Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right. This is a very good programme and I believe the funding was allocated fairly. I gave €125,000 to every local authority. I then looked at disadvantaged areas and gave 60% for those. I refer to 40% of the population. It was distributed fairly throughout the country. The funding can be used for CCTV equipment, energy efficiency projects or community amenities. It is a scheme that can be used at local level. The LCDCs will look at it. They will make the decisions. They are the ones on the ground who should be able to identify the areas with the most need. That is why I am hopeful this scheme will work and that we give the funding to the people who need it most.

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