Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022
244. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of any engagement her Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the proposal for the development of a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development are owners of the lands referred to by the Deputy. The Department have been considering options for the future of the site following a consultation process which took place in 2017.
One proposal supported by local submissions was for the location of a coastguard station on the site. The Department agreed to allow the Coastguard to develop their proposals. As a result, the OPW on behalf of the Coastguard have developed a draft plan of what is proposed on part of the site. The OPW are now moving ahead with this proposal including contacting the local authority in relation to acquiring planning permission.
The Department were also approached by a development group requesting permission to explore the possibility of another development on part of the site. I have met with this group on two occasions as have officials from my Department.
The Department granted permission for the group’s consultants to undertake investigative works at the site to explore the potential for the proposal. However, there are a number of substantial issues which arise for consideration before the Department will be in a position to make any further decisions regarding the proposal including the completion of the planning process for the coastguard station.
