Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the Minister for his response. Naturally, I am disappointed. I was approaching the matter on the basis that I understand the council is not only seeking funding for the road to the Seán Mac Diarmada cottage, but that similar projects in other parts of the country require funding as well, specifically, Banna Strand, County Kerry. Perhaps the Minister has received representations on that matter too.

I took the view that in light of the imminent commemorations, a special allocation might be made by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for the works. I am keen to put on the record that according to the area engineer, the cost of providing road maintenance, resurfacing and the provision of a lay-by in what is a narrow mountain road, as my colleague, Senator Comiskey, knows well, is not inordinate. Moreover, if the problem is not addressed, it will create traffic chaos since we expect an increase in tourist traffic as a result of the commemorations next year. According to the council, the cost is a modest €100,000. According to what those in the council have told me and others, the council simply does not have that money available given the priorities. The Minister has indicated that the considerable difference between the 2008 allocation and the current allocation would give the truth to that view.

Small local authorities like Leitrim County Council have a small rate base. Consequently, they rely more heavily than any other county on the allocation coming from Government.

As the Minister is aware, there has been an all-party non-party approach at Leitrim County Council repeatedly in recent years to try to get some money. I wish to put on record that approaches have been made to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which does not provide money for roads. The Office of Public Works spends public money on maintaining the cottage because it is a national monument. Leitrim County Council is allocating money having acquired land adjoining the cottage for a car park. That is badly needed because car parking in the immediate vicinity of the cottage, as Senator Comiskey will testify, is rather poor and somewhat limited. The council is making efforts in so far as it can.

I wish to put another question to the Minister. The Minister indicated that the allocation was made in February this year. Presumably, the Minister will be making announcements for the 2016 programme. When does he anticipate that he will make announcements on the allocation under the roads programme to local authorities such as Leitrim County Council?

Overall, I am grateful to the Minister. I know his heart is in the right place on this question. I am not in any way attempting to be political about it. This is a non-political issue. We are proud of the fact that Seán Mac Diarmada comes from our county. The people of Kiltyclogher have particular pride in the fact that he comes from their community. Collectively, the people of the county will acknowledge that in the context of the commemorations next year this is an attempt to make the road more accessible for what will be increased traffic on the road.

If a tour bus goes up that road in its present condition, it will be queueing for hours. I hope there will be some sort of accommodation and some improvements. Perhaps in the context of my question to the Minister there might be an opportunity for the council to allocate the money required. Again, I thank the Minister.