Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the town and village renewal scheme, I asked a question of the Minister and the Department in regard to Blackpool village, which is in Cork city. Blackpool is probably one of the most historic areas in Cork, with the history of the area going back hundreds of years. We have villages within cities which have their own identification and the people associate with them. Should they not qualify under the town and village scheme? Blackpool is an area I have been looking to have regenerated for decades. It has huge issues around flooding and dereliction and, to me, this area would be perfect for that scheme. Is it possible to include villages within cities or towns? I know a population of less than 10,000 is required under the town and village renewal scheme but Blackpool is losing out because it is part of Cork city and it is not seen as a village in itself.