Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Jul 1986

Vol. 368 No. 9

Written Answers. - Galway Recreational Facilities.

49.

Mr. F. Fahey

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that no playing pitch or recreational facilities are being provided by Galway Corporation in the rapidly expanding Terryland area of Galway city; if he is aware of the extremely high cost of land which Galway Corporation are in the process of purchasing which will make development of this land impossible in the immediate future because of this abnormally high developed costs due to the difficult terrain in the area; and if, in view of those circumstances, he will make a special allocation available to Galway Corporation for the provision of such facilities.

50.

Mr. F. Fahey

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the urgent need to provide sport and recreational facilities such as a community centre and playing pitches at Ballybane, Galway; if he is aware that this large residential area with high unemployment levels and a growing young population has no recreational or playing facilities; if he accepts that Galway Corporation, because of lack of adequate finance, are unable to provide such facilities in the next few years; and if he will have his Department carry out a special investigation of the needs of this area with a view to making a special contribution available to Galway Corporation and Ballybane Community Council with a view to providing a community centre and playing pitches in this area.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Boland)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together. It is a matter for Galway Corporation to assess the needs in their area and plan for the provision of recreational facilities. I have no funds at my disposal which would enable me to grant-aid the provision of such facilities at Galway. Any proposals to provide open space as part of local authority housing development will, of course, be considered for capital funding and subsidy in the normal way. I am also prepared to consider any proposals put forward to me by Galway Corporation for borrowing for the purpose of providing recreational facilities, subject to the allocations made in the public capital programme.