Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge everything that Deputy Niall Collins has said about Rathkeale. The case he has put forward is a strong one. I have been to Rathkeale but I did not meet anybody there. I walked the main street there in recent times and I am familiar with the projects that have been submitted. The problem is that five areas were identified under the Dormant Accounts Fund, but no money was provided in 2011. In the context of that fund, I am doing my best to see if I can get some resources for some of the projects in order to give the identified areas a lift. I acknowledge that everything the Deputy said is right and I will do everything I possibly can to facilitate the projects that have been submitted. Hopefully, we can come to some resolution of the matter in the interests of the people of that area between now and the end of the year.

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