Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Carey and the Ceann Comhairle. I acknowledge the great amount of work the Deputy has put into supporting this project and into articulating its merits. My office has received numerous items of correspondence specifically outlining how important this project is to Ennis and its merits. I assure the Deputy that all his representations will be taken on board. This is obviously a key funding stream for rural Ireland and we hope that we can complete the jigsaw, as the Deputy has put it. It is very important that we do just that.

I can give the Deputy a firm commitment that all his representations are being taken on board by my Department and my office. Regeneration funding is about unlocking the potential in our regional towns and cities to ensure they get the chance to grow. In the coming months, as private investment in our economy will be weak, we need a robust public investment to make up for that. The URDF will be a key enabler to our regions to do that. I assure the Deputy that the key points he made tonight will get the highest attention. I look forward to working with him to complete this jigsaw for Ennis.

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