Michael McCarthy (Labour)

This area depends on tourism. This is a very important infrastructural project for the area. A group of people from the area travelled to Dublin and met the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, prior to the local elections. I know the Minister has holidayed in the area and is very aware of the location. He has done the walk from Timoleague to Courtmacsherry. He is very aware of the issue which is dear to his heart. He gave an assurance to the deputation that the issue would get swift action.

Regarding the area's community spirit, a development and festival association organises a number of events throughout the year. I have been there in my capacity as a public representative on many occasions to savour the hospitality and welcome that awaits all visitors to Courtmacsherry, whether it be the storytelling festival, the harbour festival or the strand races. This project is very important to these people and we would hope funding will be available. I organised to have a series of parliamentary questions tabled. I have raised the issue with the senior engineers in Cork County Council. With dealings between national and local government, wires tend to get crossed and while commitments may be made by Government, it might be scéal eile when it comes to the local authority.

I would like the Minister of State to indicate when the project will proceed and whether funding has been earmarked for it. I understand we live in straitened times and there are economic difficulties. However, I urge the Government to pay particular attention to this request and to follow up on a commitment given by the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to a group of people from the area, whom he met prior to the local elections. The motion is self-explanatory. It is very important for tourism in west County Cork and for this harbour village that we get this scheme operational as soon as possible.