asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has any plans for the development of the natural harbour of Inishlyre in Clew Bay, County Mayo; and if he is aware that it has potential for tourist, fishing and commercial development.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Harbour Development.
38.
There are no proposals before my Department for the commercial development of Inishlyre. Bord Fáilte have informed me that they have no plans for its development as tourist sea-angling is centred on Westport and services Clew Bay from that centre.
In view of the importance of sea angling to tourism, particularly in the area concerned where tourism has been expanding at a vast rate, and in view also of the recent developments in fishing in the area, would the Minister be prepared to reconsider the proposals and have this area re-examined for development?
My understanding is that there is a thriving sea angling centre at Westport which is only three miles distant by sea from Inishlyre.
The position is that Westport harbour is tidal and access to it is not easy at all stages of the tide. There is great demand locally for the type of development for which I have asked.
If the Deputy would like to put forward any proposals from either the local tourist board or from any local interest there might be, I will certainly undertake to have any such proposals examined.
Perhaps the Minister is aware that his Department, through Bord Fáilte, made an offer of a grant a short time ago——
The Deputy is not asking a question.
It is relevant to the topic.
Deputy Crowley is not the Ceann Comhairle.
(Interruptions.)
Deputies should allow the Chair to control the business of the House. Deputy Staunton is a new Deputy. He must ask a question but he must not be shouted down.
Is the Minister aware that should the development of this harbour become a reality it would be necessary, because of its remoteness from the town of Westport and the indirect access to it, that a new road be built from Westport directly to the harbour and that Bord Fáilte, for which he is responsible, made an offer of a grant of £40,000——
The Deputy is developing this into an argument. He is not helping the Chair in the liberty he is taking.
——which was rejected by Mayo County Council, the majority of which council belong to the same party as Deputy Gallagher?
I am not so aware. That would be a matter between Bord Fáilte and Mayo County Council.
Is the Minister aware that in respect of the road referred to by Deputy Staunton, that grant was given by the former Government and the road is now being built?
The Deputy should have done his homework.