Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. It is always a pleasure to have him here. On the weekend of 3 January to 5 January 2014, the country experienced terrible weather conditions. The west coast of Clare was absolutely hammered on the morning of Friday, 3 January 2014. Millions of euro worth of damage was caused at the time and Ministers and others visited, including the then Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Mr. Brian Hayes. Homes and businesses were destroyed and serious damage was done to the streetscape in towns along the coast, particularly Lahinch. Subsequently, the Government committed €17 million to deal with the issues in Lahinch and in other parts of County Clare. To be fair to the local authority, it has done a phenomenal job. As a matter of fact, the promenade in Lahinch and the streetscape along it is of a higher quality now than what it was prior to the storm damage in 2014. It is absolutely fantastic and I encourage anyone in the area to visit the town. The reason I am highlighting the matter today, however, is that there has been a shortfall of €1.6 million from the Government for the work in Lahinch. Clare County Council has completed the work and paid for it but I understand that it is being told by the Department that the sum of €1.6 million will not be available. Is that the case? Will the shortfall be paid? If so, when? If not, why?