Mr. David Gilroy:

This alludes to the previous question, but there appears to be no silver bullet to resolve all those issues. The diversity of problems that affect rural Ireland is demonstrated here. There are six people sitting at this table representing three local municipal areas. An issue that exists within one of them has almost the exact mirror image in the Kells municipal district. For example, there is large scale development involving wind turbines and pylons. The National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as environmental elements and the impact on tourism are being used as a mechanism to deflect such developments. The perception, however, is that the roadblocks to development are exactly the same agencies. Therefore the diversity at this table reflects the diversity across rural Ireland.

Ireland's Ancient East is a fantastic tourism initiative which is driven in a broad sense. It is also in more regionalised areas such as Boyne Valley tourism in County Meath and County Louth. There are similar agencies across the midlands. There are many things that rural Ireland can do, and is doing, for itself.

We are seeking help, funding and support. Individual parish matters, such as local roads are fine, but we need to discuss how rural Ireland can be seriously considered by people such as those present here. Local people know the stretch of road where drivers can overtake. We are here to express our concerns and ultimately to get more financial support.