Enda Kenny
Ceist:5 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the contribution made by the State in the development of the Céide project in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Céide Fields Project.
The National Heritage Council are providing grant assistance towards the further scientific investigation and development of the Céide Fields project.
The Office of Public Works, in consultation with Mayo County Council, local and tourist interests, are providing an interpretative and visitor centre as part of the conservation and development of the site. The project is being financed with the assistance of the EC Structural Funds.
I was pleased that the Taoiseach took the opportunity to go there and, as a former recipient of the Mayoman of the Year award, he will be aware that the archaeologist on site is the present incumbent of that award. Is it possible to put a value on the amount of Structural Funds that will become available to this very important project? Secondly, in an area that has been blighted by emigration and where parishes have literally struggled to survive over succeeding generations, there are a number of other major projects linked to the Céide Fields project but, because of the European Structural Funds conditions, they cannot get underway. Will the Taoiseach see to it that in the context of the quinqua millennium celebrations, 1993 — if the Taoiseach is still in a position to do so — these projects will get continued finance from the heritage council?
That is the most wildly speculative suggestion I have ever heard — 1993. If the Deputy mentioned the end of the century, I could understand it. The Deputy and I share a view of the fundamental importance of this site. It is one of the most important discoveries of modern times. It opens up a whole new insight into the community Stone Age era. There is great credit due to the local people and particularly to the school teacher who first drew attention to the discovery, for the way in which they have fully supported it. I have a personal commitment to it, not just as a Mayo man but indeed as——
As a Dublin man.
(Interruptions.)
——as somebody who is absolutely fascinated by the ancient history of this country and particularly by the increasing revelation of the Stone Age people who lived in this country.
(Interruptions.)
Will I go on?
A Deputy
Do.
The amount of money provided by the EC Structural Funds is £1.3 million, and the Deputy can be assured that between himself, me and Deputy Sean Calleary——
(Interruptions.)
——and many others that this project and related projects will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
In view of the fact that the Taoiseach is wearing his red and green jersey today, that Mayo in 1993 will be celebrating Mayo 5000, with the focus very much on the Céide Fields project, and that it is anticipated that some 10,000 visitors per day will visit the site, will the Taoiseach be approachable on the issue of providing some special Government grant to at least do something in relation to the tortuous road which makes access so difficult?
The Deputy is bringing in extraneous matter.
It is very relevant.
A Deputy
They are 5000 years old.
They are a big improvement on the Stone Age, anyway.
(Interruptions.)
The project will receive full support.
Let us proceed to questions nominated for priority. May I say, as is my wont, these questions are priority questions for which only 15 minutes is provided in the Standing Orders of the House?