I propose to answer Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
In November 1994, my Department contributed £5,000 to the Ballina Industrial and Development Association and Killala Community Council towards the cost of carrying out an economic and feasibility study, undertaken by a firm of consultant engineers, McCarthy and Partners, of proposed deep water berthing facilities at Ross Point, Killala, County Mayo. This study was a follow on to earlier studies carried out in 1978 and again in 1983 by McCarthy and Partners.
As the Deputy will appreciate it is essential that any investment decisions in relation to the Ross Point proposal be well grounded and have full regard to the findings of this exhaustive assessment. Undoubtedly the attractions of the region and proposed jetty to industry, as outlined in the conclusions of the report prepared by McCarthy and Partners, are easily recognised.