Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Wilson's analysis of the census report that has been issued this morning. In many ways, it will be very important for Ireland, not just in terms of how political institutions deal with population increases - the population is now 4.6 million - but on an infrastructural level, in terms of how we cater for such an increase. My county, Cork, has had a population increase of 23,000 people in the past five years, which will have a knock-on effect on infrastructure. It will affect basic things we have discussed in the Chamber, such as the Dunkettle interchange and the Ballincollig bypass, as well as Irish Water. The census reports are very important, but we have to build on them and put infrastructure in place so that we can deliver the services required for the vast numbers of people now living in the country.

The population of Cork has increased by 23,000, which will have a major impact politically. Realistically, a Constituency Commission will probably add another Dáil seat to Cork if the requirement is 30,000 per Deputy. If and when a commission is established it will have to consider such issues, because boundaries will have to be changed. For the first time ever, there may have to be a real change in boundaries in Cork. That may suit some people but not others. It is something we have to look forward to.