Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach. I wish to acknowledge all of the St. Patrick's Day parades and the community groups who were involved in organising those at such short notice. The time on which the public health guidelines were lifted to when so many groups around the country co-ordinated bands, clubs, groups and organisations to come together was completely crucial. It was also a day of solidarity with Ukraine. As well as celebrating and coming together after a period of time with lockdown and Covid-19 we were also remembering the people of Ukraine.

I also point to and acknowledge the investment of over €11 million we are seeing with Omniplex Cinemas in three rural or perhaps regional towns. This investment is coming to Ballinasloe, Mullingar and Nenagh. The construction of a five-screen cinema starts today in Ballinasloe. This is causing such excitement in our area and has been very much looked forward to.It is testament to the fact there is a demand and a need for that type of investment in our regional towns. I appreciate that people and companies are looking at how they can expand. We need to look at the fact there are people working from home and there is ever greater demand in our regional areas for this type of investment. I look forward to seeing this cinema opening in Ballinasloe in September 2022. It is going to be a fantastic new addition.