I wish to highlight the benefit of the rural regeneration development fund, RRDF, and how it has impacted positively on so many communities, towns and villages across the country. I also wish to lend my support to the town and community of Ballinrobe. The people in the community there, supported by the local development company in south-west Mayo, have come together and shown incredible leadership to propose the regeneration of a historic building, namely the old Valkenburg building. The latter is a protected structure built in the 1820. It is proposed to redevelop it as an arts, civics and amenity space and a 300-seat town hall.

Ballinrobe is a very vibrant town. It has beautiful old, historic buildings. It has challenges with dereliction like all towns around the country, but this is a great opportunity to show the benefits of regeneration. This project could be a catalyst for the overall regeneration of Ballinrobe. The community received funding to the tune of €4.6 million, but, like those with all projects, the costs have increased. What I am calling for is that the Department and the Government to engage proactively and constructively with the Ballinrobe community and the arts, civics and amenity company that is leading the project.

The volunteers involved are showing leadership in their town. We need to support and encourage that. If there is an uplift required, let us engage and make it happen. These are once-in-a-generation projects that can be transformational for a whole town. This project could be transformational for the future of young people who live Ballinrobe. Those involved with the project have asked that the contribution be reduced from 20% to 10%. That is a reasonable ask, particularly when it is volunteers who are trying their best to improve the fortunes of their town.

I acknowledge Councillor Michael Burke, a former colleague of mine on Mayo County Council, and the chairman, Michael Sweeney, who are leading the team of volunteers. We need to be constructive and proactive and support a community that has taken great initiative like this.