Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, has been a wonderful initiative with significant work done through it across the country. It gives communities a chance to get the big money they need to turn a derelict building, say, into an opportunity. We saw that in Ennistymon with the development of a digital hub there. Several business are operating out of a facility that was lying idle in the middle of the town. It was the first project to be funded under the first round of rural regeneration funding.

It is a wonderful scheme and welcome the fact that more money had been committed to it in the budget, along with the town and village renewal and outdoor recreational schemes. The latter scheme provided for the development of a wonderful river walk by Paddy Clarke and his committee in Ennistymon. It has been a success for visitors and locals alike. The €70,000 provided by the Department unlocked the potential of this walk.

I encourage the Minister and her officials to drive on with that programme and continue her work with the local authorities. Clare County Council is very proactive. We have a rural directorate under the management of Leonard Cleary and his staff. They do wonderful work. I encourage her to keep going.