asked the Minister for Local Government if he will give his reasons for refusing an amenity grant to Kilmore Quay Development Association, County Wexford for a car-park; and if in view of the expense incurred by the Association he will reconsider his decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilmore Quay (Wexford) Amenity Grant.
34.
A car-park does not, of itself, qualify for an amenity grant. To attract assistance under the grants scheme a work must have a substantial recreational or visual amenity content, or must be part of a scheme of broad amenity development.
As has been explained to the Development Association their present project does not come within the ambit of the grants scheme, and it is not possible to allocate a grant for it.
Can the Minister assure me that an amenity grant was never given for a car-park?
I cannot give such an undertaking.
If it were given, it would have been wrong.
That is what I would reckon.
Would the Minister reconsider it in this case?
No. I think there was one that got through in the early stages, but it should not have got through. It does not follow that I am prepared to let another through now, because if I did, I would have to let all the rest through.
Can the Minister assure me that an inspector from his Department would be prepared to discuss any further scheme with members of the development association who are trying to do so much for Kilmore?
That is broader. Certainly.