Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 3

Written Answers - Infrastructural Developments.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

133 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her response to the Donegal task force report which was presented in June 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18910/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

I received the report of the Donegal task force on 1 July 1999 and arranged to have it presented to Government as soon as possible.

The report presents a detailed analysis of the development challenge facing the county and recommends a seven year development strategy to implement the investment priorities identified. The timing of the report is particularly appropriate as it enables the investment programme recommended to be considered in the context of preparing the National Development Plan 2000-06. Sustainable economic and employment growth and the promotion of balanced regional development will be among the key objectives of the national development plan. It will also include measures to tackle Ireland's infrastructural deficit as a potential major constraint on competitiveness, economic progress and social development. The report of the Donegal task force makes a wide range of recommendations which are consistent with these objectives. Accordingly, on my recommendation, the Government decided on 14 July that all relevant Departments should examine the report and consider the investment priorities it proposes in drafting the operational programmes of the national development plan.

I have arranged to meet with the chairman and members of the task force on 8 October, to discuss follow-up action on the report.