asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a press release issued by the Foyle Development Organisation, Donegal Regional Development Organisation and Strabane District Council on a package for the development of Derry, Donegal and Strabane areas and if he will expedite its implementation in view of the prevailing conditions in the areas concerned.
Written Answers. - Derry, Donegal and Strabane Development.
318.
I am aware of the press release to which the Deputy refers and have received a copy of the joint report prepared by the Foyle Development Organisation, Donegal Regional Development Organisation and Strabane District Council on priorities for public investment in the Strabane, Derry and Donegal areas in a cross-Border context. This report outlines a comprehensive series of proposals for investment in the North-West. Taken together with the 1977 Communications Report there now exists an excellent source of guidance on the needs of the North-West, the priorities for expenditure and the manner in which the undoubted extensive resource and potential of the area can be properly developed and exploited. This present report is also of help in examining areas such as water and sewerage matters which are not included in the communications study.
While I am not in a position to give any commitment to the implementation of the various proposals that arise in the report I can inform the Deputy that I have brought the report to the attention of the various other Departments with direct responsibility for the areas covered in the report and have asked that they give it their fullest consideration. I would like to take this opportunity to put on record my appreciation of the work of all those involved in drawing up this report and to commend them on the spirit of co-operation and initiative that they have shown.