Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. It is great to see a fellow Ulsterman here and I know the Department is in capable hands. I warmly welcome the publication of the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020, it is about people, places and potential. Our people are the country's most valuable asset and all our planning should be about quality of life. I congratulate the Minister of State and the Minster for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, on the publication of this courageous and timely document.

For too long we have spoken of the need for an equitable spread of economic activity and the over-concentration of the population in the greater Dublin area. Until now, we have done very little about it in real terms. Quality of life in the capital has decreased and much human capital is lost in traffic jams, queues and long delays. This strategy faces up to the problem and moves in the right direction.

I particularly welcome the inclusion of Cavan and Monaghan as hubs. I also welcome the status given to the necessary east-west link from Dundalk to Sligo via Carrickmacross, Cootehill, Cavan and Enniskillen. For over 30 years the Border region has languished in the shadow of the Northern Ireland conflict. Cavan embraced the self-help concept many years ago. The population of the county increased by 6.6% in the inter-censal period – the second highest in Connacht-Ulster – and is testament to our success.

Much needs to be done to shore up society in our less populated areas. This document has given hope and expectation and will elicit positive responses at local level. I am pleased at the approach to residential development in structurally weak rural areas. I am pleased with a sentence in the document which states that in general any demand for permanent residential development in these areas should be accommodated as it arises, subject to good practice in matters such as design, location and protection of the landscape in environmentally sensitive areas.