Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The cost was €8 million to which we cannot subscribe at present. We do not need additional structures.

I assure Senator David Cullinane that the gateway of Waterford will not be diluted with or without Ferrybank. It will be protected and strengthened and its city status will be maintained. I agree with Senator Ó Murchú on the issue of identify. As a county colours person, like me, I am sure he appreciates that, in terms of identity and community, both of which are important concepts. They enable people to gravitate towards a local identity and community. Equally I want to ensure that community and local government structures work together. Whether it is in the arts, or cultural field, local government has a responsibility and a role in developing and enhancing them and in securing some funds to ensure expansion. Identity and community involvement is important. I set up the alignment group to ascertain how we could get community and local government working closer together. Many programmes could be delivered if they worked together. EU funding, which is available, cannot be drawn down given that they are not working together. I am trying to address that issue and get local authorities more involved in heritage and the conservation aspects of village renewal. These projects could be developed by existing local government staff if the money was available. Community groups and local government should work more closely together to achieve the objective of delivering on the rural development programme.

Senator James Heffernan asked a couple of questions on the implementation programme in Limerick. I will have a report from the Brosnan implementation group at the end of March which will set out the process of implementation of a number of those proposals. Legislation will be required, which I expect to be before the House by the end of June, to give effect to some of the proposals in Tipperary, Limerick and other areas, if appropriate. On the issue of boundaries, local elected members are concerned about where they will stand.