Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Getting schemes ready, from the planning stages to being shovel-ready, in order that funding can be drawn down in local communities across the length and breadth of the country, is very important. It has been a game changer and it is the only way forward for communities to get funding to enhance their areas. Local people get involved in these schemes once they get the incentive and the funding from the Department. I welcome this and I hope it continues. The Minister of State said there was approximately €170 million over the next number of years for these schemes and that will make a huge difference across the country, including in urban areas where derelict parts of town need regeneration and funding. In the future, we also need to assist local authorities with funding.

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