Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

I concur with Senator Leyden's statements about the rural renewal scheme in certain areas of Roscommon, Leitrim and south Sligo. This scheme has benefited the people of the area in which I live. It has been an excellent scheme which has rejuvenated the area. In my home town of Ballymote, a house had not been built for 20 years but nearly 150 houses have been built in the last three and a half years. I do not know where the people are coming from. Houses are being sold and that is good for the area. The same applies in Collooney and Tubercurry and Leitrim has also benefited very substantially from the rural renewal scheme.

The Minister has extended the scheme to June 2006, which is very welcome. Persons wishing to qualify for the scheme must obtain planning permission by 31 December 2004. I ask the Minister to keep an open mind on that regulation——