Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Donegal Airport.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

75 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will report on the costs incurred by Údarás na Gaeltachta in supporting a Swedish company (details supplied) in setting up a business at Carrickfinn Airport, County Donegal; if she has satisfied herself that the grants awarded to the airport comply with EU regulations; if she has further satisfied herself that the type of activity at this proposed plant is suitable for placing near a special area of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11178/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions No. 320 of 9 March and No. 477 of 23 March. In relation to the amount of grant aid sanctioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta for the company involved as I have previously stated details of the financial assistance sanctioned and paid by an tÚdarás will be published in the normal way in that body's annual report and accounts.

Following an assessment of the proposed development by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, I am satisfied that the type of activity proposed by this development will not adversely affect the conservation value of the candidate special area of conservation nor will it have a significant negative impact on the environment therein. In granting planning permission recently for this proposed development I note that the county council took on board the concerns of Dúchas by omitting the proposal to develop a playing pitch on the site of an intact priority habitat and I am satisfied with this.