James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, for taking this motion. It concerns the need for approval of a feasibility study for Ballymacormack Community Centre, Stonepark parish, County Longford, an issue of great concern to the people of that parish and which I fully support. This community centre would be the sole provider of recreational facilities under the Leader programme, the remit of which is to enhance such provisions in rural communities. People with the dedication and commitment of the Ballymacormack committee are the backbone of rural communities and deserving of all the unstinting support we can offer.

Ballymacormack is a parish of some 850 people with its own individual identity. It is patently unfair to ask parents to take their children to community halls with which they have no affinity, situated several miles from their homes. The parish is a thriving community with a school, GAA club and various sports and charity organisations. The addition of a community centre would be a valuable asset for the youth, the elderly and everybody in the area. There is a strong demand for such a facility, which would maximise the potential of the community and provide a safe environment where young people, parents and grandparents can congregate.

The national school in Stonepark has a current enrolment of 232 pupils. Some 32 are enrolled to date for next year, which proves the area is growing at a great rate. The school has no green space and must use the facilities of the local GAA club. The pupils are housed in nine classrooms, including five prefabs. There are three new housing estates due for development adjacent to the proposed site for the community centre, which will comprise the building of approximately 87 houses, excluding any additional once-off houses in the parish.

The proposed centre would be situated in the centre of Ballymacormack parish, on the R397 to Athlone, across the road from the school and beside both local churches. There is a thriving supermarket and other facilities in the centre of the parish. Verbal assurance was given by the planning department of Longford County Council after an inspection of the site that it was suitable for a community centre. The committee has actively worked to raise funds for the feasibility study, which is estimated to cost only €5,400. A contribution of €3,800 has been made by the committee towards this cost.

In view of the Minister's avowed commitment to rural communities, I am sure this project is not one he would wish to overlook or see abandoned. Such a project represents a well thought out effort to enhance active community facilities within a thriving area without the danger of breaking community bonds which result from having to travel for recreation outside the natural grouping. This is at the heart of the Minister's commitment to rural Ireland. I ask him to use his influence to ensure the necessary funding is granted for the feasibility study. The committee will be applying for lottery funding and significant fundraising projects will be undertaken over the coming months and years. The commitment and goodwill of the Minister's Department can be displayed by granting the €5,400 necessary for the feasibility study. If this is not granted, the committee will forge ahead itself but it would be a great bonus if the Minister could provide assistance and give his blessing. I hope he can give me a positive response on this issue.