asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will instruct Bord Fáilte to ratify the numerous applications for grants presently before the board as a matter of urgency to ensure that hotels and guesthouses will have the necessary works completed for the 1980 tourist season.
Written Answers. - Bord Fáilte Grants.
239.
The Bord Fáilte new hotel bedroom scheme was launched on 11 October 1979 and the final date for receipt of applications was 23 November 1979. As the Deputy is aware, the scheme is a selective one so that the applications will require a certain amount of processing and evaluation to ensure an appropriate spread of development to match needs over the next few years. Not all of the proposals will be intended for implementation in 1980. Bord Fáilte inform me that they recognise the need for a quick response and are giving this activity top priority. The full picture will not however emerge for some little time. In the meantime a start has been made in the issue of approvals in urgent cases.