Mr. John O'Connor:

I thank the Senator. We absolutely need more focus on towns like Portlaoise and the rest of Laois. To go back to infrastructure, we talked about water supply. The water supply we need for the greater Dublin area is even more needed in Laois. It is severely affected by that issue.

We need the kinds of plans that support towns and villages. The biggest issue is not having investment in the infrastructure in those towns and villages. If investment is made in water and wastewater infrastructure, it greatly facilitates the development and provision of housing. Yes, we do need a lot more to be done in towns and villages.