James Bannon (Fine Gael)

While I agree totally with the proposal for a second bridge for Waterford over the River Suir, I must question the appalling delay in bringing this project to completion. Improved infrastructure is imperative for the south-east region and it is our duty to facilitate its construction without further delay. Six weeks ago the Minister jumped the gun by announcing this project with the usual press fanfare. I understand it is six years in the offing, hence the urgency of this legislation.

The Waterford area's present and future development depends on accelerated access routes being put in place. Competitiveness and jobs are on the line in the south-east due to a total lack of a viable infrastructure in the region. Improved air, rail and road access is vital to the area's economic survival but Government mismanagement has resulted in a deficit in funding for such essential projects. This is evident in my area in the midlands as well as other parts of the country. Leaving that aside, it is essential that the construction of this bridge commences without further delay.

In 1997 the rainbow Government under Deputy John Bruton gave the go-ahead for the consultants' report for this essential project. His Government subsequently passed the report following continued representations by my colleague, Senator Maurice Cummins. My party is extremely pleased that despite the six year delay, the project, which it supported so vigorously, is now coming to fruition. Regrettably, transitional provisions to deal with such cases were not included in the Local Government Act 2001, which strikes me as a major oversight. I wonder whether there are any other cases left hanging in such a manner. If so, they should be dealt with now under this Bill. Dealing with such issues in piecemeal fashion is a waste of the time of this House.

The fact that a bridge in one area of the country has taken six years to reach the light of day makes a mockery of the grand aspirations of the national spatial strategy. The lack of easy access to Waterford is a total contradiction of the Government's stated aims. However, I welcome the proposal and hope when I seek a bridge for the midlands or some other part of the country, the Minister will act with such efficiency and urgency.