Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise a couple of issues on behalf of groups within my community. I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, of a community centres investment fund for the refurbishment and upgrading of much-needed community facilities across Ireland. A sum of €15 million has been set aside but I understand that applications have been made for projects totally more than €70 million . In that context, I ask that extra funding be provided for this fund so that we can invest in community centres throughout the country. In my own area, projects are planned for the community centres in Newtownforbes, in Granard in north Longford and in Drumlish. Significant works are planned for these centres which have not had much funding in recent years. I ask that the fund be increased, which would be particularly welcome in rural areas.

The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme was announced a number of months ago and applications have been submitted for same. In my own county, a significant application has been made for a rebel trail in north Longford, which will highlight the county's links to the 1798 rebellion and the War of Independence, including General Seán Mac Eoin, the Clonfin Ambush, Granard, Ms Kitty Kiernan and so on. We want to develop a trail from Drumlish, which has connections to the Land League, out to Ballinamuck and so on. An application for funding has been made and hopefully it will be successful so that we can build that tourism project in north County Longford.