asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the major and minor resort development fund, administered by Bord Fáilte is committed for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Resort Development Fund.
1.
Moneys are provided annually for the major resort development scheme under a separate grant-in-aid subhead of my Department's Vote. The scheme, which was inaugurated in 1959, applies to 17 major resorts and resort areas which have been designated by Bord Fáilte. Information about the works carried out under the scheme and the total expenditure to date in each case is set out in the board's annual reports.
In the early stages of the scheme, attention was concentrated on land acquisition, preparation of development plans, consultations with local authorities, et cetera. Accordingly, the rate of expenditure and the progress of development work was on a comparatively modest scale. Within the past year or so, Bord Fáilte have reached a stage where plans have been finalised and agreed for development schemes at a number of resorts and a considerable amount of development work could now be undertaken. The cost of implementing all of the proposed work at the same time or within a short period would, however, be beyond the resources of the Exchequer.
Last year £400,000 was provided by the Government for major resort works and it is proposed to make a similar amount available this year. This will bring the total spent by Bord Fáilte on major resort development to more than £2.5 million. The amounts to be allocated in 1971-72 and 1972-73 have not yet been determined and it would not be correct, therefore, to say that the finances are committed for those years. However, having regard to the number of projects that are awaiting execution and the scale of total expenditure involved, it is clear that expenditure by Bord Fáilte on resort development works for the next few years will have to be directed in the main towards the implementation on a phased basis of development projects already drawn up.
There is no specific provision in my Department's Vote for minor resort development. However, out of the general grant-in-aid which is made to Bord Fáilte to cover operational expenses including all marketing and many miscellaneous developmental activities, the board endeavour to set aside an allocation for improvement and amenity works at resorts and other locations which are not designated under the major resort scheme. Here again, the total amount to be provided by way of general grant-in-aid to Bord Fáilte over the next few years has not yet been determined and it would not be strictly correct, therefore, to talk about funds being committed for three years ahead. Having regard, however, to the number and extent of the competing demands on Bord Fáilte for assistance for minor resort works I would expect that the amount of the board's allocations would be unlikely to cover all the projects deserving assistance.
Where Bord Fáilte propose development works do they consult with the local authorities in each case or do they act independently?
In consultation, very much so.