Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have brought up with the Minister several times the issue of capital funding for Carlow. To me this is still an issue. I know the Minister is working on it. I welcome it. My biggest concern is that after Christmas we will still have Covid-19 - it will be with us for a long time yet. How many businesses will actually reopen? It is a concern. I can see it now with people buying online. People will be nervous going out. I know everyone wants a Christmas. We are facing into 2021. I believe local authorities will experience a major impact from Covid-19. Do we have a plan to help? If businesses are closed, the main streets will be affected. What about Carlow and Kilkenny? I know the Minister has been promoting a living over shops and things like that. I hope it will not be the case but the fear is that because of Covid-19 businesses will close early next year. When they do reopen they will run as well as they can after Christmas. I know many of them will open for Christmas but what will happen after Christmas? Do we have a plan on working with local authorities? Is any special funding available? Can be put in place? Is there any extra funding to promote more living in town centres? I believe that will have a major impact in bringing life to town centres.