asked the Minister for Finance if he has approved the coastal protection scheme at Enniscrone, County Sligo, under section 10 of the Coast Protection Act, 1963; and, if so, when work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Sligo Coast Protection.
25.
The consultations required under section 10 (5) of the Coast Protection Act, 1963, are proceeding. Subject to satisfactory completion of these consultations it is expected that work will commence this year.
I take it that the fact that consultations are going ahead is an indication that the scheme has been approved by the Minister. Would the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House when is "this year", what month?
It is the same as it was when the Deputy's party were on this side of the House. I met the Deputy with Deputy Gilhawley, who is also very active in connection with this scheme, not so long ago. The scheme was sent to the Department of Finance and the Department informed me this morning that they must consult other Departments in order to comply with the section in question. I expect work will start this year; I can give that assurance to the House.
Everybody is appreciative of the way the Parliamentary Secretary met deputations this year and in previous years. It was in order to ensure that the scheme goes ahead that I put this question down. Money is available and we want to see the red tape cut out so that the scheme will start in June at the latest.
The Department are ready to go ahead once they get clearance from other Departments.