Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

I gave a detailed response earlier, but I fully appreciate and understand clearly where the Deputy is coming from. As I said to Deputy McCarthy, this is an area I am looking at. Ministers and Ministers of State have visited the area, including me. I know how important tranche 2 is, but I also know how important tranche 1 is. There are the bigger schemes we are delivering across the country, but, regarding tranche 2, some of the smaller schemes are being caught up and left behind. This is frustrating for the Deputy as an elected representative but also for the people of the areas he mentioned. I committed to visiting those areas inside the next two to three weeks. I am working on providing more funding to the local authorities through the minor works scheme, but I think we may be able to make steps forward in terms of the tranche 2 scheme. I fully appreciate and understand the pressure the Deputy is under as well.

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