Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This week we will debate the town centre first policy, yet we have significant issues with the process to make our towns better. Carlow town received the approval of €15 million under the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, which is the greatest investment in the history of the town, but the people of Carlow have seen nothing since it was announced. We are now only in the second of six stages of the project, but the terms and conditions pose a challenge. The approved project for Carlow, which is the regeneration of Carlow town centre, is excellent but red tape is the issue. I understand we have to have a fair process but there are other counties like Carlow. At this stage, we will not see a shovel in the ground for two years. What makes it worse is that if we do not start the first phase under the URDF, we cannot apply for the second phase of funding. Therefore, we are at an absolute loss. I ask that the Minister tries to sort this out. I want to compliment Carlow County Council on working with the Department but there are significant issues and challenges with this.

See this speech in context