Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

The cost to the individual was £20,000. With the CLÁR programme, he had three phase electricity supply installed, allowing him to buy better and efficient machinery and he now employees 12 people.

The CLÁR programme has made a difference to many people who did not have running water. It is hard to believe that there are communities without group water schemes. Costs of up to €10,000 per house for providing water to those communities make it uneconomical for local authorities. The CLÁR programme, with matching funding from local authorities, has funded three group water schemes in County Sligo at a cost to each household of approximately €1,500. Those people are entitled to the same facilities that we enjoy. This is the difference the CLÁR programme is making on the ground.

Sligo County Council will receive €66,000 this year for local road improvement schemes, on top of other funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The beauty of CLÁR funding is that the council must match it, bringing the total to €126,000. This will mean 20 minor roads will be improved. It also means the living standards of the one or two families served by these roads will also be improved.

Senator McHugh referred to the plethora of different organisations involved in rural development such as the Leader programme, county fora and enterprise boards. The Minister is right to examine this matter to make it more manageable. People are confused about where to apply for funding, such as employment grants. One body in each county is enough for developing local communities. The quicker it is implemented, the better.

National schools located on regional roads are dangerous and though it may seem minor, it is important. Members know of cases where young people have been injured or killed on such roads. There is funding in the CLÁR programme to provide warning lights at these schools. Four schools in County Sligo have had these installed this year. Thankfully, it has happened as there was a serious accident at one of those schools several years ago.

The Minister knows what is needed in rural areas. I congratulate him on his work with the CLÁR programme. We are fortunate that he holds this portfolio as he is prepared to listen and look after rural areas.