Portumna Forest Park consultation
Deputy O'Hara objects to Coillte’s tourist-accommodation proposals for Portumna Forest Park and says the community group is being excluded from meaningful consultation. The Tánaiste says the project is at an early stage, pledges engagement, and also notes wider derelict-site concerns in the area.
I bring to the Tánaiste's attention proposals for the development of Portumna Forest Park in County Galway being led by Coillte. This is a natural and public resource for the local community. The Protect Portumna Forest Park Community Group has carried out an extensive survey in the local community. The results show clear opposition to the idea of building tourist accommodation in the forest park and strong support for protecting and enhancing the park's natural and recreational value, yet Coillte is failing to meaningfully engage with the group and is actually excluding it from the consultation process. Bordering the park is the site of the derelict former Shannon Oaks hotel. The question that local people have is why this is not the focus for the development of tourist accommodation and why it is not included in the development plan for the site. How can the owners of the hotel, the Comer brothers, be allowed to leave this hotel, which is an eyesore and a safety hazard, in this condition indefinitely and not be held accountable? I ask the Tánaiste to look into this issue, to engage with Galway County Council and Coillte and to ensure a commonsense solution is found. I also ask him to ensure that the owners of long-term derelict properties are finally held accountable.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy O'Hara. My understanding regarding Portumna Forest Park is that this is something at the very early stages and that there will be extensive engagement. I will take his feedback in relation to Coillte and its need to engage and listen. The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has also updated me on this matter. Regarding the former Shannon Oaks hotel, I have heard about it directly in relation to Galway East. I do know it is an eyesore and a source of great frustration, and I will certainly engage with the local authority. We do now have powers concerning derelict sites. I think there is a significant question regarding those powers and where their enforcement lies. I expect this is something the Government will consider in the coming weeks and months.