Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It is clear that the Minister has just mothballed the project. He clearly has a political desire or willingness, but he is not prepared to honour what was a significant decision taken by a previous Government in the context of an international agreement.

I could make all the political points - my colleague, Deputy McConalogue from Donegal, will do that in another forum - on the impact that funding would have had on Donegal. It is a significant part of that international agreement concluded in good faith by both sides and while I recognise the difficult financial circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is somewhat reprehensible if the Government is prepared in the current climate to shelve or mothball that project.

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