asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when work will begin on the provision of landing and anchorage facilities at Darby's Point, Achill, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Achill Landing Facilities.
41.
Proposals for the improvement of facilities at Darby's Point are still under discussion and I cannot yet say what new works may be finally approved or when, having regard to the financial situation, they can be carried out.
Could the Minister give any indication at all? These people have been waiting for years for this and the Minister's colleague, the Minister for Justice, told them that when they got six boats, they would get the facilities. There are about 12 boats there now and Deputy Faulkner, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Gaeltacht, was there lately; he is described as having got out of his car, looked into the tide, got into his car again and gone away.
What did the Deputy expect me to do—jump into the tide?
Is there any hope at all that these people will be looked after?
We are anxious to provide these facilities as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that there are a certain number of boats there, that the people there are working hard?
I agree. I am anxious to see this work carried out.
It will be attended to when the Shannon has been drained. These are the priorities.
I appreciate the Deputy's anxiety and so does my colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Gaeltacht. We are anxious to get the work done as soon as possible.
That is little comfort to them.