I appeal to the background of the Tánaiste as a historian with this suggestion from my home city of Limerick. As a Corkman I do not expect them to know the detail of Limerick as I would do. The medieval spine of Limerick goes from King John's Castle all the way up to St. John's Hospital. That takes in Nicholas Street, Mary Street, Broad Street and John Street. Limerick city was formed around this medieval spine and, unfortunately, it is in a very poor state. Some good work has been done by the council with respect to Nicholas Street, but the whole length of this, which is about a mile long, right up to St John's Hospital, can and should be refurbished and renovated, and there should be investment in the public realm. There is a great opportunity with the urban regeneration and development fund to look at that spine and I would like the Tánaiste to look at it and, ultimately, to give it his support.

I welcome the Deputy and I believe he is correct. Most cities should give particular focus to their medieval spines. Both the Vikings and Normans had a very significant impact on Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Dublin, of course. It is interesting that, at times, those medieval spines have not been well preserved architecturally, and some of the reasons for that can relate to development issues and so on. Yes, in short, I would be very supportive of any such measures. I know there are mechanisms and particular vehicles have been established by Limerick City Council, the focus of which has been to develop urban regeneration in Limerick city, and perhaps that could be the vehicle through which these ambitions could be realised.