Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I appreciate his guidance on this matter. I ask the Minister of State to relay to the Minister the request I have made in support of the issue I have raised. There is frustration because the unprecedented levels of water that accompanied this remarkable act of God destroyed the amenities I have mentioned. On that basis, we are asking the Government to intervene. This should not be treated as a regular application for funding. The extraordinary events of last August require an extraordinary response. Unfortunately, there are serious problems with the bureaucratic procedures involved in making applications for Leader funding. In places like County Donegal, there are huge demands for the limited funds that are available. The Leader programme is really not the way to address this issue. In advance of the meeting I hope to have with the Minister as soon as possible, I emphasise to the departmental officials who are listening to this debate that we need an exceptional and extraordinary response. This beautiful park, which is a key amenity, has been destroyed. This beloved facility was developed over decades by the local community. I cannot overstate the wonder and beauty of the amenities that have been destroyed. In the case of Glenevin Waterfall, which is wonderful and beautiful, it is possible that Leader funding could make a limited contribution. Urgent Government intervention is needed. I do not know of anywhere else in Ireland where this would be allowed to continue without an intervention taking place. I thank the Cathaoirleach again for his assistance and support. I hope we can get a resolution soon.