John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, join with colleagues in paying tribute to the late Dick Dowling.I was at the funeral home in south Kilkenny for his removal. As my colleagues have pointed out, it is south Kilkenny. There has been no boundary extension into that area of Ferrybank. The funeral home had to be opened at 2.15 p.m. I arrived at 8 p.m. that evening and there was an hour of a queue after me. That goes to show the great regard Dick was held in. He was a councillor, a Senator and a TD. He will be missed dearly by his family, his friends and the entire Fine Gael family. I join with colleagues in paying tribute to him today.

I will also express my deep disappointment at the news that has broken in the last short while that Motorsport Ireland has confirmed that the rally championship that was scheduled to be held in Kerry, Limerick and Waterford over the next three years is now not to take place given a letter the body has received from the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, confirming that the Department would require an additional six months to independently review the application submitted. That is a very disappointing decision for Ireland. It would have been absolutely fantastic to have the World Rally Championship here in Ireland. I am very disappointed with the decision. It would have brought a great deal to Waterford, Limerick and Kerry over the coming years and showcased our great country and everything we have to offer. I call for the Minister of State and the Government to seriously consider whether there could be a last-minute reprieve because it would be a retrograde step not to host this event over the next three years.