Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Scott-Lennon and thank her for her presentation. On behalf of the Opposition, I thank her for accepting the job. We have no hesitation in confirming her as chair of the harbour's board. Often, I am taken by people like Ms Scott-Lennon who allow their names to go forward despite it being a considerable distraction from their own businesses. It is fantastic that someone of her calibre is prepared to take on a public service role.

Ms Scott-Lennon has demonstrated to me her passion for the tourism business as well as Dún Laoghaire. She is an excellent fit for the role and I wish her well in it. I like the fact that she has indicated her desire to remain in touch with the committee and to revert to us concerning future development plans. She knows what she is getting into, as she has sat on the board previously. The committee has encountered chairpersons from various sectors who did not have the necessary experience to take on their roles.

Ms Scott-Lennon referred to the diaspora centre and clearly set out her expectation that the State would provide some funding. How will the other activities envisaged in the master plan be funded? Is it hoped to fund them privately or is State assistance expected? What other difficulties will present in developing the master plan? I understand that it is before An Bord Pleanála. The planning process can be a question of how long is a piece of string, but does Ms Scott-Lennon have a timeframe for a decision? What is the timeframe for the project's completion?