Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have written to them asking them to give me an outline. I met representatives from the County and City Management Association and they gave me a commitment that the money would be spent in the first quarter of the year. To be fair, which I suppose we have to be, I am giving them a bit of time because of the weather. We had a bad winter. However, we have written to them. I want a timeline on spending and I will be giving them an ultimatum. I want them to come back to me now.

Considering the winter we had and the percentage of money that has been spent - the Deputy is right to say that 14%, almost €4 million, is a great deal money - we will have to recoup that money. However, I am hoping that the money will be spent. I got an undertaking that they will have it spent by March. However, I have to give them a bit of leeway because of the weather.