies are mainly city based and have turned their backs on rural constituencies. The farmer will be hit hard, as will the fisherman and the people who work every day, must take their children to school and drive to work. There is no public transport. I mentioned Mr. Damien Long from west Cork last night. He operates West Cork Connect and drives a bus three, four or five times per day. He receives no state aid whatsoever. If he were Bus Éireann, he would get state aid to the back bone and might not even have to drive the bus. There is no common understanding in this. The Green Party Deputies are talking out of both sides of their mouths. They are talking about taking cars off the road on the one hand and, on the other, there is no public transport service. Without such a service, how does one survive in rural Ireland? The Green Party knew how to do it – hit people in the pocket. Motor tax has been increased. What if someone has an old car and cannot afford to buy a new one?

I do not believe there is a moratorium on mortgages. If that is the case, it is unfair. Publicans in particular but also other businesses are struggling and need the Government to stand up to the banks and negotiate a further moratorium. If it does not, they face ruination. The Government needs to consider this matter now.

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