Vol. 558 No. 5
285 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be made available to extend the quay at Omeath, County Louth, to facilitate the landing of the tourist ferry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25157/02]
The Deputy will be aware that the recent announcements on the revised estimates for 2003 included major adjustments in marine spending. The very limited funds allocated to marine tourism in 2003 are already fully committed to a number of flagship projects.
This reduction in funding means there will be no funds available for any additional marine infrastructure projects under the NDP marine tourism grant scheme in 2003.
My Department remains committed to the development of marine infrastructure and it is my intention to reactivate the scheme when the budgetary situation improves.
