Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter. I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady. It is ironic that the Minister of State also responded to a similar Adjournment matter I raised on 16 June last regarding the Cork docklands. Given the economic recession, it is fitting to note that Cork City Council and the Port of Cork have reached agreement regarding the docklands. In her previous reply to me on this issue, the Minister of State noted that redevelopment of the Cork docklands was identified as a priority in the national development plan and the national spatial strategy.

I will add to that by observing that Cork is the second city of our country. It is the gateway to Munster and the southern region and in many people's eyes is the real capital. However, this is a serious motion. It is important, given the point the Minister of State made in her previous response to the effect that the project has been identified in the national development plan and the spatial strategy, that Cork as a gateway city should receive support from the Government in the provision of funding for the docklands project and the eastern gateway bridge. The docklands project is pivotal to the growth of Cork's population. It will be an instrumental driver of the Cork economic region and will create thousands of jobs, add thousands of houses and create a vibrancy in Cork city that has not been experienced for a long time.

I acknowledge the establishment of the Cork Docklands Development Forum. However, we still await publication of its report. The report's contents and the reason it cannot be published rapidly are becoming additional secrets of Fatima.. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, recently spoke about the entire issue being changed. However, the fundamentals have not changed in that Cork City Council this week entered an agreement with the Port of Cork. This enables the relocation of port activities and in addition, RPIF plc, or Topaz, has intimated that it is preparing a planning application. The plan by Topaz will allow the freeing up of 50% of the land in the docklands. This means that private investment is coming and one now awaits public investment through Government funding. I have raised this matter numerous times on the Adjournment since I became a Member of this House. The eastern gateway bridge and the docklands development are tied as a key indicator in the development of Cork, advancing the city and creating a new urban hub.

The Minister of State knows the extent of unemployment, which has hit Cork particularly hard. The development is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build another major pillar to spread the city given that we cannot get agreement with Cork County Council on the extension of the boundary. This development is the only opportunity to organise and regenerate Cork city further.

We need triggers and stimulus plans. We need opportunities to put Cork forward as the gateway to the south. An announcement was made concerning the ferry last week but we are still awaiting the debt free airport development and the independent autonomy of that. The docklands is the catalyst that can be used in creating a new Cork.

I reserve my comments until I hear the reply of the Minister of State. I hope she has good news because we need good news regarding the promotion of this plan by the Government. I look forward to the reply of the Minister of State.