Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy mentioned, the Minister for Rural and Community Development announced this morning the first phase of funding for the development of the first town centre first plans. There will be €2.6 million in funding for 26 town in 26 counties. The Deputy will be pleased that Portlaw in County Waterford has been included in the first phase of this. I share the Deputy's thanks to, and respect for, the community enhancement committee for doing the great work on the ground to make that possible. I am sure that the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and Senator Cummins would agree with me on that. I do not have a date yet for the publication of the town centre first policy, but I know it is a priority of the Government. It is a priority of the Green Party. We need to ensure we get it done. I expect it will be next year, but I do not have a date at the moment.

See this speech in context