I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 to 197, inclusive, and 199 together.
In July 2000, I approved a grant of €1.84 million to Mayo County Council in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy. 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 estimated at the time that the project would require an annual subsidy from my Department of €72,375.
The construction phase was scheduled to commence in 2002 and it was envisaged that the service would be fully operational by spring 2003. However, a delay was incurred as a result of an objection lodged with An Bord Pleanála 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 became, in early 2003, the subject of an application for a High Court judicial review.
As a result of a settlement between Mayo County Council and the applicants, the application for a judicial review was withdrawn. Mayo County Council subsequently, in late October 2003, sought my Department's approval to proceed with the acquisition of certain lands and the appointment of consultants to prepare contract documents for the project.
Mayo County Council has a compulsory purchase order which is operative at the moment on the aforementioned land. It has until 15 April 2005 to serve a notice to treat in respect of this order, thus creating a contractual obligation on behalf of the council to purchase the land.
A contract has been entered into by Mayo County Council for the purchase of other lands, and carrying out of other ancillary works, for the project at a cost of €43,500. Amounts of €69,105.37 and €5,738.50 have been spent on consultancy and legal fees respectively associated with the project. An amount of €2,648.64 has also been paid for stenography services associated with An Bord Pleanála's oral hearing. In addition, a sum of €115,549 has been paid for the installation of three-phase electricity on the island, while in 1999 a refund of €4,334 was made to a local community group in respect of costs incurred by it in progressing the project.
I indicated earlier this year that this project would be progressed as expeditiously as possible. In view of the time that has elapsed since it was originally approved for funding, I have decided that it would be appropriate, in line with current guidelines and best practice for securing value for money for the Exchequer in respect of capital expenditure, to carry out a review of the 1999 report of the consultant engineers on the project. This review will include an analysis of social as well as economic costs and benefits.
Tenders have now been sought from qualified consultants to carry out this review, with a closing date of 10 December 2004 for receipt of tenders. A copy of the terms of reference is being forwarded to the Deputy. The steering committee to oversee this review will consist of representatives of Mayo County Council and my Department. While the island community will not be represented on the committee, it will be kept fully appraised of developments.
It is not feasible at this stage, in view of the project's current status, to forecast accurately the level of future funding that will be required. However, on completion of the review, Mayo County Council's application to proceed with the project will be considered in the context of the review's findings, the funding available to my Department for island development and the various other demands on that funding. In the meantime a scheduled ferry service has been provided from the island to Doran's Point near Ballycroy with connecting bus services.