Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

One of the best ways I can describe to the Deputy the potential of the town centre first policy is from what I have seen in my own area. Much of it is capital investment for sure, but the starting phase of much of it was actually consultation with the local community who knew their town best. That happened in Lusk. There was huge consultation and huge input. People are obviously very interested in improving the community and the village in which they live. It was an enormous consultation with lots of ideas put together. Then, it would have been about meeting the planners head on.

A town centre first policy was developed for Lusk and now we have a blueprint for the town going forward. It is not just a blueprint; it is one that fits in with the capital programmes that are available in my Department and other Departments. One of the things we have been able to do in recent months with that blueprint for Lusk in particular is give funding for two things, which are small steps but will bring life back into the town. For example, we are looking at two sites for a skateboard park. A big problem in Lusk is that there is not enough for young people to do. That is a small step in the right direction. Lusk is in the middle of a huge market gardening area and yet the centre of the town has been hollowed out. We are, therefore, exploring how to bring a farmers' market into the centre of the town. There is huge scope for it there. What has happened in Lusk has given hope to the people in the town next door to it, in Rush, in that we have now provided them with funding to start the ball rolling as well. To be fair to Fingal County Council, and we need the council involved here, it has started to move in that regard. There are five derelict sites on the main street in Rush with derelict site notices on them. The council is prepared to move on them unless someone puts their hand up for them. It is, therefore, having an impact.

The Deputy asked a question with regard to investment in Kilrush. My understanding is that it was part of the second tranche. There has been some funding started there. I understand €30,000 was put in that direction. I am not sure what the council there is doing with that yet, but I can certainly look for more and get back to the Deputy on what the plan is. Kilrush is in a good place, however. If it is on the list at all, albeit the second tranche, then I would hope more will follow.

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