Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Deputy is not wrong but we have moved on for a number of reasons. The funding prospects are not as gloomy as they were in 2011. The rate of acceleration in applications is greater than we envisaged and a further important change is the commission has clearly indicated that its assessment of projects that seek permission for the State to intervene will be more demanding in terms of whether they are future proofed solutions. We have, therefore, moved on for these reasons and others to a better outcome.

Sharing of infrastructure is provided for in the legislation. We spent a great deal of time with the County and City Management Association discussing the question of facilitating build out because local authorities and county managers are key players in this. We will leverage to the optimum existing State property or facilities to assist the roll-out.