Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2004
214 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received a request for €1.685 million by a working group (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position regarding same; if consideration will be given to this package; and when the necessary funding will be supplied. [28553/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware lead responsibility in this instance lies with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department has, however, played an active role within the framework of its own remit, in the process of dealing with the effects of the landslides of September 2003 and was represented on the Pollathomas implementation working group set up in March 2004. Pollathomas is a designated Gaeltacht area and, as Minister with responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs, I have visited the area on numerous occasions and discussed progress with those involved and with Mayo County Council. My Department has made a total of €148,115 in funding available to date for repair works to the graveyard, walls and roads in the area. I have noted the contents of the final report of the working group, which outlines the work that remains to be undertaken.
While my Department will continue to assist in every way possible with the completion of the remaining works necessary as result of the landslides, I must point out that limited funding is available to it for capital projects under the Gaeltacht improvement schemes. This funding is allocated to diverse projects in all Gaeltacht areas, including strategic roads, access roads, bog roads, village renewal, strategic Gaeltacht piers and community and leisure facilities.
