asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has had any negotiation with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland for the connection of Lough Erne and the northern system of waterways with the River Shannon for the development of boating, cruisers and tourism in general.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterways Development.
14.
The Ballinamore/ Ballyconnell Canal, which forms a link between the Erne and the Shannon systems, has not been navigable for nearly a century. The question of the restoration of the canal involves engineering, financial and legal problems. It is not clear whether restoration would be feasible or whether restoration would yield benefits commensurate with the capital and maintenance costs involved. The canal is at present the subject of an engineering study by the Office of Public Works and there have been consultations with the Northern Ireland authorities in connection with this survey. The next appropriate step would depend, of course, on the outcome of the survey.
Would the Minister be in a position to outline to the House the progress that has taken place in regard to the discussions with the representatives from the North of Ireland? Also would he agree that the canals at present are in a reasonable state and that the capital development expenditure would not be substantial?
I have not very much information in regard to the discussions to which the Deputy refers, but as to the cost, I am told it is likely to be very high. The question will arise as to how money such as this might be spent to best effect, whether it would be reasonable to spend the amount of money on this objective or whether it would be better spent elsewhere. However, as I say, I am waiting for the report of the survey before making any decision in the matter.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that the waterway he is talking about is known as the Woodford Canal in the area of Ballyconnell, County Cavan, and that if about £500,000, was spent, this would connect the river Erne and the river Shannon and would create one of the finest waterways in Europe? There is a very considerable demand for this. Furthermore, it is believed that if sufficient pressure was put on, an EEC grant could be availed of to do this cross-Border job which, as well as adding considerably to the economy of the area, would also be a very worth-while exercise in co-operation between the two parts of the country at this time?
My information is that the cost would be very high. I would agree that if it were possible to get an EEC grant that might put a different complexion on it.
Would the Minister not agree that the use of the Shannon could be expanded by bringing in this waterway and that the whole of this Northern Ireland system of waterways linked with the Shannon would provide one of the finest waterways in Europe and would have great potential for the development of the tourist industry throughout the length and breadth of Ireland?
As I said originally, my information is that the cost would be high, but I am waiting for the outcome of the survey before making up my mind in relation to it.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that during the term of office of the last Government pressure was being put on various bodies in an effort to get an EEC grant for this? Will the Minister give the House an undertaking that he will keep up this pressure in order to get what I would call a cross-Border EEC grant to do the job? I cannot think of a finer exercise in cross-Border co-operation than connecting the river Erne and the river Shannon.
I wish to give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
15.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his Department has any plans at present or is in the process of preparing plans to assist hoteliers and guesthouse owners by way of grants, rates allowances or any other incentives.
The provision of financial assistance for the development and improvement of tourist accommodation is a statutory function of Bord Fáilte but the terms of any such schemes and the financial provision made for them are subject to my approval. At present Bord Fáilte operate two grant schemes for hotels and guesthouses, one to encourage the repair and renewal of premises adversely affected by bad trading conditions and the other to assist owners to provide amenities and carry out improvements. Expenditure in this area has been running at a rate of over £1 million a year. In addition hotel and guesthouse owners benefit very substantially from Bord Fáilte expenditure on marketing and promotion.
There has been no general inadequacy in our stock of hotels and guesthouses in recent years and accordingly earlier schemes of financial assistance for the provision of additional accommodation are being phased out. There are no proposals before me at present for any new schemes of assistance. I am, however, in conjunction with Bord Fáilte, reviewing the general policy in relation to tourism and the adequacy of our present tourist facilities, including the accommodation sector, to ensure that there are no barriers to the expansion of the tourist traffic. This review will encompass all sectors of the tourist industry.
Would the Minister agree that, while there has been an overall increase in the amount of revenue generated by the tourist industry, the bed occupancy for 1975 and going back a considerable number of years is only about 40 per cent, and that this ratio indicates that hoteliers, guesthouse owners and so on are having difficulty in meeting their overhead costs? Surely some aids should be provided for them.
As I told the Deputy, I am reviewing the whole matter.
Would the Minister agree that there has been a reduction in the number of hotels and guesthouses? Would he consider having discussions with the Minister for the Environment with a view to having rates remission granted to people in this line of business? Otherwise people in hotels, guesthouses and even small farmhouses may decide not to continue providing this facility if rates are imposed on them.
All I can say is that I am reviewing the whole situation.
Surely the Minister will agree that the hotel industry is in need of a financial injection?
No. 16.