Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the help of the Deputy in convincing people of the benefits of the scheme. I know all rural Deputies feel the same. The issue was raised in the House recently. Perhaps we can convince the Department of the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to help us deal with the backlog and get rid of it.

As I said, some counties are doing quite well and have nearly cleared their backlog. Others have more lanes than others. In my county of Monaghan, there are a serious number of lanes. Everybody seems to live in a lane when it comes to farming. That is how things developed over the years. It is important the councils give us their lists. When it comes to top-up money during the year, I write to local authorities to ask them what they can deliver by the end of the year. Some are ambitious and deliver, while others do not put in a request. It is up to local authorities to decide what they request and can deliver. It is important the money is spent when I give it to them. We will keep working on it.

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