Michael Ring
Question:387 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the cable car project for Inishbiggle, County Mayo. [26397/02]
Written Answers. - Offshore Islands.
In July 2000, I approved a grant of €1.84 million to Mayo County Council for the provision of a cablecar and associated services between Inishbiggle and the mainland at Bullsmouth. This grant was based on a total estimated construction cost of €2.03 million with Mayo County Council to provide the balance of €0.19 million.
It was hoped construction of the cablecar would have commenced this year and that the service would be fully operational by the spring of 2003. However, an unforeseen delay was incurred as a result of an objection lodged with An Bord Pleanála last year against one of the compulsory purchase orders in respect of the land required for the project. While An Bord Pleanála subsequently confirmed the said compulsory purchase orders, this decision is currently the subject of a judicial review which, it is hoped, will be heard in the High Court early in the new year. The Deputy will appreciate that the project cannot be progressed any further until the judicial review process is completed.