John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confirm for the Deputy that the Department will provide financial assistance to the council. As I understand it, the assistance will be in line with the submission received. The details will be communicated to the council first but they should be communicated to the wider public as soon as possible thereafter.

I could not agree more with the Deputy about Tipperary - this coming from a Kilkenny man. I have always been struck driving through. I was in Tipperary town a good deal in recent months in the run-up to the plebiscite in Limerick. I was passing through a good deal. In fairness, Tipperary County Council has invested money in the Limerick road and on improving the streetscape there. I know the building to which the Deputy is referring. It has been idle for some time but it would be perfect for the type of investment he is talking about.

Not only will the Department provide the funding but that funding has been ring-fenced. What is happening at present is the finalisation of the Tipperary County Council contribution. Once that is done and the letter is communicated, then the public, the Deputy and everyone in Tipperary will know as well.

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