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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Project Ireland 2040 and Athlone regeneration

Summary

Senator McFadden welcomed Project Ireland 2040, highlighting the €2 billion urban regeneration fund and her work on reviving west Athlone. Senator Murnane O’Connor interjected that much was promised but questioned delivery, leading to a brief exchange before the Chair restored order.

I welcome the Government's announcement last week of €4 billion for Project Ireland 2040. I was interested in how Members in this House and the Lower House called Project Ireland 2040 a glossy brochure with nothing behind it. The Government has put its money where its mouth is with this announcement. Of particular interest is the €2 billion for urban regeneration. For some time, I have been working on a proposal to revive the west side of Athlone for business and accommodation. My project fits perfectly with this scheme. There has been considerable development in Athlone, but parts of its west side have been left behind. Last week, I held a public meeting in Athlone at which I got fantastic support from businesses and residents.

Will the Leader ask the Minister to attend the House to discuss such projects, the details of which will be announced this month, and their timelines? It is important that people get behind them and that community-based regeneration projects work with county councils to acquire funding. The Minister could discuss with us the application criteria for grants and the timelines for applications.

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There is a lot of money promised, but what will be delivered?

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A Leas-Chathaoirleach,-----

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The Minister will not deliver on many of those promises.

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Is the Senator giving the Minister-----

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Those are all just promises.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Order, please. Senator Murnane O'Connor, please behave. I call on the Leader to respond to the Order of Business.

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