Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I request that we have a debate on transport. I so doing I welcome that Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, and the National Transport Authority, NTA, have awarded a contract to Jacobs Engineering Group to undertake route option analysis and develop an initial design for light rail from Ballincollig and Mahon Point as part of the Cork metropolitan area transport, CMAT, strategy. I also ask that the NTA would open its promised regional office in Cork. The office is critical to the CMAT light rail strategy's further advancement. It is critical that the office is opened and resourced and that it is done to the highest level. If we are serious about the national development plan and enhancing connectivity, the NTA should immediately open its office in Cork as a priority.

The budget is in the next couple of weeks. It is important that while this House has no role in the passing of the budget, we would have a debate on its provisions beforehand. We are all attending pre-budget briefings across the road in Buswells Hotel predominantly, or else online.

I will conclude on a positive note. Darren Fitzgerald, one of our ushers here in Leinster House, undertook a fantastic initiative over the summer holidays, the 65 holes for 65 roses golf challenge in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. I want to congratulate Darren, not only for what he achieved by raising funds, but also in highlighting the issues around cystic fibrosis. I pay tribute to him and hope that we can all support him and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.