Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

St. Patrick's Day parades will take place throughout the country in 2022. I have spoken to local parade organisers in Longford, including Ms Fiona Fenelon, the president of the local chamber of commerce, with regard to having a quiet street on the parade for those who cannot or have not been able to go to parades in recent years because of the noise, including sirens and music. I refer in particular to those in the autistic community who are not able to attend such events. Their needs should be taken on board.

Parade organisers in Longford have agreed that this year a section of the parade will have no music or sirens so that families can attend in the knowledge that they will be able to watch the parade at a certain area. I ask that every parade organiser in the country takes this idea on board and has a quiet street or section, and make it known that families can enjoy the parade, something they have waited a couple of years to do.

I also want to raise the issue of family resource centres and the lack of funding for additional centres. In my county, Longford, centres in Granard and Ballymahon have done significant work. They have expanded and been supported by the local authorities. However, Edgeworthstown, the second largest town in County Longford, with a population of 10,000, does not have such a facility. My colleague, Councillor Paul Ross, in Edgeworthstown is working hard to develop such a centre. In the previous round of funding two years ago, funding for 11 additional centres throughout the entire country was announced. I ask that the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, put extra finance in place. If he comes to the Chamber, it is something we should discuss. These centres are invaluable resources in all of our communities across the country.