Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Like Senator Bradford, I find it hard to understand what the Minister of State said about the decentralisation programme in relation to hubs and gateways – that none of them will be considered. I am disappointed that he ruled out Wexford, Kilkenny and my town, Castlebar, for further decentralisation. That is a retrograde step because Castlebar is a hub town on the west coast and, if we are serious about decentralisation and bringing a proper balance to east-west population figures, cannot be ruled out. It has much going for it, including its tourism infrastructure and convenience for Westport.