James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am delighted that Longford has all the infrastructure required. A broadband fibre ring passes in front of the administrative building. In addition, there has been significant capital investment in VEC infrastructure in Longford by the Department of Education and Skills in the past two years, which enables it to be a centre of excellence for a VEC headquarters.

I hope the Minister will make an announcement tonight in favour of Longford as the headquarters. The potential is there and it would be a shame to waste it. It would be a much appreciated investment in the county. I understand the headquarters in Mullingar is rented at considerable cost whereas the rent in Longford would be much smaller. Perhaps the Minister of State might give information on the current cost of the Westmeath headquarters.

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