Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I know Dr. Cooke, because we shared the pulpit in the speaker's corner in Ballaghadereen when we talked about the same subject of rural communities. The presentations answered many questions on LEADER.

We know that certain rural areas are doing well and others have challenges. I ask Mr. Rice to outline why that is the case. He spoke about support, resources, confidence and obviously the big game-changer, better broadband. Mr. Finn's contribution dealt with the longer-term planning emphasising that things do not happen overnight. We need to bring all of those issues and challenges together to try to support the weaker communities in particular. Ms Earley will know that because I work very closely with her and the other staff in Roscommon LEADER Partnership who are doing tremendous work. They have a particular focus on areas of disadvantage and communities that need extra support to get themselves more organised in making applications. We need that longer-term planning on where we see ourselves going.

The Chairman spoke of preparing a report. One of our key challenges is to try to support those rural communities that need extra help. We have said that communities that are well supported, resourced and organised will succeed. Our challenge is in the other areas. Mr. Rice said it is a complex issue, but that does not mean we cannot rise to that complex challenge, which we should do.

I will give some examples from our area. We spoke about an integrated approach. Roscommon LEADER Partnership is working with Roscommon County Council and the ITs, as well as being rooted in the community. A very good example is the recently established food hub in Castlerea. That responds to market demands in terms of the need for more workers in that sector. We know we need more chefs. There is huge possibility in the area of food and obviously training for that. I use that example because it is responding to market demands. The key issue in sustaining any rural community is people being employed. We need to see more of that.

The other example is Kilbride community centre. What Mr. Finn said reminded me that 21 years ago that community centre had a long-term vision. It never stood still in wanting to achieve and build on success. Roscommon LEADER Partnership has been very much involved with that centre. It set up a community shop which is a very good social enterprise that is responding to the needs within communities. While I have many more examples, I use those two to emphasise the need for the Minister, the Department and all the supporting agencies, including the employment agencies to respond better to weaker areas.

We have wonderful examples. I am sitting beside two representatives from Waterford and Deputy Butler is also in the room. Dungarvan has been completely transformed by the greenway. We need to find the resources in weaker areas and rise to that complex challenge and try to support the people within those communities as much as possible. I do not really have a question because many of the questions have been asked. It is just a point that needs emphasis.