Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the overview and details. Remote working will be a big part of the rural future. Having people working locally, rather than having to travel as much, offers a great deal of opportunity to communities. I acknowledge that a number of significant works are under way in our area, such as in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Coláiste Íosagáin i mBaile Bhuirne, Achadh Bolg, Castletown and Aubane. I will draw the Minister's attention to the fact many community groups are not able to raise their own funding to take on some of the schemes. In some places, it will be a private enterprise in smaller communities. Indeed, there may not even be a public building, beyond the school, in some smaller communities. There should be some way in which those private enterprises would be able to access funding, whether it is the publican or the vacant shop owner on the main street, to make those facilities available for their rural communities. They will not be profit generating, but in many communities, they are the only available buildings and real option. They should be able to access funding, as well. What approaches are under consideration and do the likes of those smaller communities and private operators have an opportunity?.

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