Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join others in congratulating Senators Carrigy, Ardagh, Wall and other members of the autism committee on their leadership and advocacy in regard to these Houses becoming an autism-friendly Parliament. I concur with the suggestion that this should be rolled out to all local authorities and Government buildings.

It becomes a cliché to talk about balanced regional development. I have to say that it is not a cliché if we look at what happened in Galway last Friday with the sod-turning of the Dexcom facility in Athenry, which will be providing 1,000 full-time jobs in the west, which is not just for Galway but the broader region. These things do not happen by accident. The foundations were put in place a long time back, nearly 15 years ago, when the Athenry-Oranmore economic corridor was identified in the Galway county development plan by councillors and officials as a driver for the Galway area. Because of that and because of the intersection of two motorways, the Galway-Dublin motorway and the Limerick-Tuam motorway, it is a perfect vantage point for the new development of Dexcom. It is important to also acknowledge the rail infrastructure that is present on the Galway-Dublin line and the proposed facility running from Athenry to Claremorris and, hopefully, onwards. I acknowledge the partnership between Dexcom and Connacht Rugby, with Dexcom Stadium now the new name for the sports ground. I also acknowledge the €20 million Government investment in providing the new facility for Dexcom Park.

It is important to note the positives in regard to balanced regional development, not just for Galway but for the whole region. I am sure plenty of people across Mayo and elsewhere will be working in the Dexcom facility in Athenry and travelling there by car, rail or bus.