Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 1

Adjournment Debate. - Decentralisation Programme.

Mr. Healy

The original text of the Adjournment motion read as follows:

The need for Dáil Éireann to discuss why south Tipperary was not included in the spatial strategy programme and for a commitment to be given that the county be included in the decentralisation programme to be announced shortly.

The text has been changed by the questions office, but I feel that the lack of our inclusion in the spatial strategy and decentralisation are matters that are vitally interlinked and I will refer to both in the time I have to speak on this matter.

County Tipperary was excluded from the spatial strategy. That decision is difficult to understand but it becomes more unbelievable when one reads the spatial strategy documents, particularly the figures set out on page 40 in regard to the characteristics of gateways and hubs. County Tipperary did not expect to qualify for inclusion under gateway status but we were hopeful that we would have been included under hub status, particularly the town of Clonmel. This would have had the effect of radiating economic growth throughout the county to places such as Carrick-on-Suir and Tipperary town, which have been designated as deprived areas of high unemployment and have been included in the RAPID programme.

The spatial strategy document outlines the criteria for hub towns, all of which are met by the town of Clonmel. First, a hub town must have a significant urban population of between 20,000 and 40,000, set in an associated rural hinterland. This describes Clonmel. Second, a hub town must have primary and secondary education facilities with the option of third level or outreach facilities. Clonmel has excellent primary and secondary education and has a third level facility, the Tipperary Institute, which has been opened for a number of years. Third, a hub town must have a mix of local medium-sized and larger businesses serving local, regional and national-international markets. Clonmel qualifies here. Some very large industries, including Guidant, a medical plant with 1,200 employees, Showerings Ireland, Merck, Sharp and Dohme and a host of other industries, large and small, are located in Clonmel.

Fourth, a hubtown must be an important node in transportation and communication terms on the national road, rail and bus networks. Again, Clonmel qualifies. It is situated on the N24, the Limerick to Rosslare national primary route, and on the railway line from Limerick to Rosslare. Fifth, there must be an effective local transport system with facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Clonmel qualifies here. Sixth, there must be a local and/or regional hospital. A significant expansion programme costing €20 million is being carried out at St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel. Seventh, a hub town must have a wide range of sporting and cultural facilities including public parks and open spaces. Clonmel qualifies again. Eighth, there must be effective water services and waste management arrangements.

Clonmel should have been included in the spatial strategy. Now that it has not we want a commitment that the decentralisation programme will include the towns of Tipperary and Carrick-on- Suir. These are two towns which are deeply deprived and have levels of unemployment which are three times the national average. I ask for a commitment from the Government that a significant decentralisation measure will be announced for these two towns in the very near future.

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

During the course of the previous Dáil the issue of decentralisation was frequently raised. It was of particular concern to Deputy Healy and to many other Deputies. The issue is of keen interest to many, if not all, Members. The Government is supportive of decentralisation and I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to address the issue this evening.

The Government's commitment to introducing a new programme of decentralisation is evident in the commitment made in An Agreed Programme for Government, in which we undertook to move forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies, taking into account the national spatial strategy, which is aimed at ensuring that all regions develop to their potential.

It has been clear from the outset, and the Minister for Finance has reiterated in this House on many occasions of late in reply to parliamentary questions put down by a number of Deputies, that there is a wide range of important issues which must be taken into consideration before arriving at a decision. I appreciate that a new programme of decentralisation would be a matter of great significance and I trust the House will appreciate why the Government is determined that a decision should be taken only after proper deliberation. Few issues in the last Dáil generated as much interest as a new programme of decentralisation and it appears that it will be just as relevant in this Dáil.

Given its importance and the level of interest in the issue, consideration of the many and varied issues involved has necessarily taken longer than originally envisaged. Some 120 urban centres throughout every county have expressed interest in being part of the new programme, with each case receiving consideration. It has been necessary to consult widely with staff interests, departmental management and so on. I share the Minister's concern that the deliberation which precedes a major decision such as this should reflect the genuine concerns of all those who will be affected by a new and comprehensive programme, be they staff concerned about their future or departmental management concerned about the delivery of the public services for which they have responsibility.

The Government is particularly determined that any large scale programme should do nothing to compromise the efficient delivery of public services and, to that end, the Government has invited the SMI implementation group to contribute its views as to the most efficient way to proceed. These views will be of considerable assistance in informing the Government's decision.

The Minister is conscious of the calls made upon him and other members of the Government to use the vehicle of decentralisation to address job losses in various parts of the country. Like many others, I appreciate the concerns of Deputy Healy in this regard but I know he will realise that there is a host of factors which will influence the Government's decision on the subject. The process is not as simple as listing off a series of qualifying criteria against which the merits of various towns can be measured.

The case for the inclusion of south Tipperary has been well articulated and a huge effort has gone into the preparation and presentation of a number of cases in respect of various towns throughout the constituency. The efforts of so many in this regard deserve appreciation and I pay tribute to all concerned.

Unfortunately, I cannot and will not confirm that any one town or area is to be included as a definite part of the new programme. The Government is committed to developing a coherent and comprehensive programme. To make any announcement at this time would only serve to undermine this approach.

I thank Deputy Healy for raising this topical issue, which is of great interest inside and outside this House. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to restate the Government's position.