Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I agree, that is where it is at.

Hopefully the Ministers in control of the purse strings will allow the Minister greater latitude in the finances we have to spend on this scheme in the year ahead. I would be a great advocate for where the money has already gone to, as outlined, such as to villages like Ballitore that have been allocated €125,000. Similarly we have communities in towns and villages like Castledermot, Rathangan and Kilcullen looking at the potential ways they can address the rejuvenation of their own towns and villages with the assistance of this scheme. If the focus remains on economic development linked in with the vibrant heart of a rural community, is there any specific advice the Minister would have for those communities as they look to put together their key projects?

See this speech in context