Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, stated yesterday there would be an increase in the population of the State of approximately 1 million over the coming decades. I believe the north west has the best opportunity to help to alleviate the pressures that will arise as a consequence in Dublin and the main population centres. I would like to see disproportionate levels of investment along the western seaboard, north of the line between Dublin and Galway and west of Mullingar. Towns such as Castlebar, Sligo and Letterkenny have the most scope to alleviate the pressures that exist. Investing in the north west is prudent and in line with the Government's policy in the national spatial strategy.

I thank the Minister for coming to the House and wish him well with his budget preparations. I ask him to be cognisant of what I and other Senators have said, in so far as this is possible.