Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many of the projects were very similar to those that got off the ground and received funding or continued to receive it. In a rural community, if we do not receive that type of funding, we will not be able to get our feet off the ground. I would love to be able to bring in groups of people like those involved in the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, but it cannot live on its own. West Cork needs that energy. Unfortunately, we do not have broadband. Everybody knows the fact it has not been rolled out is a national matter, rather than one specific to west Cork. It is very hard for us to equal any of the great opportunities on which the delegates have worked. I praise them from a height and would not take anything away from a community or an area that has worked for it. It is an important point and the committee needs to bring the Minister before it to discuss it. He should first explain how the money is being spent and why it is not being spent in rural communities that want to achieve results like those described by the delegates. I wish them the best and I am not taking anything away from what they have done. Nonetheless I have made a valid point and will continue to do so. The announcement of the rural regeneration and development fund was only made last Friday; there was €62 million, but zero went to west Cork. I need answers.