John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for being in the Chamber. In the brief time I have I want to stress the importance of continued investment in regional Ireland, particularly in the context of the review of the national planning framework, NPF, that is under way. To have propulsive growth in the counties and cities outside of Dublin, namely Waterford, Galway, Limerick and Cork, we have to have strategic investment. That is why projects like Waterford north quays, a €170 million investment by Government, are so important, as is the continued investment in our new technological universities in terms of buildings, student accommodation and course development. It is welcome that the likes of veterinary medicine and pharmacy being prioritised for the technological universities. I want to stress the importance of continued regional investment by Government in the context of the NPF.