Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising the matter. As I stated, this was under the Departments responsible for transport and the environment previously. I can see all the rural Deputies in the House and this is a very important scheme for rural Ireland. I looked at it because I want to do something and I come from a rural county. I listen to people on a daily basis. The Deputies made their points and people in these areas pay water charges, motor and property tax. They should be entitled to get some work done on their roads and that is why I set up the scheme.

Deputy Deering made a valid point with which I agree. I opened the scheme last year and it was late but that is why I intend to announce the scheme in the next few weeks. I will ask the local authorities to have the money spent by the end of or into August. If I have any further funding, I will tell local authorities to be ready for a further scheme at the end of the year.

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