I support the siting of a swimming pool in Bishopstown as this will benefit not only the students attending the regional technical college but the residents of the greater Bishopstown area. However, residents have been concerned about the chaotic congestion of traffic using the present entrance to the college. People have made representations to me about the ongoing daily congestion. Anyone who is familiar with the situation, as is the Minister of State, will be aware that every effort must be made to alleviate the problems as quickly as possible.
I speak on behalf of the Rossbrook resident's association. Rossbrook is a new estate where many families have young children and the vehicles going to and from the swimming pool use a private road in this estate to reach the entrance to the site. The residents are genuinely concerned for the very young children living in the estate because of the dangers from traffic. They are not trying to stop the development. In an article in last Friday's Evening Echo the Minister of State, Deputy Allen, accused me and Deputy Batt O'Keeffe of inciting opposition to the development at the college. I want the Minister of State to withdraw that disgraceful remark as I have always acted responsibly and constructively in Opposition.
The college authorities also have been concerned for some considerable time and have had discussions with the Department of Education. It is agreed in principle that a second entrance is urgently needed. Cork Corporation has indicated — of this I have written confirmation — that no further planning permission will be granted in this area until an alternative entrance is provided by the Department of Education or the college authorities.
We are pursuing this matter on behalf of constituents who are the constituents also of the Minister of State. I can tell him that they are very disappointed at the way he has twisted things to suggest that they are obstructing development. They know that they and their children will benefit from the swimming pool but they have genuine concerns which the Minister could address if he was committed.
I ask the Minister to ensure that the necessary funds will be provided. If this cannot be achieved in the short-term will he give a commitment to the people that an entrance will be provided within a certain time frame, be it one, two or three years? If they have such a commitment I have no doubt they will co-operate fully. I ask the Minister to withdraw the scurrilous statement in the Evening Echo suggesting that Deputy Batt O'Keeffe and I deliberately incited opposition to this development. Nothing could be further from the truth.