Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome my colleague, Deputy O'Donovan, to the House to continue this important debate. While it is important that we look forward strategically, we must do so in the context of where we have come from in the last ten years. While we would have loved to see capital expenditure in this country, we have to look at the reality of where this country found itself in 2008. I remember coming in as part of a Government in 2011, when our unemployment figures were soaring and cutbacks were the order of the day. It is important to note in this context that the CSO today announced the April unemployment figures, which are now at 5.9%. That is huge progress, and I think we must acknowledge that, even though challenges remain.

I also remember when the Action Plan for Jobs was announced during the last Government. That plan was rubbished by the Opposition at that time. We were told that it was unrealistic, that we could not achieve our targets. What has happened? We have exceeded all of those targets for employment figures and our economy is back to growth again. It is important, now that we are back to growth, that we manage it in a sustainable way. That is why this Government is doing what it is doing in outlining a strategic vision for our country over the next 20 years. Project Ireland 2040 is an overarching plan to steer Ireland in the right direction. Contained within it are growth priorities for our larger regional cities to counterbalance the unsustainable economic vortex that presently surrounds our capital city, Dublin.

Not only is there substantial provision for urban growth in our regional cities and towns; there are also clear support-based financial initiatives to support and sustain rural Ireland, which is important. This is what all the political parties and representatives have been demanding for the past several years. I believe that An Taoiseach and his Ministers have shown real courage by maintaining the integrity of the Project Ireland 2040 plan, and not giving way to demands that had the real potential to destroy the ability of the plan to deliver on its clear objectives.They have also ensured that the plan is backed up by capital investment that will deliver infrastructure and the real tools and economic drivers for the regions to make sustainable activity happen again.

The Opposition parties are struggling to criticise the plan because it has been subject to deep consultation throughout the country. It is well thought out, makes good sense and is a good plan for our citizens and for Ireland. The plan has the real potential to succeed, unlike its predecessor, the national spatial strategy. The reason that plan failed, although well-intentioned at the time, was because it was interfered with politically. It was diluted and there was something for everyone in the audience. Just like the decentralisation plan that failed, it was destined to fail from the outset.

It is important to note we must plan for the next ten to 20 years in a sustainable way. I welcome the fact new funds are being established, for example, the €2 billion urban regeneration and development fund, the €1 billion rural development fund, the €500 million climate action fund and the €500 million disruptive technologies fund. All of these funding streams will no doubt help rebalance the economy. However, I caution that, for a growing economy that is aspirational and ambitious, we will need housing, sustainable jobs and the skill set to meet that growing demand. Our schools and colleges have to be equipped and we need apprenticeships to ramp up rapidly to meet the demand. With regard to infrastructure, connectivity is very important for our regions. We need adequate access in terms of roads and broadband, and we need to interconnect our cities, which is why it is welcome we have new investment in motorways.

In the case of Waterford, which is one of the cities identified to double in capacity, I argue we need to upgrade the N25 and the N24 linking the Minister of State's city, Limerick, with Waterford. The regional cities have to be connected so citizens can drive between them. We also need to upgrade the technological university in the south east and University Hospital Waterford, a regional hospital that serves a full region. There are also the ports and airports, as well as sports and recreation. The area with real potential is the north quays in Waterford city, a strategic development zone that is identified as a priority in the national plan, which I welcome. The funding stream for the redevelopment of the north quays must be clarified in terms of process and mechanism. I note that, on the announcement of Project Ireland 2040, it was stated that an overarching and oversight body would be set up to ensure that all Departments give the deserved priority to the growth of our cities.

I wish the plan well and I fully support it. I look forward to proper engagement in the coming months as we set out on this plan that will sustain our country and its people for the next 20 to 30 years.