asked the Minister for Finance the projects sanctioned in County Galway as a result of the recent visit of his Minister of State; the locations and projects visited and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Project.
4.
The purpose of the visit was not to sanction projects. Locations in my area of responsibility which were visited included Portumna Harbour on the River Shannon and Portumna Castle.
I am delighted the Minister has admitted that her main purpose was to heal the rifts in her party in that area. Having examined the Portumna Castle project where 50 jobs could be created over five years and alluding to her earlier remarks from which it appears that most of the jobs in her Department are of a temporary nature, can the Minister give any commitment — after what she has seen at Portumna Castle or harbour — that she can sanction some project between now and Christmas?
All I sanctioned on my constituency visit, which was at the invitation of my constituency colleagues, was two seats for us next time round. More seriously, the Deputy's reference to Portumna Castle——
This is a serious project.
Yes, it is a very serious project, very serious indeed. The reroofing of the castle is included as part of the present works on Portumna Castle. It will proceed when funds are available and I am very keen that it will proceed as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that the timber for roofing Portumna Castle was delivered three years ago and is still in storage awaiting sanction of the necessary moneys to proceed with the work? In view of the high unemployment in the area and in view of the vast contribution that this castle could make to the development of tourism in SouthEast Galway and North Tipperary, will she now consider sanctioning the project for immediate commencement?
The Deputy might include on that list, in view of the Government's great commitment to that area, that we will proceed to reroof the castle when the funds are available.
There is no commitment to that area.
The Minister has a sense of humour.