Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this important discussion. I say so not least because, as he said in his speech and rightly so, that we consider the capital plan in the context of individual projects and how best to grow and develop all regions of this country. We must also be mindful that we draw a line beyond the M50 and Red Cow roundabout so that we can ensure that priority is given to the regions, that there is investment and that capital infrastructure takes place.

We all have a list of individual projects that we want to see prioritised and completed. As the Minister of State said in his speech, the Government does not have an infinite amount of money to spend on a wish list. He comes from County Limerick so he will recognise that the Cork-Limerick motorway can act as a catalyst for change and investment in the Cork-Limerick region. It is important that we learn from the debacle that was the decentralisation policy by a past Government. We must ensure that we give autonomy to the regions and that we allow for a strategy that will empower the regions to grow.

I was very much struck by the joint presentation that we received from Cork County Council and Cork City Council about Cork 2050. The presentation recognised and emphasised what the region needs to reach its full potential. Whether one comes from north, south, east or west it is critical, in whatever decision is made by Government, that there is a process that allows for the country as a whole to benefit. That is why this debate is important. We can all produce a wish list. I could talk about Cork-Limerick, the M28 and the need for a second hospital in Cork. I could list a whole plethora of projects that are important for the Cork area. What is important is that the allocation of money is done in a way that promotes investment, secure jobs and retains jobs.

It would ensure that Ireland, which will be the only English-speaking nation left in the European Union, will be open for business, which it is.

In a recovering economy the key factors, as mentioned by the Minister of State, are transport, education, health and housing. The kernel of what we must do is recognise the need for investment in capital infrastructure such as the pressing and urgent need for housing and the provision of schools, hospitals and roads and balance that against the services people require in their day-to-day lives such as care for the elderly or disabled and the recruitment of more gardaí, nurses or teachers. We must try to balance those needs. Those in Opposition who come out with grandiose plans must recognise that this must be about how the people and the country can benefit. It is not just about making connections locally and internationally but also ensuring an opportunity for the country. The Government and Fine Gael have always focussed on the country and the people. For the five years during which some Members of the Opposition could not decide to cross the road, the Government took decisions to ensure the country recovered and that we are on the cusp of a funding model that will ensure a benefit. The Government has much interaction with the European Investment Bank in terms of the provision of moneys. It is important that we invest in infrastructure.

The situation post-Brexit will be challenging for many parts of the economy. Senator Paddy Burke referenced the issue of air travel. The issue of tourism, for which Minister of State had a very strong and supportive role in his previous Ministry, must be addressed to determine how the regions can counteract Brexit. The southern region has experienced a sharp decline in visitors from the United Kingdom since the Brexit vote although that has been mitigated by direct flights from Cork Airport to Providence which have led to an increase in North American visitors. The balance has to be gotten right for the way forward.

The national planning framework, Ireland 2040, is due to be published soon. It explores how we can plan for the future in the context of expanding cities and counties. Cork city and county local governance structures were discussed during the Order of Business. That needs to be gotten right and resolved in order that we ensure that Cork city and county prosper and develop.

I thank the Minister of State for his attendance. It is important that we get this right and have investment but it is also about people and being able to attract investment and retain jobs.