Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

When Fianna Fáil returned to Government, it fulfilled its promise and brought 120 civil servants to Cavan. We make no apologies for that. I urge the Government to include Cavan among the centres to be selected for the forthcoming decentralisation programme. A number of factors underpin this request.

Cavan occupies a strategic position on the corridor linking Dublin to Enniskillen and Donegal. Centrally located in the north midlands, Cavan is a gateway to and from Northern Ireland and is also a pivotal point on the east-west route to be developed between Dundalk and Sligo. While the area is now identified as being within the greater Dublin commuter belt, it has kept its unspoilt and attractive environment relatively free from traffic congestion. It is conveniently located within easy access of regional and international routes and is only two hours away from three airports – Dublin, Belfast and Sligo.

The national development plan provides for a major upgrading of the N3 route, with a proposed dual carriageway from Kells to Dublin and high quality single carriageway from Kells to Cavan. While there is no rail service, which we discussed earlier, bus services have improved dramatically in recent years. Bus Éireann operates services to Dublin 19 times daily, to Enniskillen five times daily and to Dundalk, Galway and Belfast each day. Several private operators also provide access to Dublin. In a recent survey, it was discovered that 3,000 people commute each day to Dublin.

Cavan town has sufficient land zoned and serviced to accommodate development which will cater immediately for an increase of 6,000 new residents. Rented accommodation is also readily available in the town and surrounding areas. There are numerous pre-school facilities in the county. There are six registered full day care providers and seven seasonal service providers within three to four miles of Cavan town centre. There are eight primary and four post-primary schools within a two mile radius. The quality of schools in the area is second to none.

County Cavan Vocational Education Committee established the Cavan college of further studies in 1984. This provides a wide range of third level, certificate and diploma courses, including business studies, accounting technician, information technology, services in tourism, applied social studies, child care and international teleservices. The college is now recognised as one of the largest and most successful post-leaving certificate colleges outside Dublin and Cork. A new college on a green field site is at an advanced planning stage and will commence in January.