John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a very good scheme of which I am very supportive. I tabled this question because I had some slight concerns following the Minister's announcement. I am very conscious of the fact that he represents rural Ireland so well. When he launched this scheme, it was noticeable that he spoke about improving recreational facilities significantly to enhance the quality of life of people who live close to the projects and to support sustainable economic development in rural areas. He went on to say that increasing tourism is a key pillar of the action plan for rural redevelopment. My concern is to ensure that these projects would not all be rurally based. There is a very significant need for these projects in urban areas to enhance tourism but also for people's well-being in terms of healthy lifestyles. In respect of the Minister's emphasis on rural Ireland, which I understand because there is nobody better than the Minister when it comes to looking after rural Ireland, it should not be the case that people in Dublin and other urban areas do not have facilities such as the Great Western Greenway in the Minister's county. I want an assurance from the Minister that while he referred to rural Ireland in his press release, urban areas will be treated equally in the context of this grant.

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