Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support this amendment and the contributions made by Senators Paddy Burke, Paul Daly and Ó Céidigh. It is about achieving a balance. I live in a rural area and have spent many of my summers on the bog. I am familiar with the challenges of rural life. It is about ensuring we achieve the objective of preserving our bogs, as well as being proud of the flora, fauna and biodiversity we have. It is also about supporting people living in rural areas, however.

Senator Grace O’Sullivan spoke about the definition of strategic infrastructural projects. We are proud of Ireland West Airport being built on a foggy, boggy hill. We saw 700,000 people going through that airport last year. We need to achieve a proper balance with regard to allowing communities to thrive, flourish, as well as supporting them. Alongside that, we need to support our biodiversity. Senator Ó Céidigh spoke about how people living in rural areas are the custodians of the land. We are proud of where we live and we want to ensure we maintain that heritage. We also need to make sure we support our local communities. As a young person, I want more young people and young families to return to rural areas. That means a level of investment and balance. I strongly support this amendment and hope the Minister of State will take it on board because it is necessary.