Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that our profile is the same as those of most member states. Our profile is well up in the first five months of 2019 on the same period last year. I have no doubt that by the end of the year, we will see a major improvement on spend. I have to be fair regarding the companies that are allocating the funds. We have to wait for the schemes to be built and for the work to be done before the money can be drawn down. That is not what I am worried about. Where the allocations have at least been made and the projects are going ahead, I can put up with that. The problem is where no allocation has been made and there is no spend. I do not want to name names but some are as low as 1% of allocations. This cannot and will not go on. I have to do something about it. I am sick and tired of talking to my officials and telling LEADER companies about it. People out there tell me they need money to spend on projects they want to complete. The money is there. It is European and Irish Government money and I want it spent on projects that provide value for money, create jobs and enhance communities. I do not want it lying in LEADER companies not being spent.

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