asked the Minister for Finance the up-to-date position in regard to the EEC proposals for cross-Border development; and if he will outline the schemes which are afoot.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Development.
19.
The regulation which governs the cross-Border scheme stipulates that a programme for the development of the Border counties be prepared and be submitted to the Commission for their examination and agreement to the work schedule outlined therein. If accepted the programme is then submitted to the European Regional Development Fund Management Committee for their approval.
My Department have prepared this programme and have submitted it to Brussels—indeed Ireland was the first of the member states who are benefiting under the regional fund non-quota section to prepare and submit a programme. At present the programme is being examined by the Commission and we expect to have it approved in the course of the next few months.
The measures included in the programme are: (1) development of tourist accommodation and tourism promotion; (2) improvement of telecommunications; minor roads and tourist amenitites; (3) development of craft industries; (4) development of the market potential of small industries; (5) improving the accessibility of Border counties by the improvement of transport facilities including the development of airports in east Donegal and Sligo; (6) the development of Glenveigh National park; (7) the development of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre; (8) the development of an Art Gallery at Church Hill, County Donegal.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I note what the Minister has included in this cross-Border scheme but I understood the Minister for Foreign Affairs to tell me that this scheme was confined to Border counties. Does the Minister agree that Sligo is not a Border county and will he explain how this substantial amount of this cross-Border fund is being allocated to that county?
My understanding is that Sligo is a major centre near the Border but I should like to have an opportunity of checking the specific details. I will supply the Deputy with the necessary information.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am obliged to the Minister. I should like to point out that I understood the Minister for Foreign Affairs to state that it would be a breach of the directive to apply these funds to any county which was not a Border county. For the Minister's information I should like to tell him that it is now being argued that because one can gain access through Sligo to Border counties it qualifies. The Minister should bear in mind that that same argument could be made in relation to Dublin Airport or any other airport that is miles away from the Border. The Minister should observe the directive strictly and apply all the funds to Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal, the five Border counties.
While accepting the point made by the Deputy about places like Dublin Airport I should like to remark that I do not think that would be a realistic approach. I can see a lot of commonsense in using Sligo as a focal point for areas close to the Border. I will investigate the matter in view of what the Deputy said about a reply given by a colleague and report back to him.
(Cavan-Monaghan): If the Minister feels that an airport is necessary in Sligo he should provide it out of national funds and leave the EEC funds for the counties intended.
I would like to see this fund doing what is best for cross-border co-operation development that is so necessary. That would be my primary concern and I would not be guided by possible parochial interests of any Deputy.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister realise that there is only £20 million involved and that this money has to cover five counties over a period of five years? Only £5 million will be available for each year and if that amount is to be split over counties it was never intended for it will not be of much use to anybody.
As I promised the Deputy, I will investigate the matter further. Honestly, I can see a good case for Sligo.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister is running for cover already.
No I am not but the Deputy is watching his little patch.