I am grateful to you, Sir, for allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment. Perhaps, in the order of political events of the day, it may seem insignificant but to the Ballyheigue Development Association, it is a matter of extreme importance.
First I will give some background information to the House. Last year under their amenity grant scheme, Kerry County Council paid an amenity grant to Ballyheighue Development Association to carry out work on the beach at Ballyheigue. The work was part of a two part programme, first to carry out general improvements to the beach and to extend the promenade and second to carry out some works in relation to coastal erosion. The work was funded by way of a direct grant from the Department of the Environment to Kerry County Council which was topped up by a 40 per cent contribution from Kerry County Council. At this stage the work is incomplete and Ballyheigue Development Association are awaiting the allocation for this year. I understand that an application has been lodged with the Department.
Unless confirmation is given within days that the grant will be extended, the workers on the scheme will have to be laid off and there will be a break in the work. The development association had hoped that the work would take place prior to the summer tourist season. Obviously, from the amenity value of Ballyheigue beach, one of the finer beaches in County Kerry, it is important that the work is carried out as soon a possible. I understand from the Department of the Environment that the file is on the Minister's desk. The Minister for the Environment has received deputations from Ballyheigue Development Association but they did not know at the time that the Minister of State has responsibility for grant allocations in these matters. The development association were very disappointed to learn that their deputation was in vain because they were talking to the wrong person.
The Minister of State has responsibility for distributing the funds of £500,000 that are available. I urge the Minister tonight to make the decision as quickly as possible to complete the work that commenced last year and commence the new project. However, if the allocation is not made within the next couple of days — I understand the allocation will be forthcoming sometime during 1991 — the county council workers cannot continue to work on site. Work to extend the promenade, and the continuing work to prevent coastal erosion, which is an ongoing problem should be continued. It would certainly be more professional and workmanlike if the grant was made available now. Kerry County Council have their portion of the money in reserve and are only waiting for approval from the Department. As soon as the grant is available from the Department it will be topped up by Kerry County Council.
