Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I note the progress that has taken place to date, notwithstanding that the matter is primarily one for the local authority. In view of the fact that the Government has already allocated approximately €30 million for the upgrading of town centres throughout the country, it is appropriate for the Minister of State's Department to ask the various local authorities how and when they intend to use the funding and whether it would be possible to use it to complement the completion works required in Naas. Admittedly, the allocation is obviously for towns and villages all over the country.

One quality of a town that is of most benefit to its population and commercial sector is its appearance. If the appearance is good, it encourages people to come to the area, spend money there, and feel good about it. For a feel-good factor to manifest itself, it is important for the Minister of State to keep in touch with the local authority and inquire regularly to ensure that everything that can possibly be done is being done to bring about a rapid conclusion to the issues that have been outstanding for some time.

While we all expect it will still take some time to address the arbitration issues, the fact that arbitration has started should now give rise to the possibility of taking action in anticipation of the conclusion of the negotiations, so we will not have to wait until everything is done before we start making preparations for a final conclusion.

Again, I thank the Minister of State for his reply and recognise that he has already been in touch with the local authority in regard to this matter. I thank him and his officials for their interest in the issue. Will he try to ensure a rapid conclusion in respect of the outstanding works?

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