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

My record, in terms of the investment that has gone into rural Ireland through the Rural Regeneration Fund and, indeed, a plethora of other funds, is second to none.

We are supporting the Castlepollard regeneration project with a grant of €3.8million. The project will have additional match funding from Westmeath County Council. It will bring the total amount of investment in Castlepollard to €4.7 million. I can tell the Deputy that is no pennies; that is €4.7 million of investment. It will refurbish the Market House, bringing vitality and viability to Castlepollard town centre.

It is fair to say that, in terms of rural Ireland, my Department has not been found wanting. As I said to the Deputy previously, we keep all of these issues under review in terms of the workload and the demand for services in particular areas.

See this speech in context