asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the very extensive damage caused by the recent storm to the approach roads to Dooega and Doagh piers and if he will take immediate steps to have the damage made good and so obviate the loss and inconvenience caused to the people concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Storm Damage in Mayo.
I am informed that some damage was recently caused by storm to the approach road to Dooega pier and an engineer of the Commissioners of Public Works has gone there to make an inspection of the pier and approach road.
I have no responsibility for the maintenance of the approach road to Doagh pier.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is aware that the local priest has to travel five miles on sick calls and that the local doctor has to cover the same journey in the course of his duties? Is the Parliamentary Secretary further aware that food supplies are completely cut off from the people living adjacent to this area as a result of the storm damage? Can he hold out any hope of repairs being carried out on these roads?
Is that to the second pier mentioned by the Deputy?
To Dooega and Doagh piers.
I have mentioned that an engineer has gone to carry out an inspection of Dooega pier and of the approach road. We have no responsibility for the maintenance of the approach road to Doagh pier.
The Parliamentary Secretary admits responsibility for the first road, the approach road to Dooega pier?
An inspector has gone there anyhow.
Might I remind the Parliamentary Secretary that the people living in this area are completely cut off from food supplies and from the services of the priest and doctor? Will he take immediate steps to have something done to relieve the suffering and hardship which they are undergoing?
We shall have to await the inspector's report on that.
I would ask the Parliamentary Secretary to take all necessary steps to have the damage repaired as early as possible.