Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have already gone over the process and much of the history. The process was completed when the function was transferred to my Department. My priority was to get the money out to communities, which is the big issue. Most of the contracts have now been signed, expressions of interest are coming in and it is working. As I said earlier, Galway Regional Development and Comhar na nÓileán are in the independent selection process. I understand that they are working together and are in discussion regarding a joint strategy. I must await the outcome of that.

The Deputy and I have discussed the separate point concerning Comhar na nÓileán. I have received strong representations from Deputy Ó Cuív, the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, and a number of other Deputies about the importance of Comhar na nÓileán from an island perspective. I am trying to be as supportive as possible in terms of my wider remit regarding the islands and the Gaeltacht, and I will continue to work with them. I understand the frustration that funding needs to go out to east Galway as quickly as possible. I want to see that happening by progressing this matter as quickly as I can. At the end of the day it is about getting the money out to those communities that require it in order to get on with projects that need to be developed. That will certainly revitalise and assist in the economic development of rural Ireland, which is the most important thing.