Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am pleased that an extension to the planning permission has been sought. According to the Minister of State, this centre was identified as a priority in 2003. There has been a major delay. It is difficult to believe that the upgrade so badly needed by the island community would be delayed by ten years. The centre is in a poor state. I am happy that progress has been made but the process should be rushed. In the event that co-funding is not found within the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the HSE should consider using its own budget, as this is a necessary facility. Some deal should be made. It is unfortunate that the island community might fall between two stools in terms of funding, with neither body taking full control and possibly blaming the other for the project not going ahead.

I welcome the Minister of State's response and ask him to continue pursuing this project with the HSE.

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