Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's proposal. An industrialist in Galway over the coming years will face not three but four proposed tollings on a journey from Galway city to Dublin Port. A toll is proposed for the Galway outer ring road and one is proposed for Cappataggle, Ballinasloe, County Galway. There is a toll on the Enfield-Kinnegad road and on the M50. Currently a return journey from Galway to Dublin would involve an added cost to an industrialist of about €50, with increases pending. There is a decided disadvantage for an industrialist to locate in the west.

Another Minister is promoting what he calls "regional balance" with regard to industrial development. How can a unified Government penalise an industrialist to that extent in moving goods from Galway to Dublin Port while the notion of regional balance is being promoted? It is important we have a debate with the Minister as a matter of urgency to learn if he is serious about this or simply putting out a spin for future elections.