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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Offshore Islands.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

34 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if the special transport subsidy arrangements for access which were available to islands off the west coast for the past two winters will be made available in respect of all inhabited islands off west Cork; the reason this has not occurred before; and when these arrangements will be put in place. [11091/99]

As I have already indicated to the House it is my intention that all island communities will have adequate and suitable access to the mainland. My Department is in the process of finalising a comprehensive analysis of the access requirements of all our populated offshore islands. As the Deputy is aware I announced capital funding last year of over £1.7 million towards access infrastructure for the inhabited islands off the coast of County Cork.

I hope to be in a position to make a decision with regard to the subsidisation of ferry services for the islands in question by the end of June. The Deputy is aware that the ferry services to Oileán Chléire are already being subsidised. It is my intention that subsidies will be provided elsewhere as necessary after public advertisement inviting tenders for the provision of those services.

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