Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The enterprise offices at local level are all very busy. They have been well funded and opportunities are increasing every day. I note that the number of planning permission applications is rising and the commencement of construction of rural houses, which I have not seen for years, is under way again. These are signs of people having confidence in their locality and investing. Obviously, we want that to continue. The area from Longford down through the midlands is part of the lakelands district, which is a specific focus of Tourism Ireland and the hospitality sector. It has great potential to increase tourist numbers and the number of people passing through. The development of blueways and greenways continues and there is evidence that a huge local benefit can result from such development.

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