Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is quite right that it is important for communities to have the information at the start of the year or as early as possible in order that they can plan. The Minister is discussing the matter with his officials and he will make his decision as soon as possible in the coming months.

While on the subject, it is important to acknowledge that SuperValu has been involved in the competition for many years and it provides much support and cohesion to communities throughout the country.

I want to congratulate Listowel, even though I do not believe there are any Kerry Deputies here but perhaps there are, on winning the national award, which is a great honour for any town. I was in Abbeyshrule in December presenting the certificates. The pride in the members of every community who arrived on the night for the regional awards was palpable. The local authorities play a great role in that respect also. To answer the question, the Minister will make his decisions as early as possible in the coming months.

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