Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Government has been supportive of local authorities through this most difficult time. Regarding the loss of commercial rates, the Government is guaranteeing to step in and offer support. The grant provided by the Government, of 75%, is significant in terms meeting the overall cost.

The benefits to local community in this regard will be significant. That is why I have drawn attention to the fact that local authorities would be representing their communities by availing of that 75% grant, and even to test in County Wicklow, as the Deputy said, and to start putting in the first of the local networks where they are not otherwise available. We will review it if no local authorities are willing to take up the 75% grant. If they do not put priority on the development of that type of infrastructure and avail of that benefit for their communities, then we will come back to it, and look at it. I believe, however, a 75% grant is appropriate and that is a political decision for each council. As I said, I would encourage councillors to perhaps consider this as a good investment for their communities.

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