Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am happy to work with the Deputy on all those areas. He has been a firm advocate for business competitiveness, which is key. In the new infrastructure proposals the Government will be bringing forward in February, it will be key to look at our ports and such authorities to ensure we are quickly able to get the key infrastructure enhancements into those areas. On the national planning framework for businesses expanding, it is key to ensuring they can do so, because there have been impediments to that in the past. Some exciting companies are expanding in the Cork area. I saw it first hand in Mallow with the Deputy recently. We met many good business owners and the chambers of commerce. We have subsequently done our best to resolve the issues they have. I spoke to the chief executive of Cork County Council subsequent to Deputy Burke's meeting. It is important we progress things in some areas where there have been blockages. We need to ensure we value employment and the risk takers. The businesses that are coming forward are key and the Deputy is a firm supporter of them in Cork.

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