Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I realise the genuine concerns of Deputy Collins in regard to this matter, which he and the other Deputies in the constituency, Deputies Neville and O'Donovan, have raised on a number of occasions. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, and I are very keen to assist in whatever way we can but we will not give false hope. If savings accrue during the year in regard to other contractual obligations we have, perhaps we will able to do something for places like Rathkeale. We are not going to announce an initiative with no money, as happened in the past, as that would give false hope to people.

While I will take on board what Deputy Collins has said, I do not believe the opportunity that presents in the short term will satisfy the requirements in Rathkeale. We will be glad to keep him informed if any savings accrue from contractual obligations that are ongoing in 2012. Rathkeale will certainly be one of the priority areas we will consider favourably.

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