Jim O'Keeffe
Question:119 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has for the development of island communities. [11370/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (71)
Written answers
My Department has taken great strides in developing the islands since 1997. The level of dedicated funding made available by my Department for island development has risen from under €2.5 million in 1997 to €13 million in 2004. Funding is, of course, also provided under other schemes operated by my Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta, in addition to other Departments and bodies.
I will continue to advance the development of island communities and the following measures are either in train or being planned: the full implementation of the Gaeltacht and islands harbours sub-measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; the advancement of a five year capital programme for the islands commencing in 2004; the implementation of appropriate recommendations of the recently published report on island transport services, a copy of which is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie; the introduction of a special fund aimed at assisting commercial enterprise on the non-Gaeltacht islands — the Gaeltacht islands are already served in this regard by Údarás na Gaeltachta; improved co-ordination of the provision of State services to island communities and improvement of other necessary services to islands.
Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 101.