Well over a year ago, on 31 January 2002, I raised in the Dáil the issue of decentralisation for Newcastle West, Kilrush and Listowel. At the time the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, indicated that he was not in a position to state when decentralisation would occur. In his Budget Statement of December 1999 he announced that he would embark upon a new and radical programme of decentralisation, thus transferring the maximum number of jobs. In the mid-west region towns such as Nenagh and Ennis have benefited from decentralisation. Like Newcastle West, they are both about 25 miles from Limerick city. The people of Newcastle West are entitled, therefore, to be disappointed as decentralisation has not happened. During the years there have been job losses in Giro, Neodata and Kostal. In addition, the town lost its Objective One status which acted as a disincentive to potential industrialists. Although it has developed as a satellite town of Limerick city with a consequent dramatic increase in housing – in many cases, much of the town's population commutes to outside areas – there is a strong feeling that it has not benefited as much as it should in attracting appropriate industry.
I welcome the recent decision of Shannon Development to establish a business park which should help to attract industry in future. Newcastle West submitted an original proposal for decentralisation which was supported by the community council, Limerick County Council and business interests. In order to enhance the submission, Shannon Development supported a proposal which included not only Newcastle West but also Kilrush and Listowel. I am aware that officials in the Department of Finance were impressed by the submission which pointed out the good community, education and leisure facilities in the area. There is easy access to railways, airports and universities, in addition to the Limerick and Tralee institutes of technology. I am confident the submission which embraced the three communities of Newcastle West, Kilrush and Listowel was an excellent one. It made a strong case for decentralisation which would provide a strong economic stimulus to these areas. I appeal to the Minister of State to ensure favourable consideration is given to this submission and look forward to his reply.