Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. Dr. Henry Cloud wrote:

We change our behaviour when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. Consequences give us the pain that motivates us to change.

This time last year, Dr. Aodh Quinlivan included that quote in an article he wrote for theIrish Examiner on this proposed local government Bill. It is quite clear the status quo cannot remain for the city of Cork or, indeed, for local government. Cork, as Mackinnon said in his report, is not benefitting.

I very much welcome this Bill. It is the culmination of a 51 year journey as the last boundary extension took place in 1967. This process and project is too big to fail, to be personalised or to be made a political football by those who do not know what they are talking about, both here and beyond. The transfer of an administrative area, staff, functions, services and many more issues must be done with clear management, vision, oversight, resources and buy-in.

I am very proud of the role played by the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, in bringing this Bill to the end game. I appreciate his calm, reflective and determined approach. As the Minister of State said, the implementation oversight group and Cork City Council and Cork County Council staff and councillors deserve great credit.

We are celebrating Vótáil 100. The 1918 general election marked a key turning point in our nation's history. Today and tomorrow, with the passage of this Bill, we will, as Members of the Upper House of the Oireachtas, commence a significant rebirth, relaunch and reinvention of Cork city and Cork county. That is what we are about today in this Chamber. It will be significant because we are creating a city of scale and we will go beyond these shores to Europe and the world and say we are open for business.

As Senator Colm Burke said, there are many challenges. In 2011, only one crane was visible in the city of Cork. Mr. John Cleary in Mahon had courage and bravery and look what has happened since.Look at the change in Navigation House on Albert Quay and on the Grand Parade. We stand on the cusp. I remember Deputy Enda Kenny, as Taoiseach, visiting on a warm afternoon. We extolled a project that represented a new Cork as outward looking, bold, imaginative and visionary. That is what we are about today. It is about saying that an expanded city council is the best option for Cork. It cannot be about rejecting, neglecting or marginalising the county. On the contrary, a strong city and a strong county are required.

The Minister of State and the Government must tackle the unique challenge of marrying the new with the old and provide the people, whether they are in Douglas, Lehenaghmore, Glanmire, Blarney or wherever in that little hinterland of metropolitan Cork, with the service they expect and demand of a city. Yes, Cork County Council has concerns around the areas of Blarney and Tower. Yes, there are issues around local government funding and finance. As we grow Cork city and county, it is imperative we meet the demands and expectations of the people we represent. This legislation presents a unique opportunity.

I was a member of local government and I would say to Senators that this is an opportunity we cannot miss. We cannot procrastinate or play political football with it. Local elections will take place next May or June and, therefore, the boundary issue must be settled and the local government election date put in place. There is an obligation on us as Members to deliver enhanced public transport, or a city that has an integrated approach to transport, education, justice and health, as mentioned by Senator Colm Burke, for future generations.

This expansion is desperately needed. I believe in both local authorities. As the second city, we must compete on a European scale. Cork, under Project Ireland 2040, is projected to grow. To counteract Dublin, it will require strong and determined resourcing and leadership by Government, elected representatives and those charged with the administration of local government in the inner city and county.

I will conclude with the following, and I have waited 51 years for this.