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

Cork's funding is up by 50%, which will make a considerable difference on the ground. Whether it is LEADER, the rural regeneration and development fund, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation fund; CLÁR, the new community centre investment fund, the streetscape scheme or the community enhancement programme, there is a funding scheme for everything and each scheme makes a real and lasting difference in rural communities.

I have visited every county during my time as Minister. Great projects are funded under all of these programmes, many of which are in the Deputy's own county. Cork County Council and the LEADER companies in Cork are doing great work on the ground. I have not been to every bit of Cork but I have been to a good bit of it and it is great to see what is happening on the ground. The message I am getting back from communities is to keep the money coming because there has never been more funding in rural development. The level of funding is unprecedented. LEADER is one part of this approach to investment in rural Ireland. In fairness to Cork, it has been getting a fair share of funding, but it should be glad of this extra money.

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