Vol. 535 No. 2
139 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the current status of the funding for the Energy Valley Project, Arigna, County Roscommon; when this funding will be approved; the reason for the current delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12472/01]
As I explained in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 107 of 3 April last, the grant aid of £600,000 towards the Arigna mining heritage project was approved in principle by the Minister for Finance subject to the promoters submitting detailed business plans showing the viability of the project.
I commissioned a consultant's report on the project, and I discussed the report with the Arigna Energy Valley Company at a meeting on 10 April. There is a difference of opinion between the consultants and the promoters on basic costings and projections. The present position is that the consultants will be meeting the promoters again in Arigna in the near future with a view to agreeing a realistic business plan for the project.
I recognise the value of this project in a largely disadvantaged area, but final approval of grant aid is contingent upon establishing the viability of the project.
I will keep the Deputy informed.
