Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I can assure Deputy Tom Fleming of my commitment to rural Ireland. I come from the rural parts that we are trying to energise. I have seen, not just since this Government was established but over the past number of years, where these rural communities were completely forgotten and left abandoned, and it is now my job to energise those.

The announcement on pilot schemes for the development of the rural economic development zones is imminent.

In addition, the funding that supports the CEDRA report's recommendations is from the rural development programme and particularly the Leader element of that. Some €250 million will support enterprise, innovation and job creation in rural communities. I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to energise rural communities.

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