Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development Works Grants.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state in respect of each area the amount of grants allocated by Bord Fáilte for development works during 1970-71, 1971-72 and 1972-73.
Comment on this
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the allocations for resort development for 1972-73 have not been finalised yet. The board have furnished the information requested by the Deputy for 1970-71 and 1971-72. As this information is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it in the Official Report.
The statement is as follows:
*Covers items which are not separately identifiable on a county basis e.g. waterways, development works and sign posting.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that the current saying in Cork is that the man sitting next to him has stolen all the money that Bord Fáilte have had available in recent times?
Comment on this
Has Lahinch golf course got £200,000 now? Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Foreign Affairs is raiding the till and has the key to it and, consequently, that there is no money for places such as south-west Cork?
Comment on this
The Cork figure is very high. The Deputy ought to be very happy.
Comment on this
Will the Minister be surprised to learn that I know the answer to the question that I asked and that my reason for asking it was to indicate how ridiculous the allocation is for the current year—£4,000?
Comment on this
For the current year, that is 1972-73, it has not been worked out at all.
Comment on this
Will the Minister not agree that we in south-west Cork are not getting our fair slice of the loaf having regard to the fact that Bord Fáilte do a great deal of blowing from time to time, and to the newspaper headlines about what they are doing to develop this area?
Comment on this
This Dáil may never meet again. There may not be an opportunity of asking these questions.
Comment on this
In the immediate days ahead we will be taking decisions with regard to allocations for the current year and will get our priorities in regard to the areas in County Cork right in this respect.
Comment on this
I would like to convey to the Minister the dissatisfaction in south-west Cork. I think I should put in a word for mid-Cork now.
Comment on this
May I ask the Minister, if the 1972-73 allocations have not yet been decided on, what part of the tourist season will benefit by these allocations?
Comment on this
This is essential work that is of a long-term nature. It is resort development work. You cannot deal with it in terms of year to year benefit. It is of long-term beneficial effect, improving the structure.