Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:3 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach when a decision will be made on an application for funding for a feasibility study on the provision of an airstrip in Inishbofin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24636/96]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Island Airstrip.
The proposal to develop an airstrip on Inishbofin island is one of the priority access projects selected by the islands committee of Galway County Council. I support the approach being taken by the council and the Inishbofin Development Company to have a detailed feasibility study carried out on a proposed development. As soon as certain administrative procedures in connection with the feasibility study are completed, I hope to be in a position to allocate funding towards this project.
I welcome the Minister of State's reply. However, I am disappointed that it has taken so long to get this far. It was the number one priority of Galway County Council's submission last June. When will the Minister sanction this feasibility grant and when does he hope to have the feasibility study completed? Is it his intention to sanction a similar study on the construction of an airstrip on Clare Island and Inishturk as the viability of airstrips on those islands will depend on developing the three islands together?
The Deputy has good knowledge of the islands. He gives them very good support in the House, and I admire him for that. Before funding can be allocated to any project involving the engagement of consultants standard practices must be complied with, and that is the reason for the delay. Galway County Council has advised that in order for it to prepare a business plan it will require expert assistance. The council is in the process of selecting a consultant. When the original application was made for Inishbofin it involved an estimated £100,000. A feasibility study would be required in that case. The estimate was later revised to £20,000. Galway County Council has been in continual contact with the interdepartmental committee about this matter and progress will be made quickly.
I am aware of the views of the people on Inishbofin and the need to develop the strips on other islands such as Clare Island and Inishturk. However, Mayo County Council has not made a submission in that regard. In examining the matter the committee will probably abide by the wishes of the islanders. A new ferry was launched last year for Clare Island, costing a little more than £500,000. A song released about life on Clare Island refers to the new ferry from Roonah to Clare Island. Life on the islands has improved in recent times.
Since the Minister has broadened the question, will he agree it is extraordinary that non-Gaeltacht islands are the only islands without subsidised ferry services? Does he intend to rectify that matter in 1997, particularly in view of the withdrawal of services from the island, including the imminent closure of the one shop on Inishbofin?
I am disappointed the number of people on Inishbofin has fallen. The last census showed a decrease of approximately 30 between 1991 and 1996, from 181 to 150. That does not auger well. We are most anxious to assist the people on Inishbofin and will examine the matter of ferry subsidies during 1997. The committee decided that in the first year access would be a priority. Proposals for subsidising non-Gaeltacht island ferries will be favourably examined.