Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

Like Senator Wilson, I wish to impress upon the Minister for Education and Science the importance of this venture on the Cavan-Monaghan border. As Senator Wilson stated, the Tanagh outdoor education centre has been operating there since 1992 and has grown to a position where it attracted 10,000 visitors this year. Over 2,000 others were turned away from it in 2006 due to a lack of capacity. Large numbers of young people are visiting the centre annually. The Tanagh centre is a great asset for vocational schools in counties Monaghan and Cavan, as well as schools across the Border in the neighbouring counties of Armagh and Fermanagh. It would be a shame to see it being closed down at the end of 2007 because the Minister will not allow the purchase of the five-acre Coillte site for €100,000. Such an expenditure is quite small given the Department's overall budget, so I am surprised that the Minister cannot see her way to approving this purchase. I hope she will re-think the matter and support the project in order to be fair to everybody. Over the past 15 years, a huge effort has been put into running the centre, which has been of great benefit to the community.

Senator Wilson mentioned the Dromore water system, which is renowned both in Cavan and Monaghan. It flows through the town of Ballybay, on to Dartrey and into the Erne in County Fermanagh. In recent years, many young people have made great use of the Tanagh facility. They have enjoyed various outdoor pursuits there, including water-skiing. I have seen the facilities at first hand, as has Senator Wilson. I live closer to the area than the Senator but, nevertheless, I am delighted that he has raised this matter on the Adjournment. It was refused a few weeks ago, but I am glad that the Cathaoirleach accepted this matter for discussion today. I support the proposal and I hope the Minister will see fit to allow the VEC to purchase the site from Coillte.