asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he proposes to sanction a grant for the provision of a much needed youth hostel in Limerick city; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick City Youth Hostel.
57.
Mr. O'Donnell
Bord Fáilte administered a scheme of grants to An Óige for the development of youth hostel accommodation. The levels of grants are 80 per cent in western areas and 50 per cent elsewhere. The 50 per cent level applies to Limerick city.
I explained in reply to a similar question by the Deputy on the subject on 9th July, 1970, that the site then being discussed by An Óige with Bord Fáilte for a Limerick hostel would not qualify for an 80 per cent grant because it was not in the western area. Bord Fáilte were of the opinion that it should be possible to find a location for a hostel within reasonable walking distance of the city, which would qualify for the higher rate of grant. I am informed by Bord Fáilte that there have been no developments on that point in the meantime.
Mr. O'Donnell
Because of the desirability of encouraging this type of accommodation and in view of the special need in Limerick for accommodation of this nature, would the Minister consider increasing the grant from the normal 50 per cent to a more realistic figure especially since the balance has to be made up by voluntary effort on the part of An Óige? Would the Minister make it possible for Bord Fáilte to give a higher grant?
I will take it up with Bord Fáilte but the board would like to encourage An Óige to go out of the city to somewhere in the Shannon region where they would be nearer the landing point and where the 80 per cent grant would be available. I would ask the An Óige people and the other people in Limerick who are concerned to take some initiative in that respect. This was made known to them by me last July 12 months but so far they have not shown much initiative.