Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have just published the major programme for realising the potential of rural Ireland which draws together all of the various programmes from the Common Agricultural Policy, local authorities and regional authorities to help everybody to be able to benefit from that. Part of the programme includes the direction from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to have 135,000 jobs spread to the regions between now and 2020. An examination of what kind of country we will have in 20 years time is now being conducted by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. There is public consultation about where major roads should be, growth in towns, where people will live and the kind of energy we will have, among other issues.

In respect of Deputy Nolan's point about wind turbines, this is still a matter that is being considered between the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. I accept the Deputy's point that it is important that people's views are taken into account, but it is also important that there would be an effective, practical working arrangement. I hope that can be expedited.

The Deputy is aware the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, had an accident which resulted in him being laid up for some time. He is back in action again but it took a few weeks out of his schedule.

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