Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I recognise that. I want to ask the Minister about the six-year review. It is good to review a plan to ensure we are reaching the targets. Senator Murnane O'Connor made a good point on how it was launched. We had to learn from the mistakes of the past and we should have learned from the launch of the national spatial plan, because on Morning Ireland the lead issue for discussion was on "Parlon country". For many, this was the first time they heard about the launch of the spatial plan, which undermined the spatial plan launched by the PDs and Fianna Fáil Party. That left a bad taste. The Project Ireland 2040 plan also led to a bad sense. We need to move on and we need to learn. What the Leader of the House has been saying is quite constructive. I like to think I am not just Dublin focused.

Senator Buttimer referred to the Mayor and I think Cork needs a directly-elected Mayor. I do not think electing a mayor should be limited to Cork and Dublin. Waterford has the potential. Senator Coffey will tell Members that it has the potential to become a pharmaceutical hub. By giving a city the focus of a directly-elected mayor-----