Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have also seen evidence of it in my home town. I know that Westport is very well developed in various ways but the local council there will state that the pilot scheme has led to is attention being focused on certain weak points that exist in the town. The council has taken action in order to address these. The scheme has been extremely successful but it is only a pilot. I hope that the historic towns initiative will be rolled out to the remainder of the 34 heritage towns, at a rate of three each year. In view of the fact that there is a successful template in place, I am sure it can actually be rolled out to those towns. There are approximately 26 walled towns throughout the country and some of these are also heritage towns. I hope we will be able to put together a package in respect of both heritage towns and walled towns and promote them accordingly.

It is a great advantage for towns to have been designated as heritage towns as this designation is given only to towns with local and unique attractions. We must capitalise on that initial designation and this is just the start of it.

I hope the Heritage Council will take responsibility for the heritage towns in the future and we could fund the council accordingly. The council, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, would promote these towns. Fáilte Ireland is working with my Department and I hope it will work with the Heritage Council. The council has the expertise and can advise on the development work and Fáilte Ireland can promote them. I hope both Kildare and Athy will feature shortly. When Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl becomes Minister, he will no doubt-----