Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)

I too commend Mayo County Council on the great work it is doing. I also commend Manulla FC for its leading work on supporting children and families with disabilities.

I also wish to raise Ballyhaunis. The purpose of CLÁR is to support rural towns. In recent years, Ballyhaunis has lost three of its banks and the credit union is now reducing its hours. The lack of financial institutions in the town has resulted in a loss of economic activity. We are seeing a hollowing out of the town in regard to economic enterprise. While the issue is not directly under the Minister's remit, it is very much linked to rural development. We cannot afford to lose the credit union from the town. The question is what will be next after the reduction in opening hours. People wonder what is down the line. Enough is enough.

I ask the Minister to intervene and to work with First Choice Credit Union, not just in Ballyhaunis but also in Balla, Swinford and Kiltimagh.

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