Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for his comments and for welcoming the additional funding. I agree that the scheme is well oversubscribed. I know from my local authority area that it is a hugely successful scheme and it is a great opportunity for people and landowners to work in co-operation with local authorities to improve poor access roads to amenities such as beaches and piers. I will speak to the Minister directly and I will raise the Senator's concerns. He acknowledged that the funding has been increased by 5%. This is a significant opportunity for all local authorities to improve very poor roads and road access for people, particularly those who are farming. I will certainly come back to the Senator on this.