Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 2

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastal Areas Storm Damage.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

6 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has been fully appraised of the damage to tourist resorts and facilities in the south and south-eastern coastal areas caused by the storm of 16 and 17 December 1989; the consultations, if any, he has had in this regard with the Minister for the Marine and the Minister for the Environment; and the measures he intends to take to assist the areas and individuals affected to ensure that their tourist potential for 1990 and subsequent years will not be damaged.

Mr. S. Brennan

I have no statutory function in relation to this matter which I understand comes within the brief of my colleagues, the Minister for the Environment and the Marine.

Mr. Deasy

I am sure the Minister is concerned about the destruction of tourist resorts. Is the Minister aware that the three leading tourist resorts in Waterford — Ardmore, Bunmahon and Tramore — were savaged by recent storms and that their potential is in great danger? Is he prepared to do something about it?

Mr. S. Brennan

I am concerned about the destruction of any resort since my brief covers the tourism area. I will certainly convey the Deputy's concerns to my colleagues at the Department of the Environment and the Department of the Marine and draw their attention to the areas mentioned.

Mr. Deasy

The question was put down two weeks ago and I would have thought the Minister would in the meantime have consulted his colleagues. I can only deduce from what happened yesterday, when £1 million was granted to Wexford and Wicklow, that we are seeing political patronage of the worst kind. Waterford has been worse affected than any other part of the country by the storm in question and should have received a sizeable amount of money, irrespective of whether money was given to any other area. The county engineer in Waterford estimates that it will cost £11.5 million to rectify the damage done.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am anxious to assist the Deputy in eliciting information but he may not embark on a speech.

Mr. Deasy

The question has been down for two weeks.

An Ceann Comhairle

That may be so.

Mr. S. Brennan

To the wrong Minister.

Mr. Deasy

I am absolutely disgusted that the Minister has not concerned himself because of the damage to the tourism industry.

Mr. S. Brennan

I am concerned, but the Deputy has enough experience to know that this question is down to the wrong Minister.

Mr. J. Bruton

Why did the Minister accept it for answer?

An Ceann Comhairle

Question No. 7, please.

Mr. Deasy

This is political favouritism of the worst kind.

An Ceann Comhairle

This question should not give rise to disorder.

Mr. Deasy

I am insisting that the Minister give some commitment to the House that funds will be made available, whether from the national Exchequer or from the Structural Funds in Europe.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have given Deputy Deasy a good deal of latitude but he must obey the Chair in the final analysis. I am calling Deputy Kavanagh.

Mr. J. Bruton

On a point of order——

An Ceann Comhairle

Sorry, Deputy. I am on my feet deliberating in this House.

Mr. J. Bruton

I wish to draw your attention——

An Ceann Comhairle

To what?

Mr. J. Bruton

To a point of order.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am dealing with a point of disorder.

Mr. J. Bruton

Perhaps a point of order might help allay the disorder.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Deasy will have to resume his seat.

Mr. Deasy

I put the question down and I have got no answer.

An Ceann Comhairle

I hesitate to ask the Deputy to leave the House but he will leave me no discretion in the matter if he persists in defying the Chair.

Mr. Deasy

I want some commitment.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Deasy, you have persistently refused to obey the Chair. I must now ask you to leave the House.

Mr. Deasy

One million pounds was given to Wicklow and Wexford. I can only call it political patronage of the worst kind.

An Ceann Comhairle

Either resume you seat forthwith or leave the House.

Deputy Deasy withdrew.

Mr. Kavanagh

Is the Minister aware of the danger to the Dublin-Rosslare railway line in the Wicklow area, particularly around Kilcoole and Ballygannon, as a result of the storms mentioned in this question? What action does he intend to take to ensure that the railway line continues in operation? Operations were stopped for a week just before Christmas and there is a danger that the line will again be interfered with due to the adverse weather conditions we are experiencing today.

Mr. S. Brennan

I have no notice of this specific question but if the Deputy is concerned about it I will take up the matter immediately with the board of CIE.

Mr. Garland

Is the Minister aware of the considerable damage to the beach at Rosslare Harbour? Is he also aware that the sum voted in the budget for the repair of the damage in Kilmore Quay is very inadequate at only £100,000?

An Ceann Comhairle

We are having an extension of the subject matter of this question.