Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully support Deputy Troy. The fleadh is coming to Drogheda this year and, as the Deputy rightly points out, there will be more than 400,000 visitors. The €1.6 million for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is very welcome.

There is a need, however, to look again at the infrastructure in any town that has to transform itself for a massive number of visitors, particularly in terms of tidy towns and improving shopfronts. The presentation of the towns is very important. Additional funding would be helpful and useful. The Minister might consider, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, where money might be available. It is a big burden but we in Drogheda are very proud of getting it and we tend to do a fantastic job.

See this speech in context