Meath is a rural county under very strong urban influence to that end and juggling those parameters, I commend the great work of the LEO, Meath Partnership, the council and the community and voluntary groups. We are very grateful for RSS, LEADER and RRDF funding to date and would welcome much more in future, if possible. At this important time of Our Rural Future II policy formation, I note the recent OECD rural policy review of Ireland, particularly pages 16 to 51 containing the analyses and key actions. I hope that a lot of those, along with the extensive public consultation, will be incorporated. One of the key actions relevant to County Meath is enhanced provision of modern, safe and accessible public transport. In particular, I would suggest extending Dublin Bus to zone 1 areas and enabling Bus Éireann and Local Link to expand their services. Access to education is also important, particularly further education. The single phase development of Dunboyne College of Further Education will actually increase inbound commuting. Another key action is the land use review and the RSES, strengthening coordinated housing, employment and infrastructure such as adequate water supplies for Dunshaughlin and Skreen. The revitalisation and regeneration of towns such as Dunshaughlin to better serve the vast rural hinterland of south east Meath is also key. Similar to Austria, France and Japan, pairing workforce and housing support with transport and SME zone planning is important. Expanding the remit of the LEO to include non-exporting enterprises, including care and retail businesses, would be most welcome. Finally, I thank the Minister for his very comprehensive opening statement agus go n'eirí an tádh leis.

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