Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I agree with much of what the Senator said. At the launch of the national spatial strategy, the Taoiseach said: "It is a 20 year strategy designed to enable every place in the country to reach its potential, no matter what its size or what its location". While this is a laudable aspiration, is it realistic? I see the gateways as the premier division and the hubs the first division. I am not sure where that leaves the areas that have not been included. While the plan had a long gestation, I could understand the reason the Government delayed announcing it until after the general election. Areas that have not been included as gateways or hubs are resentful and indignant. The industrial stimulus and infrastructural improvements will happen in specific locations.