Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the statement made yesterday by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, about Cork County Council regarding the projects in Cork that it has put on the long finger. I believe we need to discuss this with the Minister in charge at the moment. Political pressure needs to be applied to ensure that the budgets for projects in Cork can continue. These are major projects, including the Dunkettle roundabout works, the N28 works and the Macroom bypass, which relate to huge economic drivers for Cork. They will be put back now by at least two years. We need to have the Minister in the Chamber to find out exactly what is going to happen with these projects and, in view of the summer economic statement, what he proposes to do with these budgets.

The infrastructural deficiency in Cork, as the Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House know, needs to be examined. We are the second city and we are the largest county. These infrastructural deficiencies need to be addressed if Cork is to develop. Such a delay will have a major impact. I have been contacted by many councillors in County Hall, with whom the Cathaoirleach would be associated, who are deeply concerned. I hope we can have a decent debate on this with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, in order that we can have the access for Cork that is badly required.