asked the Minister for Finance if he will state his views regarding the future of county development teams; and the amount of money that was paid out of the western development fund during 1976 as a result of the initiative of county development teams.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Development Fund.
32.
I am satisfied that there will be a continuing need for the service provided by the county development teams which has proved very successful in stimulating economic development in western counties. In common with other official agencies engaged on development work, the organisation and functions of teams are kept under review to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The amount of grants paid from the special regional development fund in 1976 was £332,508.
33.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will make grants available from the western development fund to develop Bere Island, County Cork.
I would be happy to consider proposals for grants from the special regional development fund for suitable projects on Bere Island. As I have indicated previously to the Deputy, this fund may assist only worthwhile economic projects which do not come within the terms of another State scheme. Proposals for assistance from the fund should be submitted in the first instance to the West Cork County Development Team.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the need for the improvement of piers, slipways, harbours, roads and schools in Bere Island? If proposals come forward from the West Cork County Development Team, would he consider them for grant aid from the western development fund?
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question by him on 1st July, 1975, in which it was indicated that if there were existing sources of Exchequer and local authority finance for proposals such as these, it would not be appropriate, indeed it would be contrary to the recommendation of the all-party Public Accounts Committee, to make an allocation for these purposes from the special regional development fund.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the development of piers, harbours, roads and schools is fundamental to the development of the island as a whole and that he should reconsider this whole situation for grant aid purpose?
I will bear that thought in mind.