Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his best wishes and I look forward to visiting Kerry.

The council did not apply for funding in 2009 because An Bord Pleanála had an issue with the planning application. The Department did not put a call out for funding in 2010 because we did not have funds to give out and we had commitments with which we had to comply. We have committed €1.6 million to the project to date. While I am not familiar with the project on the ground, I would like to think an amount of work has been carried out to date. I understand the logic and thinking behind the project is to facilitate aquaculture and fisheries in the area. I am committed to ensuring we take advantage of this. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to meet local public representatives such as the Deputy and council officials when I make my visit to ascertain the current position on this matter.

See this speech in context