Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Halligan has a better appreciation of what work is under way in his county than I do but I visited Waterford and saw the work taking place in Tramore in the context of the development of surfing facilities to attract tourists who want outdoor holidays. I was hugely impressed by that. I saw the work the local authority is doing, with Government support, to develop the Deise greenway in Waterford and that was also hugely impressive. Regardless of whether the €10.5 million in funding came under the heading of Ireland's Ancient East - which it did not because it happened earlier in our term of office - €10.5 million is still €10.5 million. It is a very significant investment by Fáilte Ireland in the Deputy's city and it is money well spent because it will support the development of tourism.

In answer to the specific question on whether I could guarantee funding the answer is that I cannot. Fáilte Ireland made the decision. However, I am aware of the need for Waterford city and county to participate in Ireland's Ancient East and Fáilte Ireland is working to see how it can support businesses which put in applications which were unsuccessful on this occasion.

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