I am grateful for the opportunity of highlighting my concern about the need for the Government to be proactive in encouraging necessary infrastructural development in the Cork city area in order that the city can properly live up to its potential and the great honour it has received in being named European City of Culture 2005. Serving as European City of Culture will obviously be a boon to tourism in the region and many will arrive at Cork Airport at which Aer Rianta is holding up development through an inability to sign a contract with a contractor that would allow for the extension of terminal facilities and the replacement of very basic facilities such as air corridors that would allow passengers to walk from trains directly into the terminal and not, as at present, have to walk across the tarmac in all sorts of weather. Having exited the airport, people in cars, taxis or buses find themselves getting so far but no further as they come across the nightmare that is the Kinsale Road roundabout. The NRA has not included in its programme the necessary fly-over work to relieve traffic congestion.
The bigger concerns, however, relate to the physical appearance of the city. In this regard I ask the Government to pay particular attention to two projects. One is the continuing poor condition of Cork city courthouse, a centrepiece building in the city which has been under hoarding for several years. The local authority has done all it can and it is now the responsibility of the Courts Service. Many millions of pounds have already been spent on it. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has indicated that to finish the project will cost an additional €20 million. To leave a building in such a condition as the city is celebrating its naming as European City of Culture is unacceptable.
The other major infrastructural project, the development of Patrick Street as a street of excellence, is under way. It will not be completed because the properly designed street project incorporated both Patrick Street and the adjoining Grand Parade. A bit of imagination from the Departments concerned, the State agencies and local authorities will bring about the necessary improvements.
The failure to make the final decision regarding the extension of the suburban rail network in the Cork area is disappointing. We do not know if there is to be Cork-Killarney or Cork-Midleton-Youghal services. These decisions should be made in light of Cork's tenure as European City of Culture in 2005.
Money will be provided for the programme. I am confident Cork will put on a good show. The programme of events will be well organised and interesting for locals and visitors alike. The year of culture will be a great experience for Cork, Munster and Ireland as a whole.
The infrastructure in the area of arts and culture needs to be improved. Question marks remain over the future of the Cork School of Music. The Government is dithering over whether the project should be a public private partnership or funded from another source. If the city is not allowed to express itself culturally and artistically through the font of ability that exists in its music, it will be an example of an inadequate response by Government that allowed the potential of the city of culture to be undermined.
I hope the Government will admit there is a lot to be done but more to do. If Cork deserves anything from the Government, it deserves a fast-tracking of projects that have been mentioned in the national development plan. Those of us who represent Cork city and county would be prepared to operate collectively and creatively to overcome whatever logjams exist. I appeal to the Minister of State to pass on this message to Cabinet members. We must establish how much funding is available so that the pieces of the jigsaw that will ensure Cork City of Culture 2005 is a success are put in place.
