Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief. I am conscious of time and I know the Acting Chairperson is under pressure. I will make four key points. The reality is that the circular issued by the Department yesterday confirmed that €1.5 billion was allocated. We have had calls 1 and 2, we are heading into call 3 and, to date, only €144 million has been drawn down. That has to be of concern. I will leave it at that.

The next issue is around the population figure of 10,000 when we talk about villages. These communities are represented by Government party councillors. They are crying out for support and funding. The Minister of State might look at that again, please.

This is about staffing and resources. Local authorities do not currently have the staff in place to administer these schemes. More importantly, the officials are scratching their heads and asking the question of who is paying for the costs of compulsory purchase orders, CPOs, to acquire these properties. If substantial progress is to be made in this regard, they need this funding. There is a need for additional information. I know the Minister of State is carrying out workshops, which I respect and appreciate. Let us stay alert, however, and be sure we are drawing down the funds that have been allocated for these schemes. I thank the Minister of State.