Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, for attending the House to respond to the need to extend the rural renewal scheme beyond December 2004.

The rural renewal scheme was introduced in the upper Shannon area covering areas in counties Cavan, Sligo, Roscommon and all of counties Leitrim and Longford principally because these areas had suffered particular social and economic problems in the preceding decades.

We must first acknowledge the foresight of the Minister in introducing and developing this scheme with the intention of redressing the imbalance arising from the social and economic deficits to which I referred. We must also acknowledge the considerable progress that has been made in redressing this imbalance over the past three years in particular.

Despite the best efforts of all organisations involved, the job is only half done, and we should not discontinue a scheme with a proven track record and with the potential to fill the majority of remaining deficits in the areas which it covers.

I appreciate that the scheme has already run for a considerable period and that most parties interested in availing of its benefits should have done so already. However, there have been particular problems which have mitigated against all of the potential being achieved to date. These include a simple lack of awareness among those in the most disadvantaged areas as to the benefits of the scheme and how these benefits could be channelled to their assistance. There is greater awareness now as a result of the efforts of county councils and other agencies. The continuation of the scheme for a further period would permit these latecomers to avail of the scheme's benefits.

It is an objective of the national spatial strategy to achieve more balanced regional and inter-regional development. In many cases, the tools to achieve this are being developed or are yet to be developed. The rural renewal scheme is a tool already developed, with a track record of achievement and an ability to deliver significantly more in the future. We must recognise its success, accept its potential and use it in the achievement of a key objective of the national spatial strategy.

Many families and business people have paced their proposals on the assumption of a reasonably smooth transition in the application of the processes necessary for plan approval. Unfortunately, the time that passed when difficulties arose or planning appeals were lodged means they cannot meet the timeframes of the existing scheme deadlines. This legitimate problem should warrant an extension of the scheme.