Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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We envisage actions around the development of the rural economic development zones, REDZs. These will designate parts of the country as areas that need to be energised, which will get all the required government supports. We will bombard an area with government supports, working with the local authorities and with the State agencies to see how we can deliver jobs in that area. We will be announcing a REDZ pilot scheme very soon and we hope to expand the scheme to almost all areas.

Most of Ireland has been designated, in some shape or form, as a potential rural economic development zone. What my officials and I have to do is look at the REDZ criteria that need to be signed off. My vision for rural Ireland is the creation of jobs using the potential of communities themselves to keep the people in the community. If we create a number of sustainable jobs linked to the environment through tourism, agritourism, engagement with the hinterland and its potential to deliver jobs, then this is how communities will support their local schools, local post offices, pubs and supermarkets. Development of the RED zones, along with a myriad of other things which will happen in parallel, is my priority in the time that is left.