Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In that case, I have a number of initiatives to welcome but Senators from the Opposition are free to come in and interject. From my own perspective, as someone coming from a rural constituency I welcome that as a Government, we have decided to again increase funding for all rural projects across the country. Since its establishment in 2017, the Department of Rural and Community Development has been very beneficial. The rural regeneration and development fund, LEADER, the town and village renewal scheme and CLÁR will get extra funding in 2022. I acknowledge the role of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, in that regard. This is extremely positive. The public will see it as a way out of Covid.