Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister has visited Waterford and I have had the pleasure of accompanying her on some of those visits. She rightly pointed out the very significant number of attractions. We are blessed in Waterford with the topography that we have, with lakes, rivers, mountains and the sea right on our doorstep.

The measures that the Minister is announcing are very welcome. However, it is important that we get good joined-up, strategic thinking. The Minister mentioned the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, for areas like Cappoquin, Lismore, Tallow and Ballyduff Upper. This is vital. I would ask that when these projects are being looked at, we would have wide engagement with private sector stakeholders to try to ensure they are aware of the projects that are being proposed and see how we might integrate them into the overall proposition. In that way, we can really flesh these out and make sure that where money is being spent, it is being targeted to give bang for the buck in terms of the tourism and amenity opportunity.

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