Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. What struck me when I was opening the Macroom bypass was the number of Kerry Deputies who arrived. That brought home to me the desire of Kerry Deputies and Kerry people to get closer to Cork and to have greater access to Cork. When the Deputy arrives in two weeks' time, he will see that we have lovely active greenways and a lovely park developed adjacent to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to facilitate Kerry supporters with picnics. In deference to my colleague, Deputy Eamon Ryan, you do not need to drive right into Páirc Uí Chaoimh anymore. You can park on the outskirts and walk in and it is pleasant terrain and a pleasant journey in what is now a beautiful landscape and which is evidence of the Government's commitment to providing improved amenities and so on.

I am committed to the extension of the road. We should finish the job because what came across forcefully with the Ballyvourney bypass was safety and what safety means for people on that road.

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