Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response and thank her for visiting Mayo a number of weeks ago. It was a very positive visit in terms of the work that is happening on the ground with community organisations and the local authority in addressing dereliction and vacancy and bringing new life back into rural communities. There was another huge announcement in Belmullet, with more than €500,000 for the redevelopment of Canal House. Community parks are also central so people can have amenities on their doorstep when they want access to them. The Department has certainly stepped up in this area by providing the platform for communities to access essential funding that will enhance their quality of life, and bring people back living, working and enjoying that quality of life in rural areas. I compliment the Minister and the work she has done over the last number of months and years on this. I look forward to hopefully working her on this in the new year.

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