Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The development fund is an opportunity to retrofit community facilities, in particular, for our young people. I call on the Government to introduce schemes to implement this agenda of retrofitting community facilities in conurbations. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs administers schemes such as RAPID and CLÁR which have been tremendously successful in dealing with specific needs. The needs of our communities could be addressed through such specific schemes, where funding would be ring-fenced for the provision of facilities. Large residential areas need a focused approach to build communities around the bricks and mortar of our housing estates. We have a successful model for the disbursement of such funding to tackle specific needs in our communities.

It is also important to point to a facility in my constituency which is a model for future development. The Leixlip Amenities Centre which recently received funding to improve and expand its facilities provides a large number of services for the community. It has become a positive focus for the community and, particularly, young people. The population in Kildare North has increased rapidly with significant growth in residential development. The success of our economy has led to a rapid increase in the population in recent times. While this success is welcome, it brings challenges that must be addressed. Now is the time to invest in our communities in order that our young people can be attracted to sport, music, drama, art, community activities and education. I look forward to working with my colleagues and all other stakeholders, including our local authorities, to provide improved facilities to ensure our youth have a positive focus for the future.

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