Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. This is a good initiative and it will drive the town centre approach in a collaborative way. There is a real need for staff to be placed in local authorities. I presume the Minister is considering one such town centre officer per local authority. They will have a crucial role to play in developing rural town centres, many of which need a dedicated approach in respect of town centre development, which will be very important. The Minister stated these staff will be in place. The interdepartmental report will be produced in the coming months. When will these staff members fill the roles in local authorities?

As regards collaboration under the town centre approach, it is important that there is consultation with residents and business owners in the town centres at every stage.

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