Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that clarification. I come from a village that won the award on three occasions. Carlow has quite a good history in that regard. Only two years ago the village of Clonegal won the tidiest village national award, which was a great achievement for it. Previously, Leighlinbridge, in County Carlow, also won a substantial award. The clarification is welcome but it is important that the plans are put in place early in the year. Some communities are looking at different ideas including developing community gardens, which is a different initiative. It is important that that can be put in place.

It is important to acknowledge the sponsorship, on which I compliment the Minister, and ensure that sponsorship is continuously available. SuperValu plays a major part not only in sponsorship but in its promotion on national television and media. I compliment everybody in that regard.

I reaffirm the importance of having an early date for the announcement of any potential funding that might be available to ensure that communities can put their plans in place in terms of the extra expenditure that may be available to them.

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