Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is not well informed on this. Work is going on in an alignment group, between the Irish Local Development Network, ILDN, the county and city managers and the Department, for the past year, working out the details in regard to implementation and we have made substantial progress. I expect we will reach agreement in the next couple of weeks. Also, at my request, the officials of my Department have met the community and voluntary sector and community pillar on several occasions to discuss these matters, including some of the organisations the Senator mentioned in the community and workers co-op. The Gaeltacht areas will be part of the county LCDCs, but we have yet to work out appropriate delivery arrangements. These arrangements could include Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The Senator will be glad to know that today I have announced €1 million extra for Gaeltacht areas, for local development companies to spend in the next couple of months. This will include Comhar na nOileán, Fóram Chonamara and the Galway Rural Development Company.