MR Ulick Burke (FG, Galway East) called for the protection of historical buildings in rural towns. He said that in small rural towns many public buildings, such as courthouses, were in a shambles, having been allowed to deteriorate over 25 years.

Some district judges had refused to sit in them because of their condition. "The basic structure and fabric of the buildings are intact, and they merely require refurbishment."

Responsibility for the refurbishment of such buildings now rested with the Department of the Environment, acting in conjunction with the local authorities, said Mr Burke. Greater flexibility should be allowed so that these buildings were eligible for grant assistance.

He was speaking during the resumed debate on the Town Renewal Bill, 2000. Mr Michael Moynihan (FF, Cork North West) said that while the national economy was buoyant there were rural economic blackspots of which Duhallow, the area he represented, was one.

"The future of life on the land is not promising, and the draw to urban areas is strong. The way to fight back is to loosen planning regulations in rural areas and provide meaningful employment by attracting industries."

Mr Paul Connaughton (FG, Galway East) said that it was time to have a plan for smaller towns. "Such a plan should envisage what would be happening in the planning area in a town over the next 10, 15 or 20 years."

Recent years, he added, had seen a dramatic change whereby local people wanted a greater input into the development and planning of their area. "While it is difficult to achieve a local consensus, I hope it will materialise over the next few years," he said.