Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Private Members' Business. - Services to Western Counties: Motion.

Mr. Kenny

I move:

That Dáil Éireann condemns the Government for its failure to provide co-ordination of ministerial responsibility to improve services to western counties and notes that the section of the N5 from Ballaghderreen, County Roscommon/Strokestown, County Roscommon, the main commercial artery to the west, is not included in the national development plan and noting that the National Roads Authority does not propose to develop this section of the road until 2015, hereby resolves that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government uses his powers under section 41 of the Roads Act, 1993, to direct the Authority in writing to include this section of the N5 for immediate design and development and calls on the Government to clarify its proposals to provide for natural gas expansion in the region and for the provision of broadband technology throughout the western counties and resolves that a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by a Cabinet Minister from the west be set up, with specific responsibility for the delivery of services to the western counties.

I would like to share my time with Deputies Naughten, Jim Higgins and Perry.

I thank my Fine Gael colleagues for adopting this motion and the House for accepting it for discussion this evening. It is a simple and direct

motion that requires constructive Government action. It is geared towards creating a fairer Ireland and bridging the chasm of regional equality as regards access, infrastructure, communications and energy. Potential is defined in the Government consultation paper on the national spatial strategy as "the capacity which an area possesses for development arising from its endowment of natural resources, population, labour, economic and social capital and location relative to markets". How can development be achieved in a region deprived of basic infrastructural necessities? It cannot.

I accept the thoughts behind the mission statements of many Departments and I understand the aspirations contained in them. I am appalled by the Government's lack of direction towards implementation of the mission statements, however. I am appalled by the attitude of "you do not matter over there" and truly appalled by the notion that hail fellow, well met is an acceptable answer to the electorate of the west. We need Government led action. This motion shows how it can be done.

Crusade for Survival, a report published in the Killala diocese in spring 2000, discussed sewage treatment in Belmullet. It reported that sewage was openly flowing into the bay, which is unhygenic and unacceptable for the people of the town and visitors to it. The arrival of dolphins to Belmullet Harbour last autumn attracted tourists, but the report stated that visitors were shocked by the smell of open sewage.

The ESB needs to be upgraded in the west as there have been three power cuts since Christmas. Computers and fax machines have been destroyed. Machinery in local factories has been damaged by power surges, weather conditions and power cuts. Improvement of landline and mobile telephone coverage is also needed. Landlines are out of commission on a regular basis. Many blank spots disrupt the use of mobile telephones in Erris and in parishes in most western counties.

A Cabinet sub-committee should be set up, chaired by a Cabinet Minister from a western county and comprising the Ministers for the Environment and Local Government, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Health and Children, Education and Science, Public Enterprise and Tourism, Sport and Recreation. The sub-committee should be given authority by the Department of the Taoiseach to call each Minister of State for bi-monthly meetings to see if targets are achieved regarding the implementation of Government policy.

There have been many confusing statements in the past six weeks about the discovery of natural gas. It is incredible that Ministers on the same benches have differing views about the find. When the Minister of State, Deputy Molloy, replies to this debate, I would like him to say if a spur line from the Ballinaboy landing point of the Corrib gas terminal will go to Belmullet and if a spur will go through Ballina and on to Sligo. These facilities have been promised. At a Fianna Fáil convention in Castlebar some time ago, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Fahey, said that if gas was wanted, gas would be supplied. I would like to hear his comments on the matter now.

This motion deals specifically with the section of the N5 between Ballaghderreen and Strokestown, a distance of between 25 and 27 miles. It is not included in the national development plan and the National Roads Authority does not propose to develop it until after 2015 when most Deputies will be recipients of free travel allowances. The new sections of road between Westport and Castlebar and between Swinford and Carracastle are being designed and there is a delay in the design of the section near Ballaghderreen. There is no mention, however, of any authorisation for the improvement of the road between Ballaghderreen and Strokestown. The NRA has been given a specific remit for the design, construction and maintenance of roads. It is the ultimate bureaucratic quango of Government. A question cannot be asked about the NRA in this House as no answer will be received. If one writes to the NRA, one is lucky if the letter is acknowledged within six months. The authority is not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

I wish to demonstrate why the NRA is the ultimate governmental, political, bureaucratic quango. The Minister, Deputy Fahey, represents a western constituency. Comments have been made about the development of a section of road over which £3 billion of multinational freight is ferried every year. The road is a glorified horse track. At the Fianna Fáil Árd Fheis last Saturday, the Taoiseach said that our roads will be like the best roads in Germany. Yesterday we observed the gargantuan unveiling of the biggest road project in the history of this country, which will stretch for 110 km from Kilcullen to Waterford. The road will be 100 metres wide and will cost £500 million yet the poor business people of the west have to put up with a glorified cart track between Strokestown and Ballaghderreen.

Senator Finneran arranged a meeting with the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government some time ago. The chairman of the roads action committee said on Mid West Radio on 27 September that the Taoiseach was amazed, flabbergasted and concerned as he could not understand why a section of the N5 was left out of the programme. The Taoiseach said that the problem of the N5 must be solved. What will he do? Will he ask the NRA to carry out a feasibility study? Senator Finneran, who has strong aspirations to represent the people of Roscommon in this House, said that the Government has instructed the NRA to carry out a constraint study east of Ballaghderreen immediately.

The Minister, Deputy Fahey, was asked a straight question on Mid West Radio on 28 August. He was asked if it is true that the Mini ster for the Environment and Local Government has power over the National Roads Authority. The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources replied that it is absolutely not true. He said that the NRA is an independent agency that is given a budget and allowed to decide on priorities. The role of the Government, Deputy Fahey said, is to convince the NRA of priorities, but it cannot direct the authority. I asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government last week in a parliamentary question if he has authority under section 41 of the Roads Act, 1993, to direct the NRA, if the NRA must comply with such a direction and if such a direction has ever been given. The Minister gave a clear reply to which every Fianna Fáil and Independent Deputy should listen:

The Roads Act, 1993, assigns overall responsibility to the National Roads Authority (NRA) for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads. Section 41 of the Roads Act, 1993, confers power on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to give a direction in writing to the NRA in relation to any of the functions assigned to it. The NRA must comply with any such direction. To date, no directions have issued to the NRA under this provision.

How will we have roads similar to those in Germany if no direction is given by a Minister who has authority over this quango and another Minister with assumed powers for the west does not understand the legislation over which his colleague has authority? It is ridiculous and ludicrous that £3.5 billion worth of freight comes up every year on that road, which, as I said, is a glorified horse track, but the Government will not issue a directive under its legislative powers.

The Minister of State, Deputy Ó Cuív, said on 12 June 2001 at the launch of the CLÁR programme for the regeneration of rural Ireland:

I hope we are now at the turning of the corner. The Celtic tiger itself, without such a positive discrimination if we can call it that, will not solve the problem and Government at last has come to realise that unless there is positive discrimination for these areas, we will not solve the problem despite your efforts and despite the efforts of local politicians.

We need clarity and action from the Government. The Taoiseach finished his Ard-Fheis speech by telling the delegates to go back to their constituencies and finish the job they started. Perhaps he should have said that they cannot finish what they never started. I call on Deputies Blaney, Gildea and Healy-Rae and even Deputy Cooper-Flynn, who is no longer a member of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, to support the motion tomorrow night. When they walk up the steps they will either vote for the N5 or they will not do so. If they do not vote for it, woe betide them if they stand on a public platform west of the Shannon in the next six months.

Mr. Naughten

The national development plan, which is being progressively implemented, is designed to enable economic and social development and balanced regional development. However, the western region accounted for only 16% of total national employment between 1998 and 2000, mainly in Galway city and County Clare which accounted for 90% of the job gains while counties such as Roscommon suffered a net loss. The west's national share of IDA jobs has fallen from 22% in 1995 to 18.7% in 2000. In terms of jobs, the west is receiving crumbs that fall from the rich man's table. It is evident that the Government has no desire to improve infrastructure in the west and is pursuing a laissez-faire policy in relation to roads and other infrastructural developments.

Cromwell once said: "To hell or to Connacht." However, it is now easier to get to hell than it is to get to Connacht. It is now easier to attract a chocolate factory to hell than to attract an IT company to the west. When the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment was in Asia earlier this year she said Ireland had a First World economy with a Third World infrastructure. If the country as a whole has a Third World infrastructure, I do not know how the infrastructure of the west can be described. The lack of road access to the west is detrimental to industrial development and the development of tourism in the region. The viability of existing industry there is damaged by the additional costs currently involved.

The most deplorable national primary route by far is the N5, which can only be described as a cart track. The most deplorable section is from Scramogue in County Roscommon to the Mayo border. The Cabinet had to travel along this cart track to get to Ballaghaderreen for its historic meeting, but it wants to continue to ignore the condition of the N5 until at least 2015. Industry in the west has no sea crossings or proper rail service. However, a key access route such as the N5 is in such a state of disrepair that the negligence is becoming malicious. There are eight national primary routes covering the west, but only one has been given dual carriageway status under the national development plan – so much for developing the west.

The N5 is in urgent need of upgrading. Business has continually pointed out the serious transport costs that arise because of the inadequate road quality, a road which serves as the main artery from counties Roscommon and Mayo to the east coast and the ports. There is also a large body of evidence that the poor quality of this road is a major deterrent to investment in the region. Given its peripherality, it is essential to develop a strategy for road infrastructure based on development and the needs of the region rather than existing traffic flows. The Government has the ability to ensure this happens by using the powers under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1993. However, although the Taoiseach and Government members have given vague commitments, they are not prepared to act to ensure this directive is issued to the National Roads Authority. Without this directive, the road will never be upgraded because the NRA does not consider it a priority.

Everybody, with the exception of the Minister for Public Enterprise, is conscious of the impending power and energy crisis. Gas supply could be part of a solution to the energy problem in the western region. However, the Government has not put a timeframe in place for the delivery of the proposed new gas network. It has merely announced that it will take place at some stage in the future. A date should be set and a distribution plan implemented immediately. While the Government continues to pander, promise and procrastinate, no business will enter the region. Ideally, it should be done in conjunction with other infrastructural works, such as the installation of fibre-optic cable.

County Roscommon, which is the heart of the country, has been ignored in terms of the gas network as it has been ignored in the past. I propose that a major infrastructural corridor be established to include gas and fibre-optic cable from Athlone via Roscommon and Castlerea to Claremorris and the west coast, with spurs from the corridor serving towns such as Ballaghaderreen and Boyle. High speed telecommunications capability is essential in competing for e-commerce business on an international stage. Well developed broadband infrastructure across the country is essential to avoid the over-concentration of national investment in the Dublin region. E-commerce negates the historic disadvantage of the west in attracting investment and high quality employment for its people. This is a golden opportunity for the west. The new economy removes trade barriers, such as geographic location, and is ideal for the west. Unfortunately, the Government's failure to provide for Internet infrastructure is disproportionately affecting the west.

In the context of telecommunications, Eircom has ignored the infrastructure and not put fibre-optic cable in place, although it is a basic infrastructural requirement for e-commerce. Eircom and the Government have ignored the issue. Eircom has stated that it has withdrawn its investment because it is unable to provide e-commerce infrastructure to the west. I call on the Government to give a firm commitment that financial resources will be provided for Eircom to immediately develop urgently needed broadband infrastructure in the west.

These issues have been, and continue to be, ignored by the Government. It is not prepared to tackle the infrastructural deficit. It is only prepared to bury its head in the hand, throw a couple of million pounds in our direction and hope that will keep us quiet. I commend the motion to the House and hope the Government, in its fifth year in office, will listen and do something about it.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I understand Deputy Higgins is sharing the remaining time with Deputy Perry.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): Yes. We, in the west, are fed up with being examined, parsed, analysed, dissected, studied and pitied. We do not want any more dissections, studies or pity. The west wants jobs, investment and infrastructure. The Developing the West Together initiative was commissioned by the western bishops and the document led to the creation of a Minister of State with direct responsibility for western development under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. This, in turn, led to the establishment, on a statutory basis, of the Western Development Commission. However, when the Government took office almost five years ago, it relegated the Minister of State from being under the direct command of the Taoiseach to being a Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and appointed a Tipperary man to the post.

The Western Regional Authority development plan and a document on Structural and Cohesion Funds 2000-2006 were published. They are lovely, shiny impressive documents full of facts, figures, statistics and aspirations. A development plan for the west for the period 2000-06 was also produced by the Western Development Commission. There has been study after study, document after document but none has been implemented because the Government has not made any commitment to the western region. In the meantime the west continues to haemorrhage its people. People emigrated for years to Britain, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia but nowadays the haemorrhage is to the eastern region, which choking to death. Dublin city is chaotic but people from the west move to Dublin because there are jobs to be had.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, has referred to the regionalisation plans of the Government, the IDA and Forbairt which will mean the dispersal of jobs to the regions but that has not happened and, as Deputy Naughten said, the proof is in the figures that have been collated. The IDA created 13,800 new jobs in 2000, yet less than 10% – 1,246 – of those jobs were created in the seven western counties and of those half went to Galway city. If Galway city is excluded from the equation, the remaining 650 jobs were created in Counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare while at the same time 2,200 jobs went to the wall and the slide continues.

Employment growth in the BMW region is a mere 7.5% compared to 14.7% in the bloated, choking and over burdened eastern region. The Western Development Commission's blueprint contained a very commendable target of 2,100 jobs annually to be spread throughout the region creating an equilibrium between all the western counties. However, that has not been met because the commitment, infrastructure and investment are not there.

Infrastructure has not been put in place. The motion refers to the N5 but there are other national primary routes in the region which are almost as bad. The N5 is the main artery to the heart of the region. One must make a tortuous journey of 26 miles along a road littered with wing mirrors, mudguards and broken bumpers. This road has been passed over time and time again in regard to funding for improvements. There is a continuous double white line on the road, as the Deputy said, from Ballaghaderreen to the River Shannon with cavalcades of tractors and lorries travelling along it at 30 miles per hour.

The Western Development Commission's target has not been met because the rail infrastructure has not been upgraded. Old clapped out locomotives and antediluvian carriages, which regularly sit on the track, are used for services to the west. It is ironic that one can travel from Shannon to New York in five hours, yet a journey on Iarnród Éireann's service from Heuston Station to Westport on a Friday evening can take up to five and a half hours.

Telecommunications services have not been provided. The national development plan contained a commendable commitment to the laying of fibre-optic cable in the west with a total investment of £17 million in a telecommunications plan. A sum of £13 million was to be provided by the EU but Eircom has walked away from this commitment. No telecommunications mean no jobs. The WDC's target has also not been met because electric power has not been made available. The electricity grid is so inadequate that no company could set up west of a line from Cavan to Galway. The area is deficient in terms of power and the long promised 110 kv cable has not been laid. It will take seven years to upgrade the grid. There are poor roads and rail services in the region while it also lacks electricity provision and adequate telecommunications.

The announcement that gas had been found in the Corrib gas field off Achill Head created excitement and expectation in the west. The people believed that at last there was a significant energy source at their back door, yet an integrated plan or cohesive strategy has not been drawn up. No commitment has been given in terms of which towns will be connected to the gas network except for the odd whispered aside to the chairman of a county council at a function in Galway city and an announcement in The Western People. However, the Government has not put pen to paper.

The region is dying and nothing tangible is happening. An entire province is ebbing its way into oblivion. The last great hope of the west was to retain Objective One status because that would have meant at long last the provision of a combi nation of EU funds and national aid that would bridge the GDP, jobs and infrastructure gaps between the east and the west. Two years and nine months later nothing has happened. The resources have not flowed, the infrastructure has not been put in place and the money has not been invested.

If Objective One was working we would not have tabled this motion. We have an obligation to do so because we were told Objective One status would create the necessary energy, impetus and development in the west and give the region the necessary lift. We were told in the past that a rising tide would lift all boats but we were left stuck in the mud.

As Deputy Kenny said the general election is around the corner and the moment of truth will be soon at hand. The people of the west are tired of being fed a diet of promises and aspirations, of being conned and of being told to wait because one day their day will come. The Celtic tiger has been good for Ireland but he never put his paw west of the Shannon. The only tiger we have seen over the past five years has been as a result of the annual visit of Fossett's Circus. This motion is about survival and it is not a circus or a joke. When the election is called the people of the west will speak very effectively with the ballot paper as only they know how.

Mr. Perry

I thank Deputy Kenny for tabling this important motion. It has been almost two years since the Minister for Finance announced decentralisation plans for 10,000 public servants, the largest such exercise in the history of the State but not a single job has been moved from over crowded Dublin. As the national development plan – which I believe has been extended to 2010 or later – rumbles on we are still waiting for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to publish a spatial strategy outlining growth centres for the new millennium. Fine Gael has identified growth centres such as Sligo but it is like making a jigsaw without the pieces. Fine Gael is a party with conviction and has the backbone to name centres. The Minister has made a shambles of an announcement and his plan covers almost every DED in Ireland.

Such inadequate planning at Government level is reflected in the behaviour of its development agencies. In spite of official policy which is to discriminate in favour of less developed regions and communities the NRA, for example, is still planning roads in line with current economic development and projected traffic use. As a result motorways linking Dublin to Belfast, Galway, Limerick and Cork have been prioritised while national primary routes to Sligo and Castlebar in the north-west will be upgraded but not to the same extent. This is outrageous. Approximately £300 million less than originally anticipated has been allocated. Such an approach reinforces economic trends and does nothing to counter traditional imbalances between the regions. That cannot be allowed to continue. A dual carriageway to Sligo is urgently needed and we are entitled to it. There is a similar attitude about the provision of high quality energy supplies and other forms of infrastructure. Will Sligo get gas from this field? I have heard a lot of waffle about it.

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

The answer is yes.

Mr. Perry

When?

Mr. Fahey

When every other town in the country gets it.

Mr. Perry

That is an example of live horse, get grass. I am glad the Minister is committed to it.

There are strong inflationary pressures in the construction industry and demands on the Government from the European Commission to reduce the level of public spending under the national development plan. The Committee of Public Accounts was told that inflation on major construction projects, such as road building and housing, was running at 12.5%. At the same time, an estimated £250 million was switched out of capital spending projects during each of the past two years, and the west is suffering as a result. The outcome will inevitably lead to a further squeezing of structural investment in the underdeveloped regions.

The economic and social pull of Dublin as a bloated centre of population will have a more pronounced effect on the Border and western regions unless countervailing action is taken. That is not happening. In the budget of 1999 the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, announced the decentralisation of 10,000 jobs as a means of reducing commuting and housing pressures in Dublin, while spreading State spending and jobs more equitably throughout the regions. However, apart from initiating a competition between rural towns for the location of Government agencies, nothing has happened. The urban renewal tax incentives were announced to great fanfare. However, the economy is slowing down. I heard a Revenue inspector say this morning that there is only £10 million out of £700 million left one month before the budget. That proves the economy is slowing down.

Deputy Kenny mentioned the fact that the Roads Act, 1993, assigns overall responsibility to the National Roads Authority for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads. I am delighted that clarification has been given in that regard. I attended several meetings where I was told the NRA was an autonomous body for which the Minister does not have responsibility. Section 41 of the Roads Act, 1993, confers power on the Minister with responsibility for local government to give direction in writing to the National Roads Authority in relation to any function assigned to it. It also states that the National Roads Authority must comply with any such direction. That information was included in a parliamentary reply today. However, to date, directions have not issued to the NRA under this provision. Why is that the case? The Minister is the boss and he should carry the can.

The development of the national primary road network should be based on an assessment of road needs resulting from predicted traffic growth which, in turn, is based on an assumption of a continuation of historic patterns of development. That is not happening in Sligo, Leitrim and the north-west. If we want to stimulate economic development the aim should be to ensure that all nodes are connected to one another by a road of dual carriageway standard. Priority in achieving this goal should be given to urban centres with the highest population. Why is the north-west excluded?

As regards cross-Border development, there are no links to Sligo, Enniskillen, Castlebar or Derry. However, a city such as Dublin has four, while Belfast and Galway have two. How can the Minister account for that? I ask the Minister to instruct the National Roads Authority to upgrade the N4 to Sligo to dual carriageway standard. The Government has been strong on talk, but weak on action in terms of developing the north-west. I am privileged to serve the constituency of Sligo-Leitrim.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment was in Sligo last week where she announced 250 new jobs for Sligo in the high technology sector over the next five years. Thousands of jobs have been lost in that area in the past five months. She is not fooling anyone. Anyone who makes such an announcement is not living in the real world. Some 155 jobs were lost yesterday in Hansons factory in Sligo. The Minister's announcement is of no consolation to anyone. Transwear is an excellent company which employs 60 people at present. I salute it for its initiative. Given that the Minister does not know what will happen in the next five months in the high technology sector, how can she know what will happen in the next five years?

The Minister has refused to carry out a feasibility study on the important link between Sligo, Limerick and Galway. This study would cost approximately £50,000. The role of private enterprise has been completely ignored by the Government. Business people have been the backbone of the success of this economy. However, bureaucracy is curtailing their development and it is outrageous.

The Government is lost in ego-mania. It has a solid belief that it is entitled to power and that it will be here for a number of years. However, as Deputy Kenny said, the electorate will decide when the time comes. I speak on behalf of the constituents of Sligo-Leitrim and they will deliver a solid message to the Government. I will watch the boxes closely at the next election. Fine Gael will deliver the results in Sligo-Leitrim which will show the Government it did not give priority to that constituency. I am disappointed I have to hit hard on this issue.

Enterprise boards which look after small companies do not have funds. They have been given the task of looking after employers who employ between one and ten people. They have only £1.2 billion, most of which is spent on bureaucracy. Small companies have not been given assistance. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Ó Cuív, recently announced a scheme which is another red tape exercise. The time has come to support people who are creating jobs.

There has not been any investment in the west. Fine Gael has committed itself to upgrade the N4 when it gets into office.

Mr. Fahey

Fine Gael is committed to putting dual carriageways into every town in the country. It is fairytale politics.

Mr. Perry

You represent Galway. You should prioritise the N5 and N4.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should address his remarks through the Chair.

Mr. Fahey

We are prioritising, not fooling the people.

Mr. Perry

In what year? This is a huge issue for the north-west. Sligo has got lip service for the past 20 years and it has not developed. A dual carriageway is needed for the north-west. There is a huge growth centre in the north-west. Why was it not prioritised as a growth centre by the Government? It has been identified by Fine Gael as a future growth centre and will act on that when it is returned to Government. I assure the Minister that will happen. This region will be developed and jobs will be created. Deputy Jim Higgins correctly stated that 150 jobs were created in Sligo by IDA Ireland in recent years. Some 150 jobs were lost in Sligo last week. The Government must face reality.

Mr. Fahey

Is the Deputy saying that Fine Gael's priority will be a dual carriageway to Sligo rather than other dual carriageways?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy, without interruption.

Mr. Perry

Our leader is committed to developing Sligo as a growth centre and the roads will be part of that development. The Government has not committed itself to that.

Mr. Fahey

It is a growth centre.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should conclude.

Mr. Perry

I know the Minister is slightly annoyed at what I am saying, but the truth always hurts. The Government is good at waffle, but poor on delivery.

Mr. Fahey

I am not worried. The Deputy is worried about his party's three seats in Mayo and two seats in Sligo. That is what is behind this motion.

Mr. Perry

Fianna Fáil is starting to wake up and is worried about its seat in Sligo.

Mr. Kenny

What about the Minister's proclamation? Absolutely not.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:

–commends the Government's proactive approach to upgrading the country's infrastructure including in the western counties and welcomes:

–the progressive implementation of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, which is designed to enable economic and social development and balanced regional development through:

developing the potential of all regions to contribute to the maximum extent to continuing prosperity, and

reducing the disparities between and within the Border, Midland and

Western Region and the Southern and Eastern Region;

–the increased investment in economic and social infrastructure since this Government took office, including the projected investment of some £26 billion (current prices) over the period 2000-2006 in roads, public transport, environmental infrastructure, energy, housing and health, as well as investment in higher and further education facilities;

–the demonstrable progress being made in implementing the national roads development programme set out in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 which provides for major improvements to the N5 and other national routes serving the western counties;

–the natural gas infrastructure developments in the west and north-west, specifically the Bord Gáis proposals to construct pipelines between Dublin, Galway and Limerick and between Mayo and Galway, and the Government's recent decision on extending the network to Ballina and Sligo from the Mayo-Galway pipeline and to Letterkenny by a cross-Border pipeline from the proposed Belfast-Derry pipeline;

–the effective contribution being made by the Cabinet Committees on Infrastructure and Public Private Partnerships and on Social Inclusion to the economic and social development of the west through better co-ordination of Government policy and integration at the point of delivery of a range of targeted programmes and services;

–the on-going work of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure and Public Private Partnerships in ensuring that all steps are taken to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of infrastructural projects throughout the country;

–the CLÁR programme which will see rural areas of disadvantage, many of which are in the western counties, benefiting from prioritised investment, including under the National Development Plan 2000-2006;

–the Government's commitment to finalise by end 2001, following a full process of public consultation, a national spatial strategy that will address the promotion of balanced regional development on a broader basis, with due regard to sustaining economic development, improving the quality of life, and maintaining and enhancing our national and cultural heritage; and

–the retention of Objective One status for the Border, midlands and western region and the resultant higher levels of Structural Fund assistance and better State aids available for this region over the period to 2006.

Ireland has benefited from unprecedented economic growth over the past number of years. In order to build on this progress and to prepare for future infrastructural needs, the Government's national development plan sets out an ambitious programme of works to be undertaken throughout the country. The plan recognises that while all regions of the country have benefited from our economic growth, the distribution of our economic progress has not been evenly spread throughout the regions. This was one of the most prominent elements that the Government considered as it prepared the NDP. The plan involves an investment of over £40 billion in 1999 prices over the seven year period from 2000 to 2006. It is the largest investment plan ever drawn up by this State and has four basic strategic objectives: continuing sustainable national economic and employment growth; consolidating and improving Ireland's international competitiveness; fostering balanced regional development, which is particularly relevant in the context of motions under discussion here; and promoting social inclusion.

The needs of the Border, midlands and western region, which includes the western counties, have been well catered for in the NDP. It provides for a total investment of £13.5 billion at 1999 prices over the period 2000-06 in that region. This is equivalent to £14,000 per head of population compared to £10,000 in the southern and eastern region. The NDP provides for the most significant investment in regional development in the State's history and will contribute significantly to the achievement of more balanced regional development.

In view of the disparities in economic and social progress within the country, the Government also campaigned for and successfully negotiated with the EU for the designation of the country into these two regions – the southern and eastern region, and the Border, midlands and western region – despite the opposition and derision of most in the Fine Gael and Labour Parties at the time. This arrangement enabled Objective One status to be retained for the BMW region for the full period to 2006—

Mr. U. Burke

The Minister was forced to take it on board.

Mr. Molloy

—while the southern and eastern region qualifies for a transitional regime for Objective One status until 2005. Against this background, it is sad to see that Fine Gael is so out of touch that it does not realise or wish to acknowledge what is being done for the western counties.

Mr. U. Burke

And the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Cuív?

Mr. Molloy

In contrast to the lip service and window dressing approach of Fine Gael to the issue of western development when it was last in Government, each member of this Government is focused on taking concrete action to ensure that the west can realise its full potential. We have a clear view of what we wish to do and we have put in place the policies, the institutional and other arrangements to achieve it.

The improvement of infrastructure is a particular priority. There is broad agreement that our infrastructure has not kept pace with our economic growth and development, and that improved infrastructure is now the key issue for a higher quality of life and for national development. The Government, therefore, accorded a clear priority in the NDP to the acceleration of infrastructural programmes. More than half of total NDP expenditure is being devoted to economic and social infrastructure.

The impact of this investment on the national roads network will be very visible in the western counties. The national road network in the region will be dramatically improved over the period through the up-grading of the N2 from Dublin to the Border, the N3 from Dublin to Cavan, the N4 from Dublin to Sligo, the N5 from Dublin to Westport – to which I will return in a moment – and the N6 from Dublin to Galway. Major improvement works on other national primary and secondary routes in the region will also take place.

National primary route projects with a total estimated value of approximately £2 billion, including the N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6 routes serving the western counties, are currently in planning. Most of these projects are scheduled to be completed or under way by 2006.

Mr. U. Burke

They are all on the rocks.

Mr. Molloy

The impact of investment in non-national roads in the West has been and will be very significant as well. The BMW region accounts for 40,514 kms, or 44.9% of the 90,303 kms of non-national roads. The NDP provides for investment of £848 million in this region in the 2000-06 period. This year over £131 million will be spent from State grants on non-national roads in the BMW region.

Overall, the investment in national and non-national roads in the BMW region will contribute towards providing easier access to employment, training and social opportunities for the region's inhabitants and offer existing firms and potential investors better access to the national road network and, thus, to domestic and foreign markets.

Before I proceed to deal specifically with the N5 route, I would like to contrast the commitment and record of this Government on infrastructural investment in some other sectors with that of the last Government. Under the NDP, almost £3 billion has been provided for water and waste water services, which is more than three times the outturn of £906 million under the previous NDP. Of the total expenditure, the BMW region will benefit from expenditure of almost £l billion up to 2006. The amount of capital expenditure incurred last year under the rural water programme amounted to £35.4 million and is expected to increase to over £70 million by 2003. This contrasts with just £8.5 million in 1996, the last year that the Deputy's party was in Government.

Mr. U. Burke

The Minister left out the incinerators. Did he count them?

Mr. Molloy

In the housing sector, the Government has, for the first time, provided a long-term framework for the funding of social and affordable housing through the inclusion of £6 billion in the national development plan.

Mr. Kenny

What about the tax on all the homes that were bought?

Mr. Molloy

This investment will ensure that the housing needs of almost 100,000 households will be met with Government assistance over the period of the plan. We have provided for an increase to 6,000 starts in the local authority housing programme with funding for 41,500 starts over the plan period, front loaded to meet existing demand more quickly.

Mr. U. Burke

Crazy.

Mr. Molloy

The annual resources allocated to housing since the Government took office have trebled to just £l. l billion this year, with the funding for local authority and social housing programmes increasing from £179 million in 1997 to almost £703 million this year. The western region has shared in this increased investment in social housing. The capital allocation to the western counties in 2001 under the local authority housing programme amounted to just over £80 million compared with £30 million in 1997, an increase of 166%.

Mr. U. Burke

What share of that did we get?

Mr. Molloy

Bearing in mind these statistics, the criticism by Fine Gael of this Government's commitment to the west just cannot be taken seriously.

Mr. U. Burke

Ask the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Cuív.

Mr. Molloy

I would like now to refer more specifically to the N5 that is a particular focus of attention in the motion before the House. Before doing so, however, I would remind Deputies of the general background to the roads proposals in the NDP.

Mr. Kenny

We know that.

Mr. Molloy

Five routes were specifically identified in the NDP for upgrading to motorway or high quality dual carriageway standard along their entire length – the N1, N6, N7, N8 and N9. The NDP also provided that major improvements will be carried out on the main routes serving the west and north-west including the N2, N3, N4 and N5. The NRA, in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, is now pursuing the detailed programming of the work involved and will decide the precise road type to be provided in that context based on the National Road Needs Study, 1998, and current and projected traffic growth.

In relation to the N5, the current position is that major improvement projects estimated to cost £120 million are in the course of planning. Subject to progress in planning, these projects are expected to reach construction in the period to 2006. This year, an allocation of £8.323 million has been made by the NRA to various local authorities in relation to improvement, planning and design work on the N5.

While it is a matter for the NRA, in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, to undertake the detailed programming of the N5 improvement works, it would be useful if I outlined for the House the main activities which the NRA has indicated it is pursuing this year on the route. These include construction of the Strokestown-Longford scheme commencing this year. This is an 8 km stretch of standard two-lane carriageway, costing approximately £19.46 million.

The Ballaghaderreen by-pass, a 4 km stretch of standard two-lane carriageway which is being actively planned at present, will proceed to the CPO stage in the coming months. A sum of £500,000 has been allocated by the NRA for the planning and design of bypasses at Ballaghaderreen and Longford.

Mr. Kenny

A two-year delay.

Mr. Molloy

The Charlestown bypass, an 18 km section of standard two-lane carriageway with an estimated cost of £43.6 million is expected to reach CPO stage early next year. As regards Westport-Castlebar, a 15 km section of wide two-lane carriageway is in planning and will cost an estimated £47.1 million. Rehabilitation works are being planned or carried out on sections of the N5 at the Mayo end and west of Strokestown that were damaged during last winter.

Roscommon County Council is preparing a constraints study for the whole N5 route. While improvement works to the N5 will mainly be carried out on-line to strengthen and-or widen the existing route, the constraints study will identify areas where new sections of the route can be built off-line, namely, a route to go through a greenfield site.

Mr. Kenny

That is just maintenance work.

Mr. Molloy

It is not just maintenance work if it is going to a greenfield site. The Deputy should show more knowledge of the roads construction programme.

The National Roads Authority has notified Roscommon County Council that it is prepared to commit £1 million to £2 million per annum for pavement improvement and maintenance to the existing N5 subject to the preparation of a five-year plan for pavement improvement and maintenance of the route by the council.

Mr. Kenny

Replacement and reconstruction.

Mr. Molloy

Overall, the strategy for the N5 being pursued by the NRA will provide good pavement quality, ensure an average inter-urban speed of 80 kph on the route and eliminate problems at Ballaghaderreen and Charlestown. Subject to progress in planning, most of the planned improvements will be completed or well advanced by the end of the NDP period.

At this point it is relevant to refer briefly to the suggestion that a Cabinet sub-committee should be established with specific responsibility for delivery of services to the western counties.

Mr. U. Burke

Another one.

Mr. Molloy

The House will be aware of the Cabinet committee on infrastructure which is chaired by the Taoiseach and which was established to monitor and oversee the delivery of key infrastructure projects under the NDP.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): These projects are on the east coast.

Mr. Molloy

It is not necessary or advisable for a sub-committee to be established to address western infrastructure in particular as a national perspective is important in this context. The initial focus of the Cabinet committee on infrastructure under the chairmanship of the Taoiseach has been on transport infrastructure—

Mr. Kenny

On the east coast.

Mr. Molloy

—and it has devoted considerable attention to the national roads programme and to western routes in particular. It has also considered issues concerning energy and telecommunications infrastructure in the west. These issues will be dealt with by the Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise, Deputy Jacob, with whom I am sharing time. The cross-departmental team of officials supporting the committee recently met the Western Development Commission and representatives of the chambers of commerce in the west and north-west to discuss their proposals regarding transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure in the region.

The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion has been actively involved in the development of the CLÁR programme which was launched by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Ó Cuív, on 5 October. The programme provides a framework for intensive, targeted intervention to tackle the problem of depopulation, decline and lack of services in rural areas of severe disadvantage mainly in the west and midlands.

Mr. U. Burke

The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív recognises the realities.

Mr. Molloy

As regards the N5 specifically, and notwithstanding the improvements that are in progress, in planning or under way, the Cabinet committee on infrastructure agreed, following a presentation by the NRA in July 2001, that a more detailed assessment of the N5 was necessary. This is now being undertaken by the NRA and will afford a further opportunity to assess the needs of the N5 and to take all relevant factors into account. The NRA is due to report to the Cabinet committee before the end of the year.

Another major plank in the Government's pursuit of more balanced regional development is the national spatial strategy. The strategy will form the central thrust of Government policy to achieve more balanced regional development. Substantial progress has been made with the development of the spatial strategy. A consultation paper entitled Indications for the Way Ahead, which was recently published by my Department, focuses on spatial opportunities and choices for different areas and the policies and actions which might flow from these. The publi cation of this document is being followed by an intensive period of consultation with social partners, regional and local interests, local groups and the general public. Drafting of the strategy will then commence with a view to its submission to the Government by the end of the year.

What all this amounts to is that the Government, unlike the main Opposition party, is taking a logical and sensible approach to the development of the west in general and the improvement of the N5 in particular.

Mr. U. Burke

Promise and do nothing.

Mr. Molloy

A significant programme of improvements on the N5 is under way or planned, designed to provide a good level of service over at least a 20-year period.

Mr. Kenny

At least the Minister of State is being honest. It will take until 2020.

Mr. Molloy

The Government has not shut the door on further or more elaborate improvements if these can be justified objectively in terms of future traffic demands or broader regional needs. The difference between the Government and the Opposition on this matter is that the Government is not being opportunistic and seeking to gain electoral advantage.

Mr. Kenny

We now know this will not happen until 2020.

Mr. Molloy

We are confident that the public, including the electorate using the N5 and in the western counties generally, understand the need to plan in a systematic and logical way that takes all relevant factors into account before committing large amounts of public funds to road improvements or any other type of public investment.

I am disappointed I am being continuously interrupted. I did not interrupt other Members.

Mr. Kenny

We were speaking quickly. We did not bluff.

Mr. Molloy

This is poor parliamentary manners, but perhaps the Deputies still have a bit to learn. The situation, therefore, will be kept under review and plans will be adapted as required. The House will understand, therefore, that it is neither necessary nor appropriate for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to consider using his powers under section 41 of the Roads Act, 1993, to direct the NRA as regards road improvements on the N5 as advocated by the motion.

At the end of the day, the Government will ensure that the N5 is designed and improved to a standard that will meet the needs of users. Equally, the Government will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the timely and effective delivery of all infrastructural investment planned for the west to ensure that it will share equitably in the economic and social progress of the country as a whole. In this way, I am confident that the ambitious objectives set out in the NDP can be met.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to outline to the House the significant developments that are taking place in the west and north-west regarding the extension of the natural gas network.

Although there is no provision in the national development plan for the construction of gas pipelines, Bord Gáis Éireann is planning to spend in the region of 254 million in the BMW region over the next two years on the Dublin-Galway-Limerick ring main and the Mayo-Galway pipeline. In addition, the Government recently decided to move forward with the next stage of extending gas to the north-west.

Over the past 21 years the gas network has grown progressively since the first gas came to Cork in 1978. The building of the ring main pipeline and the advent of Corrib gas has now changed the focus and pace of development of the gas network. An environmental impact statement for the Dublin-Galway-Limerick ring main has been submitted to me by BGE. This has been appraised by independent consultants who have confirmed that it meets all statutory requirements and will not have significant environmental effects in the long term.

I convened an oral hearing on 24 September 2001 to inquire into BGE's application to construct this pipeline and its associated applications for acquisition orders. This hearing has concluded and I am awaiting the independent inspectors' report and recommendations. I expect to receive these within a matter of weeks. BGE has a scheduled completion date of October 2002 for this pipeline.

Independent consultants have also concluded an evaluation of the EIS for the Mayo-Galway pipeline, which will bring Corrib gas to the network. The consultants have indicated that it also meets all statutory requirements and will have no significant effect on the environment in the long-term.

The public consultation process on this pipeline, which is separate from the planning process,

is under way and will run until 29 October 2001. In the event of objections being received, I may decide to hold an oral hearing. BGE has a scheduled completion date of August 2003 for this pipeline and has signalled that Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry are likely to be connected.

Earlier this year the Government decided, in principle, to extend the natural gas network to the north-west. Having considered the issue, the Government has now decided to move ahead with the next step in this project. BGE has been asked to conduct a detailed planning exercise on the extension of the network to Sligo, via Ballina from the proposed Mayo-Galway pipeline, and to Letterkenny via a cross-Border pipeline from Derry, which is to be served by a pipeline from Belfast, planned by the Northern Ireland authorities.

Preliminary analysis carried out for BGE has confirmed that these extensions would not be viable on the basis of anticipated gas demand and that considerable grant aid would be required. The level of grant aid depends on the balance between the capital and operating costs of the extension and the estimated gas demand in the new area being served. The Government has taken a broad view of these projects, and given the wider regional and socio-economic benefits of improving the energy infrastructure, has decided to proceed with the next stage of the project. Detailed engineering and planning for the project will define the pipeline extensions in greater detail and identify the level of funding which would be required. I understand this phase of the project will take about six months to complete, following which the issue of grant aid will be considered again by Government, provided that the necessary clearance has been obtained from the European Commission. It would then take about two further years to complete the pipelines.

At the same time as the detailed planning is being carried out, a State aid case will be submitted to the EU Commission for approval of grant aid. We want to do these works in parallel to avoid any undue delay. This is an infrastructure project which, when constructed, will be available to all gas suppliers and will enlarge the total customer base for the liberalised gas market.

In recent years broadband communications networks have become an important piece of enabling economic infrastructure. The importance of broadband is based on the emergence of Internet and e-mail as key business tools. Broadband was a phrase seldom used ten years ago. In the last decade the rapid growth of these electronic media in business and personal use has sparked a demand for telecommunications networks that support high speeds and quantities of data exchange.

This demand has seen major constructions and developments in telecommunications networks in large urban centres throughout the world. In Ireland we are also bringing this broadband connectivity to regional and low population-density areas. Whether it is with fibre-optic cable, co-axial cable, across copper wire or through wireless media, the Government is committed to working in partnership with telecommunications service providers to ensure the widest possible availability of these services. In the final year of the National Development Plan 1994-1999, the Government made 26 million available to support the roll-out of broadband to the regions. A total of 13 projects nation wide were supported and are now nearing completion. The majority of these projects entailed the roll-out of broadband services in the western counties. In a project valued at more than 5 million, Esat extended its backbone network to Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo covering the towns of Athlone, Ballina, Claremorris, Roscommon, Castlerea, Ballyhaunis, Sligo and Collooney. Eircom also received funding for the provision of optical fibre cable along a 32 km link on a route connecting Galway and Castlebar. It also received support of more than 5 million to upgrade 75 switches in the western area, giving these switches broadband connectivity. Undertakings by Chorus, supported by the Government, involved the roll-out of a co-axial cable network in Castlebar.

The figure allocated to telecommunications initiatives by this Government has been significantly increased under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 to 200 million. There is a commitment that two thirds of this budget will be spent in the Border, midlands and western region. A first call for proposals was run last year and on foot of submissions received, the Department of Public Enterprise entered nine contracts at the beginning of the year which will result in additional investment in the regions in broadband infrastructure. The projects involved will be completed over the next two years and will entail overall investment of 160 million in broadband leveraged from grant assistance of approximately 55 million. The western region will benefit substantially from these projects. Progress is well under way. For example, Nevadatele has completed a telecoms centre in Carrick-on-Shannon, while Crossan Cable is constructing a metro-fibre ring in Longford town and ESBI have begun to roll-out fibre in Donegal.

Successful implementation of these projects will assist in the attraction of inward investment in regional areas. It will also facilitate developments such as teleworking by providing cheaper and better access to on-line services and assist the public sector in the improved delivery of services to clients. In co-operation with the relevant development authorities, both regional and national, the Department of Public Enterprise is currently running a further call for proposals for additional broadband roll-out projects. A total of 55 million is being made available and the date for submission of projects is 19 October. Two thirds of the funding available will be allocated to the BMW region. Specific funding has been ear-marked for local authority and public body interventions, giving a local planning opportunity to the delivery of this infrastructure.

In an additional initiative, a feasibility study has been undertaken on behalf of the Department to consider options on addressing certain infrastructural gaps in the country, including the BMW region. On foot of this study, the Minister for Public Enterprise is currently seeking expressions of interest from the private sector on the potential to build and manage an Atlantic broadband corridor. The Government intends to give full consideration to such a possibility before the end of the year.

As to public transport, I would point out that £650 million is being allocated under the national development plan to address regional public transport requirements to include a £500 million railway safety programme as well as renewal and upgrading work and a further £150 million programme for regional public transport. Moreover, arising from the report ‘Iarnród Éireann: The Way Forward', the Department of Public Enterprise will carry out a major rail strategy study to develop a long-term approach to rail services. Rail proposals which have a regional development dimension will be examined in the course of the study.

A number of initiatives are under way to address the issue of public transport in rural Ireland. The Rural Ireland Initiative which was launched on 2 July aims to promote and support the development of innovative, community based pilot public transport projects in rural areas and is funded by a provision of £3.5 million in the national development plan. Proposals received under the initiative are now being assessed by area development management on behalf of the Department of Public Enterprise. Arising from the report of the interdepartmental working group on rural public transport, the directors of community and enterprise of each county are currently carrying out an audit of public transport services and needs in their rural areas. Similar audits have already been carried out in Kerry, Mayo, Laois and Westmeath. It is hoped to have the work completed by the end of this year. In addition, a new interdepartmental committee, chaired by an official of the Department of Public Enterprise, was established recently to bring forward recommendations for a rural public transport policy. Among other things, the committee will draw on the experience gained from the pilot projects under the Rural Transport Initiative and will take on board the results of the county audits in completing its work.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin

I wish to share time with Deputies McCormack, Ulick Burke and Michael D. Higgins.

This motion provides a very timely reminder of the failure of this Government, after four-and-a-half wasted years of office, to upgrade the national road network to a 21st century standard and to give a fair share of investment to the west. From many years experience in my constituency of Kerry South I know the Government has left the west lagging behind. It has failed to address the regional imbalance between east and west. Western counties, including my own, have not received either enough resources or attention from this Administration. This applies not only to the BMW region, which I assume is the main focus of the Fine Gael motion, but also to other counties along the western seaboard, including Kerry.

There is a geographical imbalance in the provision of public services in many spheres, including health, education, transport and especially infrastructure. People in many parts of the west are still less likely to have good infrastructure than those living along the east coast. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises about the announcement of the counties covered by Objective One status was the exclusion of Kerry. Given the political heavyweights representing the constituency, we were led to believe that the granting of Objective One status to the county was just a formality, a matter of rubber-stamping the decision. Objective One status, we were told, would be no problem.

Mr. U. Burke

Jackie's first failure.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin

Nowhere was Objective One status needed more than County Kerry, particularly south Kerry. The Government let us down. All the promises and assurances added up to nothing. My constituents have not forgotten that the promises made to south Kerry, as with so many other Government promises in recent years, were empty. When the county was not granted Objective One status we were told that everything else possible would be done to invest in roads and infrastructure in south Kerry. At the last election the constituency was promised new roads over every peak and through every valley. We were even promised tarmacadam up to our back doors.

Members will be aware that this is not the first time I have raised these issues. I have repeatedly raised the disgraceful state of the road network in south Kerry, which is also the case in so many other areas mentioned in the Fine Gael motion. There are roads in my constituency which have deteriorated considerably since this Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats-Independent coalition took office. I have spoken here on numerous occasions about the N86 from Tralee to Dingle, the Killarney to Rathmore road, the Tralee to Killorglin road and many others. I have spoken, too, of the cats' eyes put down on new road surfaces only to be found in ditches hours later, of roads full of new potholes, of the cars that drive over them being shaken to pieces, of the line painters who have painted white lines in water filled potholes. It is an absolute disgrace. The people of south and west Kerry often prefer to walk to their nearest town or village rather than inflict the tortuous journey on their vehicles. Women friends of mine have returned home to their families after a day's work with tears in their eyes because they have had to drive through gaping craters in the roads in parts of south and west Kerry. This comes at a time when my constituents are being told there are unprecedented levels of investment in their roads. That is not possible.

I am sure I speak for many Deputies from western counties when I say the Government has failed miserably to provide for co-ordination of ministerial responsibility to improve services in western counties. The Government claims to have a national spatial strategy and to be addressing the geographical imbalance in infrastructural investment in the country. I invite the Ministers, many of whom have visited my constituency, to experience the reality of the fate of many of the national primary and secondary roads in south Kerry. I can provide this House with many examples of the failure to ensure uniformity of investment in the roads in my constituency.

The neglect of the west by the Government is not limited to the lack of investment in our roads. Another prime example of its utter neglect of the regional imbalance is the post office issue. I welcome yesterday's decision by the European Union, which goes some way towards stabilising the future of rural post offices. However, much more needs to be done. Because I represent a rural sparsely populated constituency I am very cognisant of the importance of the rural post office. There are very few towns or villages in south Kerry without a post office. Each one is as much an integral part of the community as the local shop, school and Garda station. The post office is fundamental to our social fabric. It is a hub of activity and crucial venue for community interaction. In other words, the post office is a fundamental feature of rural life, especially in parts of the west.

The Government, of course, does not share this view. Ever since the post office began to run into problems the Minister for Public Enterprise, Deputy O'Rourke, has shown her disregard for this vital institution. We could expect no better from a Minister who presided over the sell-off of many of our State assets. Her attitude to An Post is hardly surprising when one considers her appalling record on Aer Lingus. She has done more to alienate and isolate those working in An Post than any other Minister in the history of the State.

Another issue which comes within the remit of this motion is the provision of rural transport in the west. Rural Ireland, including many constituencies like my own, has suffered decades of neglect in terms of the availability of transport. Admittedly, all Governments share responsibility. However, at this time of unprecedented economic buoyancy, to continue to neglect rural transport is unforgivable.

Isolation in rural areas is a significant social problem. Many elderly people living alone rarely get out of their houses to do shopping or visit friends or neighbours. Too frequently they have to rely on relatives to drive them to the shop, mass or collect their pension. Surely in this day and age those living in remote areas deserve to have some means of transport either provided or subsidised by the State, even if only once a week, for example, on pension day to allow the elderly to collect their pension, shop for a few hours in the nearest town or village or visit a friend. The service provided by Bus Éireann is insufficient to meet those needs. There is an onus on the Government and all parties to consider providing such a service now that we have the necessary revenue.

A further area in which the west continues to suffer, especially since the events of 11 Sep tember, is tourism. The most conservative estimates indicate that the tourism industry will lose up to £250 million in the next 12 months. In my constituency alone 1,000 people face redundancy. With the decrease in tourist traffic coming into Farranfore, Galway and Shannon airports and the question mark over the viability of Knock Airport it seems likely the west will bear the brunt of the downturn in the tourism industry. I appreciate no one could have foreseen the horrific events of 11 September and their effects on the country's tourism sector. However, I appeal to the Government to examine the proposals made by representatives of the industry in recent days calling for a new marketing campaign in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States to encourage greater numbers to visit Ireland not only by air, but also by sea. I am well aware of the effects of 11 September on the west as well as other factors affecting tourism, including the foot and mouth outbreak earlier this year and the rail disputes last year. The future of tourism, particularly to the west, is at stake.

We should not be expected to give uncritical praise to the provisions of the national development plan, which, I accept, contains many financial commitments. Given that we now have more resources available to us than ever before, why should it be otherwise? The proof of the pudding, however, is in the eating. All the financial commitments are worthless unless they produce real effects and substantial benefits for my constituents and others on the western seaboard.

I assure this Government the people of south Kerry will not easily forget its failure to give them a fair share of investment in infrastructure and public services. I commend the proposals made in the Fine Gael motion.

Mr. U. Burke

I support this motion. It is very timely because it condemns the Government for its failure to improve services for the Western counties. The Government amendment to that motion includes the projected investment of 26 billion over the period 2000 to 2006 in roads, public transport, environmental infrastructure, housing, health and educational facilities. It can be clearly seen in any of these areas how much the Government has failed to realise those projections.

I will give an example: there is a request on the desk of the Minister for Education and Science for the upgrading and renovation of seven national schools within a radius of ten miles of the town of Loughrea. These are small works necessitating a very small financial contribution from the Department of Education and Science. Over the past four years, the boards of management and principals of those schools have been notified that this request has been rejected. Last week in a reply to a parliamentary question, the Minister tells me that they will be considered in the new Estimates for the forthcoming year. Young people in poor educational facilities have been pushed further back again. That is the bal ance that exists between my side of the county and the rest of the BMW region.

In the area of health, the waiting lists in the Western Health Board area which makes up the biggest portion of the BMW region, have increased dramatically in areas of greatest need. If this is what the Government regards as progress, that is fine. I hope the people will give them an answer within the next year and do what is necessary – get them out and allow somebody else to take over.

In 1997 when the Taoiseach took office, his first action was to offload the Department with responsibility for proper development in the west to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, into a wilderness in which it remains.

The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Fahey was here up to a few minutes ago. When he was declared a fully-fledged Minister, he took upon himself the mantle of "Minister for the west". Many groups in the BMW region were delighted to think that at last they had a representative at the Cabinet table. This has not been so. Deputy Fahey shunned the responsibility for development in the west of Ireland. Instead, Deputy Ó Cuív, used the slush funds within the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands as his own personal slush fund in order to improve his own constituency. This was too much for Deputy Fahey to take so he had him shafted and chased into that particular wilderness in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Not a man to be put down, Deputy Ó Cuív comes up with CLÁR – Ceantair Laga Árd-Ríachtanais – or the programme for revitalising rural areas, and as we all know, with special emphasis on his own constituency area in the Gaeltacht of Connemara. None of the other Ministers can contain him. Everything in his CLÁR programme contradicts the national development plan. Here is a rebellious Minister who has decided that enough is enough and he will do it his way. The CLÁR programme is the Ó Cuív slush fund for the development of Connemara and that is western development under this Government. I hope this motion will be carried.

Mr. McCormack

I support the motion in the names of Deputies Kenny and Gerry Reynolds and the other Fine Gael Deputies. It is quite obvious this Government is not committed to the west of Ireland. For decades the Fianna Fáil party has taken the west of Ireland for granted because it always had a majority of support there. That is changing now. It has changed in Mayo, in east Galway and it will change in other areas also. People cannot be taken for granted and they are not asleep – they will react at the ballot box.

Deputy Moynihan-Cronin referred to Objective One status. Three years ago, the Fine Gael and Opposition Deputies led a campaign to grant Objective One status to the Border, midland and western counties. Fianna Fáil reluctantly joined the campaign – it was shamed into it. It had all sorts of excuses saying that the EU countries could not be divided into regions for Objective One status and so on. This was despite the fact that Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Scotland had previously been awarded Objective One status in their regions. We were given Objective One status because we qualified for it – counties with under 75% of GDP. We put forward that case and it was accepted by Brussels. I want to ensure that the money will be spent in the western counties. The population increase in the eastern counties is growing by 3.2% while there is a 1.25% drop in the population in the western counties. In the last phase of Structural Funds, Ireland was given £5.175 billion but a breakdown on how that was distributed shows a clear discrimination against the west of Ireland. The 13 counties of Connacht, the Border and midland regions received £1.6 billion and the other 13 eastern and southern counties received £3.492 billion. Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon received £1.68 million and the four counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, received more than that, more than the 13 counties in the BMW region.

There are many essential projects in Galway city and county dependent on Structural Funds. I urge the Government to proceed. We urgently need a western distributor road on the west side of Galway city to relieve the traffic congestion. The case for the Connemara environmental scheme has been well made by Galway county council. Now that we have Objective One status in that region, I appeal to the Ministers with responsibility for the west who were present earlier – the three Ministers from Galway – to support this scheme. The Connemara environmental scheme was sent to the Department of the Environment and Local Government at an estimated cost of £72 million. Connemara is unique in Ireland and also in Europe. It is an ideal case to present for European funding because of the terrain in Connemara. Yet the only scheme sanctioned since 1995 was the Spiddal, Rossaveal and Aran Islands scheme. It is essential that it progresses. Several small areas and villages in Connemara are waiting for urgent sewerage schemes. Raw sewage is being sent into the sea from villages such as Claddaghduff, Cleggan, Clifden, Clonbur, Cornamona, Costello, Leenane, Letterfrack and Rossaveal.

Debate adjourned.