Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Mackinnon report, which I am sure that Members have read prior to the debate, included a metropolitan area plan to be on a statutory basis that would provide a structure for local government in Cork. Its preparation and implementation would be overseen by a board of ten members drawn from the city and county. The report linked to the planning and development Bill from the Minister of State, Deputy English, which would be for five years. The political figure would champion the sustainable growth of the wider metropolitan area. Rather than divide the House, there is a mechanism to progress what the Senator seeks in terms of monitoring and reviewing and I hope that the Senator will support the Minister on this.