Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am aware, not just from the Deputy's question but also from my work, of the significant level of disadvantage in County Laois. As the Deputy says, there has been a certain amount of investment, particularly in the special projects for youth scheme. I have talked about other investment in County Laois, but we are focusing, in particular, on the special projects for youth scheme. The mapping exercise carried out by Pobal which shows how the social demographics have changed in a given area potentially offers an opportunity for more investment. I think some officials in County Laois are in conversation and having meetings with my Department, looking at how to support the best approach to accessing and making applications for grants and willing to continue to support the officers concerned to ensure their grant applications will ultimately be successful.

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