Sligo coastal erosion
Senator Comiskey welcomes a ministerial visit to Rosses Point but seeks further funding because continuing coastal erosion threatens the golf course and surrounding area.
It is welcome that the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, visited Sligo on Friday to examine coastal erosion around Rosses Point. I raised the matter as early as 2007 after people approached me about the danger, which still exists, to its golf course. The former Minister of State, Mr. Brian Hayes, MEP, granted €800,000 or thereabouts to Sligo County Council to carry out repair work, but more money must be allocated because the erosion is continuing. Something needs to be done.
Also on Friday, we met a group from Kiltyclogher regarding Seán Mac Diarmada's house. I have often mentioned this matter. It is important that resources are put in place ahead of the 2016 celebrations in order that we can put that famous house on the map. It is in the same condition in which Seán Mac Diarmada left it in 1913 or 1914. The Office of Public Works has replaced the roof of that beautiful cottage, but I look forward to more work being done ahead of 2016.
As mentioned, the progress being made on small schools is another issue about which we have been approached. There are many small schools in County Leitrim and west Cavan. We are constantly being contacted and asked to ensure that everything possible is being done to ensure retention of small schools in rural communities.