Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will raise the Senator's point with the expert group and ask that it focus on the terrain issue. Mayo County Council, in its application under the next round of funding, should make set out in detail the reasons the scheme is so important. I am sure it did so in its previous application, but it may need to add to that and provide more evidence. The expert group will make recommendations on behalf of the Department. There is competition for resources in every county. Schemes that are needed, represent good value for taxpayers' money and meet all the criteria will receive approval. It is very important that a book of evidence accompanies the application.

The Senator made a very good point on the benefits of the Wild Atlantic Way and the importance of it being well serviced with proper infrastructure in respect of toilet facilities and so on. The local authority can add that to the case it makes. We have all seen the success of the Wild Atlantic Way and the numbers of tourists it brings to many counties. I have visited County Mayo frequently and the Wild Atlantic Way is clearly of great benefit to the local population and tourists. We should try to support it. A cross-Department approach could aid with costs and may be something we should pursue. The local authority can gather the evidence and make a case for extra planning. We can look at all the options.

The Senator mentioned the work being done on pyrite and mica. While I had an opportunity to meet residents in Donegal in July, I have not had a chance to meet residents in Mayo again. The work being done by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, in respect of standard protocol and procedures is now nearly complete. I made it very clear that as soon as its work is complete, we will be in a position to judge how to proceed. I also made clear to residents in Donegal that once the work in the Department on the legalities involved and other matters has been done, we will be in a strong position to move on. I hope that will be possible in the next couple of weeks.