Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:4 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Taoiseach the current position on the flagship projects he is dealing with for the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7643/97]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Western Development.
The Western Development Commission has been appointed to promote the economic and social development of the region. It will add value and focus to the activities of State agencies and local development organisations in the region. It will encourage enterprise and job creation. The Western Investment Fund will provide the necessary long-term venture capital and equity for developing businesses in the western region. It is too early at this stage to say precisely what projects will receive aid from the fund. The Government is making available from the Exchequer up to £25 million over six years as matching funds. The commission will be provided with the necessary resources for promotion and management.
I am disappointed with the Minister's reply. He referred to three flagship projects during a previous Question Time. In his discussions with the Western Development Commission did he put forward a proposal to retain the railway system, particularly the freight lines, in the west?
When I last spoke about this matter, the Western Development Commission was in the process of establishing its programme. I have met Iarnród Éireann's former chief executive, Mr. Waters, and the newly appointed chief executive, Mr. Maher and we discussed the matter of western railways and the western corridor. Like Deputy Kitt — I acknowledge his support for this matter — I am anxious that the freight line between Limerick and Claremorris will be brought up to a proper standard and it will be fully utilised. Mr. Maher and his management team are examining a venture capital project that may be put to the Western Development Commission for assessment. I encouraged them to examine all the details and they said they would return to me quickly on the matter. I have not received a reply but I expect it soon.
On the welcome change in policy concerning the IDA promotion of smaller towns for industry, has the Minister met members of the IDA with a view to locating projects in smaller towns where land or advance factories are available?
I met the chief executive and officials of the IDA and impressed on them the need to develop a full plan for the western region. I asked them to put particular emphasis on the use of the educational facilities in the west, particularly at third level. I had in mind industrial parks of the nature of Plassey Park in Limerick and proposed that, together with the Western Development Commission, they consider industrial development parks for Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar, Athlone, Galway and Limerick. We hope to hold meetings with the management of regional technical colleges in the near future with a view to promoting this idea.
Is there a flagship project in the pipeline for west Cork?
I am pleased to tell the Deputy that the pontoon pier is well advanced and will provide a new access to Bere Island. The eastern part of that picturesque area will attract more visitors as a result of my initiative. I hope to announce more new initiatives for that area in the near future.
Will Deputy Walsh agree that Mallow racecourse is an ample flagship for that area?
It is not in his constituency.
We hear the Olympic sailing trials may be held there in the near year or two.
I am not sure if coastal matters should bring to mind Mallow racecourse.
Let us not stray too far from the west.
Does the Minister of State plan to upgrade the ferry services to Oileán Cléire, Sherkin Island, Hare Island, Bere Island and Whiddy Island off the south west coast of Cork?
That is a specific matter worthy of a separate question.
I might accuse the Minister of doing more for areas outside the western region. The Minister referred to a number of flagship projects for the western region. Where will they be located and how many jobs will be involved?
I cannot anticipate what the Western Development Commission will decide. I am devising flagship projects, such as the one for the railways, for its assessment. Other projects were mentioned in the Western Development Partnership Board's report and I am pursuing those as they arise. It is a question of devising projects to help the Western Development Commission to make an assessment on them.