Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil don Cheann Comhairle as ucht cead a thabhairt dom an moladh seo a chur roimh an Teach anocht. Cork North West is a rural constituency which does not have the advantage of many industries. The Government has embarked on a decentralisation programme to rural towns, a programme which I endorse. Macroom is my local town which, together with Millstreet and other towns in my constituency, such as Kanturk, Newmarket and Charleville, should be considered for the decentralisation programme.
I draw particular attention to Macroom which lies at the heart of the beautiful Lee Valley on the national primary route, the N22, half way between Cork and Killarney. Macroom occupies a central position in County Cork. Within a 20 mile radius, one has Cork city, Ballincollig, Blarney, Mallow, Millstreet, Bandon, Dunmanway, Ballineen-Enniskeane, Clonakilty and numerous other villages. Macroom boasts the highest area of population in the county.
At the last census in 1996, the population of Macroom town was 2,674 and the number is growing rapidly. The decentralisation of a Government Department would help to serve the needs of people in the town, provide employment and commercially enhance the locality. It would also help to stop the depopulation of rural areas and halt rural decline.
Macroom is very dependent on one industry, a multinational electronic factory. A Government Department, together with increasing employ ment, would recognise and confirm the Government's commitment to the people of Macroom. Macroom boasts strong sporting and cultural traditions and has a variety of facilities to cater for recreational and social needs. There is an 18 hole golf course, a pitch and putt course, soccer and GAA pitches, a leisure centre and swimming pool and the Briery Gap complex which combines a theatre, cinema and library. Essential services such as schools, banks, shops and supermarkets are also available.
Macroom is located just 20 minutes from Cork city and 30 minutes from Cork airport, ferry port and rail station. A good bus service operates on the main Cork/Killarney Bus Éireann route spanning the tourist locations of Blarney, Killarney and Gougane Barra.
Macroom is experiencing large scale development and has the potential for further development. The provision of increased housing in the area will lead to an increase in population. The availability of development land is a positive factor in the context of a decision in favour of a greenfield development. In addition to a possible development location, some existing buildings are also available within the town, adjacent to a car park. There is urgent need for decentralisation of a Department to Macroom. This would be in keeping with regional labour market needs, serving the needs of the population and with the Government's commitment to regional equality.
I have shown that Macroom is the ideal location for such a development due to its central location in the south-western region, its proximity to all services, ancillary facilities and development opportunities. Decentralisation would create the conditions for substantial development economically, socially and culturally for future generations and would be in keeping with the main recommendations of the Government to cater for the needs of the people, both nationally and regionally, over the coming years.