I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me raise this matter on the Adjournment. Work was suspended recently on the Tipperary hostel project. The project was set up by a voluntary group in Tipperary town to restore an old famine building as a hostel project. Anybody who knows Tipperary town and area is aware this the project is in a RAPID town area. I understand financial contributions were made to the project by various Departments and, in particular, from the dormant accounts fund. The moneys were provided to support the development of the project and to support employment in a town such as Tipperary where there is a great need for employment and capable and skilled workers were recruited to carry out work on the project. Unfortunately, however, some weeks ago announcements were made in the media to the effect that the project was being stopped. People living in the locality find it difficult to understand why it has been stopped when the project is at the half-way stage. A great deal of voluntary work and effort, for which those involved must be commended, has been invested in this project. However, the project is only half-finished and the hostel, which contains a number of beautifully refurbished rooms, cannot be opened.
When I visited the site some weeks ago, I met 25 extremely disappointed men, skilled bricklayers, plasterers, stonecutters, carpenters and electricians, who had been informed that their services were no longer required on the project. I understand that they may be given places on projects in other communities — an eventuality which came to pass in recent days for some of them.
I am concerned that if the site is merely locked up and abandoned, it will be vandalised in the years to come. As a result, a huge amount of taxpayers' money will have been wasted. I request that the funding required to complete the project be given to the local authority or some other agency in order that the work can be brought to a conclusion. If work were completed, the hostel could be sold off as a going concern. There is a great need for a hostel of this kind in the area. It is located within walking distance of a railway station and there are many tourist attractions in west Tipperary. As a result, real potential exists in the context of creating long-term employment in the tourism sector. The Tipperary hostel project could be of major assistance in this regard.
I do not know what is contained in the Minister of State's reply. The downside of raising a matter on the Adjournment is that one does not know in advance what a Minister is likely to say. I urge him to ensure that the money that has already been spent does not go to waste. A way to revive the project must be found. The shutters must not be pulled down. Instead, we must build on the great work that has already been done in the locality.
