Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Naughten and Senator Garvey.

Members are reminded that when participating remotely, they are required to do so from within the Leinster House precinct only.

I welcome the witnesses. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action in respect of anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

With the legal necessities out of the way, I welcome the witnesses here today. The committee will now consider the Our Rural Future policy and the implementation of the town centre first policy. Our Rural Future provides a framework for the development of rural Ireland over a five-year period from 2021 to 2025. The town centre first policy, which was launched on 4 February 2024, is a cross-government policy which aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and give a new lease of life to town centres. This policy was piloted successfully in County Roscommon and is working well. This item has been on the committee's work programme for some time so we look forward to hearing the evidence this morning about the roll-out and the implementation of these polices.

I welcome the following witnesses to the meeting: from the Department of Rural and Community Development, Mr. Fintan O'Brien, assistant secretary general, rural development and regional affairs; Mr. Robert Nicholson, principal officer, rural strategy and social enterprise; and Mr. Andrew Forde, principal officer, rural regeneration; from Roscommon County Council, Mr. Shane Tiernan, chief executive; Mr. Mark Keaveney, director of services, regeneration, economic development, community, tourism, heritage and Roscommon MD - a title long enough to deserve a ministerial status; and Ms Úna Ní Chuinn, town regeneration officer; and from the Heritage Council, Mr. Ian Doyle, head of conservation, Ms Catherine Casey, head of climate change, and Mr. Pearse Ó Caoimh, head of communications and public affairs.

First, I invite Mr. Fintan O'Brien to make his opening statement on behalf of the Department.