Vol. 478 No. 1
3 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Taoiseach the provisions, if any, which are being made to provide a subsidy to ferry operators serving offshore islands not currently in receipt of a subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10430/97]
The provision of an adequate level of service in respect of all offshore island communities is central to ensuring the long-term viability of the islands. In this regard, the development of access services to islands has been given priority by the Government. Programmes of priority access works, prepared by each of the relevant local authorities, are being implemented. To date, I have approved grants of almost £1 million towards the cost of priority access projects.
I am also concerned that the issue of support for those islands, not currently in receipt of subsidised access services, should be addressed. I have written to each of the relevant local authorities requesting that their island committees carry out a detailed examination of the current levels of access to their respective islands.
In addition, I have also asked their island committees to carry out an assessment of the improvements required to meet the particular needs of each island concerned. The information provided by the local authority islands committees will be submitted for assessment to the interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on island development. Following consultation with Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, the interdepartmental committee will make recommendations to me on how best the issue of access to islands, not currently in receipt of subsidies, may be addressed.
Does the Minister accept there is an anomaly between Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht islands? What steps is he taking to remove the anomaly and to provide the same level of assistance to all islanders?
When appointed by the Taoiseach to this office I was aware of the inequity between Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht islands and was able to persuade the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance to allocate an additional £1 million to help offshore island communities. The report commissioned by the former Minister for the Marine, Deputy Andrews, was completed. In that, emphasis was placed on infrastructural access in the early years. Substantial funds have been given especially for Pontoon Pier in Cork, on which £328,000 has been spent and it is due to be completed this year. Almost £200,000 has been allocated for Whiddy Island pier and almost £40,000 for Dursey Island for access improvement.We are moving in the right direction. We await the considered view of the local islands committees on access to non-Gaeltacht islands, whether ferries serving those islands need subsidies and the degree to which they require them.
Does the Minister of State accept there is an additional and considerable cost to the communities in non-Gaeltacht islands in the supply of provisions and, for example, the movement of livestock to the mainland? It has gone beyond the stage of reports. The islanders want to know when the Minister of State will put a package together to have the same assistance available to all islanders.
The local islands committees are comprised of representatives from local authorities contiguous to the islands. In the Deputy's constituency, the seven Cork islands are represented on the local islands committee and the islanders can express their views there. Full knowledge of the travel requirements of people on offshore islands is available. When the plans are with the Department, I will ensure they are expedited quickly.
The communities on Sherkin Island, Clear Island, Long Island, Whiddy Island, Bear Island and Dursey Island want the level of support and assistance given to the Gaeltacht and they want to know when the Minister of State will be in a position to provide that.
I have asked the local islands committee.There has been a suspicion for a long time among islanders that local authorities had no interest in their development. I have succeeded, together with Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann in developing a partnership. I rely upon the thrust of partnership and community development for progress in this matter and it will be forthcoming.
Has the Minister of State any information on which ferry operators serving islands off the Donegal coast receive a subsidy and which await receipt of one? I understand a report is to be published but does the Minister of State have a timescale from the various island committees on when it started and when it will end? That would give a timescale to those who are seeking a subsidised ferry service.
I am happy Deputy Keaveney asked me about this because Donegal County Council is the most prompt. A group of officials there have full knowledge of what is happening on offshore islands. I am certain I will receive the Donegal report first. The council has been first in many other areas.
Will it be the first to receive money?
It has been very successful in its application this year. I am certain Deputy Keaveney knows that both Tory Island and Aran Island have been given substantial grants to improve their roads this year, which I am sure the islanders will appreciate, especially during 1997.
