Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the comprehensive reply of the Minister of State, but in situations such as this, the Government will have to lead. I know the Government is very anxious that we rebuild the economy in the area. The Minister of State probably cannot give me a direct answer today but I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about this issue and he has committed to come to the area and meet the people involved in Lanesborough and Shannonbridge. Obviously, that will not take place until the new year. This issue needs a hands-on approach from the Government, working with the people affected to ensure the moneys they have been granted facilitate the reinstatement of bogs and the re-employment of people. That will happen as part of the bogs project. For that to happen and be a success, we need a real hands-on approach from the Government. I do not think we can be left out at sea on our own. There is a significant tourism project there.

One must remember that, apart from turning the stations into museums, the area is home to the River Shannon and Slieve Bawn. There is a significant combined project that we could do together. Tourists visiting the bogs and learning about their flora, fauna and history could all be part of that project. We should not let that opportunity go. It would create significant extra jobs. I thank the Minister of State for his engagement on the matter.