asked the Minister for Transport and Power the amount of money he intends to allocate in the present calendar year towards the second stage of the Bord Fáilte east end scheme at Kilkee, County Clare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Resort Development Scheme.
16.
Moneys are provided annually for the Major Resort Development Scheme under a separate grant-in-aid subhead of my Department's Vote. The allocation of the grant-in-aid funds for the scheme is a matter for Bord Fáilte.
In the early stages of the scheme, attention was concentrated on land acquisition, preparation of development plans, consultations with local authorities, et cetera. Accordingly, the rate of expenditure and the progress of development work was on a comparatively modest scale. Within recent years, Bord Fáilte have reached the stage where plans have been agreed for development schemes at a number of resorts and a considerable amount of development work could now be undertaken. The cost of implementing all the proposed work within a short period would, however, be prohibitive and, in the circumstances, the schemes must be carried out in a planned orderly sequence.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that it is hoped to complete the first stage of the east end scheme at Kilkee in May, 1971. The board do not expect to be able to provide funds for the second stage of the scheme in 1971 because of other commitments under the Major Resort Development Scheme.
Is the Minister aware that it is necessary to give an adequate sum for the prevention of coast erosion in Kilkee which is a major resort? The sooner steps are taken in this matter the better. Such work will safeguard the town from coast erosion.
I have every sympathy with any resort in County Clare.