Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome the €40 million European Regional Development Fund grant for the gateway and hub towns. No doubt this will further enhance the improvement of the urban environment and further revitalisation. This sustainable development recognises that our towns are the engine of the regional economy and are very important for our further growth. When there was a scheme for urban backlands regeneration 20 years or more ago, it did considerable good but it was not fully taken up in many towns. It is important at this time that this grant aid is coming from the European Regional Development Fund and I greatly welcome it.

As regards our electorate, the Leader will be aware that my views, and perhaps his own and others' views, are very well known to the Minister. Now that so many have found that matters are improving for them, and they have greatly assisted in many ways, it may be past time that segment of our electorate saw improvements too given the cutbacks, etc., that they suffered in recent years when we were going through such a recession. They continue to make a valuable contribution. I would urge the Leader that we deal next week with that all-party motion, No. 75, motion 10, which is on the Order Paper.