Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their contributions. This is a constructive discussion because we are passionate about rural areas. Coming from a rural area, I want to see more young people return to live in rural areas.

I seek commentary on a number of issues. First, on the question of tourism, I live in the midlands and I am frustrated with regard to the interaction with the major tourism agencies. Our region has huge potential in terms of the Shannon blueway, the lakelands and various important heritage sites. The Wild Atlantic Way and the Ancient East initiatives have been hugely successful and should be promoted even further, but it is important that we look to other areas with equal potential that need support also. The witnesses might give their views on that.

Second, on rural infrastructure, much has been discussed within the context of road infrastructure, particularly with regard to the M59 and the link between Galway city and Clifden. We want to focus on solutions and even in terms of concluding this session, I hope the committee will discuss the way we can support the witnesses to progress those. The National Parks and Wildlife Service must provide answers with regard to the delay, and this committee must determine how we can get answers from it, and also from the Minister and the Department, to fully understand the delays and the solutions that can be put in place.

Third, with regard to jobs and broadband provision, as a new Senator I am frustrated at times because I have not seen all our enterprise agencies, such as Enterprise Ireland, the Western Development Commission and the local enterprise offices, being properly supported to target areas of disadvantage. Some €10 million was raised earlier in terms of the town and village renewal scheme but that is a small amount of money when distributed across the country.

We need a bigger focus on how to target supports, particularly funding supports, to towns and villages. We can name those places off the top of our heads, but we need to direct better support to them. I thank the witnesses for all their contributions and would like to hear their thoughts on how we could do that.