Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I cannot comment on the HSE plans for the building as I do not have those details. I will say that this year, the building and land acquisition measure under the town and village renewal scheme allows local authorities to purchase up to three vacant buildings. The total fund available is up to €500,000. I would certainly encourage Deputy Quaide to have a discussion with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on the HSE element. As I have said, there are numerous projects throughout the country. I am more than happy to give Deputy Quaide details if the local committee wishes to visit them to see how successful they have been in terms of taking the journey. I commend the communities which do this and take this on. It is a big undertaking. The Department is there to support them through the undertaking, not only through funding but also with advice and access to other communities that have undertaken this journey.

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