Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

The failure of Government to lead the funding necessary for the scouting project at the Castle Saunderson estate on the Clones to Cavan road along the Border must be explained to this House and to Scouting Ireland. As the letter from the company secretary stated: "While large amounts of funding were secured from donors and commitments received from Government and statutory agencies, the project itself was unable to raise the necessary matching funding within the required timeframe." It is strange that this issue should arise at a time when major questions are being raised by the Government over the Ulster Canal, another truly cross-Border project. The Ballybay Development Association wetlands project was not even viewed by the relevant Government authorities and yet was refused, while at the same time the Minister for Foreign Affairs issued a major statement advising that everybody must get involved and make sure that proper cross-Border projects are included in the national development plan for the next six years, which is now being developed.

Is it realistic for the Minister to request such a move when there has been clear Government inaction on the three most relevant cross-Border projects? The Ballybay wetlands project would involve all the schools of the region, North and South. The Ulster Canal would revolutionise tourism and has the backing of all sections of the community. The provision by Scouting Ireland of a jamboree structure at Castle Saunderson for the youth of the 32-county scouting organisation would bring enormous wealth to this hard-pressed Border area.

The Taoiseach visited the site in very difficult weather conditions. American donors and others were totally committed to the project. The cross-Border organisations are committed, yet once again the Government, with the exception of a small start-up grant, does not seem to understand the needs of the area. I realise no horse or greyhound tracks or other such activities are proposed and it is only for young people. However, I remind the Minister that 100% funding was provided for Punchestown without any evaluation. I understand generous grants were given in the Dundalk region for all-weather racing tracks. I urge that our sons and daughters in a truly cross-Border community project be reconsidered and that the necessary funding be provided. Some €3 million to €4 million would suffice and such money spent on encouraging our young people to take part in sport would more than be paid back through savings, not only in our health budget but also in Garda and security since young people would be doing something constructive and positive rather than causing problems.

Councillor John Scott, who is the chairman of Belturbet Town Council, like many others has been involved in scouting all his life and he, together with all his fellow town councillors, regardless of politics, wants this project funded and delivered. The intention was to open a peace and reconciliation youth activity centre on the 103-acre estate with lakes, rivers and forestry already on site. The site has an old church, castle and roadways.

In the past nine years the scouting organisations have come together on an all-Ireland basis. People on their behalf made contacts in the US for donations. They were in discussions with INTERREG, IFI and PEACE, all of which came on board. However, as happened in the Ballybay project, neither Fáilte Ireland nor any other Government body treated the project seriously. The Government must take action on the issue.

I am glad that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is here this evening as he has moneys through various funds to address the issue. I hope the money he spends is spent as well as it would be spent on this project. This is a golden opportunity for peace and reconciliation. It would certainly be a different situation from Dublin on Saturday.

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