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

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. It is clear that rural Ireland is a topic close to the hearts of all my colleagues here today. I know they share my passion and love for rural Ireland and its people and my determination to see it a bright and prosperous place in which to live, raise a family and to work.

I acknowledged at the outset that there are challenges in rural Ireland but huge progress has been made and there is an air of positivity and optimism, and I go around the country a lot. I will respond to some of the contributions in the time available to me.

On the plan, a significant number of commitments are either delivered or are under way and we do a progress report every six months. A number of Deputies have raised the north-west region. It has been placed 218th of 234 in regional competitiveness is only half the story. When you take all the indicators included in the report in the round, the north west is placed 115 of 232 regions which is a little above the EU average in overall competitiveness. The Westport to Castlebar road got €250 million. I think it will be opened tomorrow or Friday. That is a key investment in infrastructure in the region.

The 2018 designation is based on GDP per capitain the region and has been used to calculate European funding allocations for 2021 to 2027. I am not against that region getting targeted support. When I was in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I put in place a targeted fund specifically for the Border counties, including counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. Many good projects were supported through a €30 million fund. I am not averse to a targeted fund for a specific region but I need up-to-date data. The stuff we are looking at here is 2018 data. I will work with my officials on that particular issue.

I heard Deputy Carthy's contribution when he was talking about PR stunts. He is an expert when it comes to PR. I have never seen him walk away from a microphone. In fact, I would say he would nearly swallow one if he could. I can tell you something else - the same boy is not so bad at standing in for photographs or trying to claim the credit for Government-funded projects. I would like to remind him that my Department and this Government is funding the development of the Ulster Canal, and that is in Clones in County Monaghan. Instead of talking waffle, it would suit him or Sinn Féin in the North of Ireland to put a bit of matched funding towards the Ulster Canal through the North. I would just like to put that on the record.

Deputy Michael Collins should talk to his brother, wherever he is. I had a great day with-----

See this speech in context