Development grants for Bere Island
The Minister said suitable economic projects on Bere Island could be considered if submitted through the West Cork County Development Team, but the fund cannot support works eligible for existing State or local authority finance. O’Leary urged reconsideration, arguing that piers, harbours, roads and schools are fundamental to the island’s development; the Minister said he would bear this in mind.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will make grants available from the western development fund to develop Bere Island, County Cork.
Comment on this
I would be happy to consider proposals for grants from the special regional development fund for suitable projects on Bere Island. As I have indicated previously to the Deputy, this fund may assist only worthwhile economic projects which do not come within the terms of another State scheme. Proposals for assistance from the fund should be submitted in the first instance to the West Cork County Development Team.
Comment on this
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the need for the improvement of piers, slipways, harbours, roads and schools in Bere Island? If proposals come forward from the West Cork County Development Team, would he consider them for grant aid from the western development fund?
Comment on this
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question by him on 1st July, 1975, in which it was indicated that if there were existing sources of Exchequer and local authority finance for proposals such as these, it would not be appropriate, indeed it would be contrary to the recommendation of the all-party Public Accounts Committee, to make an allocation for these purposes from the special regional development fund.
Comment on this
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the development of piers, harbours, roads and schools is fundamental to the development of the island as a whole and that he should reconsider this whole situation for grant aid purpose?