Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Boylan for raising this very important issue. I appreciate the concerns in the community with regard to getting this up and running because it is the low-hanging fruit and will aid in building a sustainable model in our communities.We will progress as quickly as possible and there is urgency in the Department on it. We have to comply with the directives and ensure we have the scoping documentation and seek public consultation on it. We will come back to both Houses of the Oireachtas to approve the draft guidelines. I assure the House there is huge urgency in the Department to progress this and get it right. Communities need it. It is essential and it will make them more sustainable.