Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the really important features of the programme is that it is relatively small money in the overall scheme of things. However, the fundraising capacity of the communities to which this funding is delivered is quite limited. For example, Camp Community Council, which is not far from where I live, was in contact with me. It built a fabulous playground many years ago. It needs an upgrade and the council applied under measure 1. For them to raise €50,000 in a small rural community would take years and a lot of hard work. They would also be competing with loads of other community groups which are doing excellent work as well. At central government level, €50,000 is not a massive amount but for the people of Camp who are looking to upgrade the playground for the children there, it is massive. That is where the impact is felt. Every cent that the Minister can get into this programme is very welcome.

If the Minister can fund as many schemes as possible, it will be very welcome and represent money well spent. I commend her on her efforts at budget time to get more funding for the scheme. It really gives a massive lift to rural communities.

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