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.