Vol. 468 No. 4
5 Mr. Nealon asked the Taoiseach the decisions, if any, that have been made regarding the allocation of grants from the £1 million available to him for the improvement of access to islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15128/96]
In line with recommendations of the report of the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development, each local authority, in consultation with their Islands Committee and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, has prepared a programme of priority works for the islands within its jurisdiction. These programmes of work will form the basis for the allocation of funding from the additional £1 million, which the Government have made available specifically for the provision of improved access to islands in 1996.
The proposals in the programmes of work submitted by the relevant local authorities are currently being assessed by the Intedepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development. Further detailed information has been requested in order that these assessments may be completed. I hope to be in a position to announce the allocation of grants thereafter.
