Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

While I thank the Minister for his reply, I had hoped for a more specific answer. I accept he is still reviewing the applications. Ballycroy is a Mayo village which has suffered very heavily from depopulation to the extent that it has lost half of its people over the years. The community is fighting hard to come back and has done trojan work to reclaim from a bog a sports pitch that has been rolled and seeded. The community is a great tribute to the country. The work needs to be completed and while the community has done its best to raise funds, further help is required.

Essential off-pitch facilities require plumbing for toilets and electrical and carpentry work. I will give the Minister an idea of how essential is the work. I attended the recent sad occasion of the death of the referee Mr. John Mulligan, to whose commitment to the GAA and hard work over the years I pay tribute. While Mr. Mulligan's passing was inevitable in the circumstances, it would have been better if the off-pitch facilities had been available to provide some privacy.

I hope the Minister will look favourably on the application in question. There is one toilet at the field whereas seven are needed. All sports are played in the field and I hope the Minister will support people who have done their best.

See this speech in context