Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not concerned about the sum of €8.8 million that has been provided because it will be difficult to spend it quickly. On a practical issue, difficulties were encountered previously in certain areas that are designated national heritage areas and special areas of conservation. For example, one needs permission to use a bag of cement on certain piers. I recall when the deck of a pier in Coill Saileach was being raised we had to wait for a year for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, to clear the proposal because the bay is located in a special area of conservation. Has the Department arranged with the NPWS a díolúine - an exemption - for the emergency works to allow works to proceed? We must avoid projects being held up and money that has been allocated being left unspent. I predict that it will be difficult to spend the €8.8 million this year. This is an issue of budgeting for future years. The problem is not one of securing money but of spending it.