Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am aware that in some counties, including my own, there is not just one application made. In that regard I hope people can come together, not hold up the process and reach a compromise. I spoke to councillors across the country in recent days in preparation for this and in some counties they have one application. Limerick is an example where three different groups came together and made one application, and they will be ready to draw down the funding. It is important that people are sensible about this and as the Minister of State said, everybody wants to get this process up and running. I hope common sense will prevail to ensure that the applications will be submitted.

In terms of rules, etc., I am pleased that there will be an application in regard to governance because that is extremely important. In the early 1990s, governance was a major issue in an area not too far from me in respect of a similar type of enterprise.

I thank the Minister of State. I wish her the best of luck with the continuing work she is doing in rural development. She came up through that process, as did I, and it is critical that we continue that work. I look forward to working with her on this and other issues.