Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was mayor of Waterford city in 1995 and 1996 and when I hear it spoken about I certainly must speak about it also. Waterford city is the hub and gateway city in the south-east and drives the region. I agree that for this role to be fulfilled greater support for the region is necessary from the Government, particularly with regard to job creation. The region and city have been hit more than most. In saying this, I must also point out that since the Government came to office 3,000 extra people have been employed in the south-east, which is something that should not be forgotten. I am the first to stand up and shout, and will continue to do so, that Waterford city and the region should get its fair share of job creation and employment.

I want assurance from the Minister - which I have received previously, but I would like to have it on the record of the House - with regard to the mayoralty of Waterford city. I want assurance from the Minister that the mayor will retain all the historic offices and ceremonial duties which have been held for 1,100 years. In 2014 Waterford city will celebrate its 1,100th anniversary. It is the oldest city in the country. I certainly would not support anything, irrespective of what party it came from, if I felt it was not of benefit to the city and was detrimental to the growth of the city. Naturally we would all like to see everything stay as it is, but things move on. Given the increased population in the metropolitan district of more than 65,000, I see the amalgamation as being of benefit to Waterford city and county. It will give us a greater critical mass to put in place the structures necessary for any gateway city to operate.

I compliment the Minister on financing a number of projects through local government in Waterford in recent months. We had been waiting ten or 15 years for a new fire station and it is now under construction. When the old fire station is knocked down we will have an extension of six new courtrooms in the courthouse, also funded by the Government. I understand that tomorrow more significant funding will be announced with regard to housing. The Minister is certainly playing his part in the region and I can testify to this.

The big driving factor for the region, which all bodies and counties in the region realise will be highly significant and will help the region, is the university. Its development is in the programme for Government and Carlow and Waterford Institutes of Technology will be amalgamated to obtain university status. When this happens - it is not a question of if but when, and I hope it will be sooner rather than later - it will drive Waterford city and county and help us develop the new local authority structure to be put in place. It will unite the city and county.

Many people would like to see the city council remain because of the ceremonial duties in particular, but I will wait for the Minister's response on this. I support the amalgamation process on the basis that it will be good for Waterford City Council and the inhabitants because of the critical mass which will be created in the metropolitan district and the energy which I am sure will flow as a result.