Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his welcome this morning.

I thank Senator Lombard for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. As the Senator has said, the second platform for growth scheme was launched by Fáilte Ireland in January 2020. The call was directed at local authorities. It was aimed to develop facilities at waterside locations, such as Garrylucas.

In April 2021, €19 million worth of investment was announced for this platform to allow the development of world-class centres at locations across the country where water-based activities would be a key visitor attraction. Senator Lombard has outlined the rationale and the attraction of that in relation to Garrylucas, an area that I know, having spent many summers in Ballinspittle and Garrettstown.

I understand that Cork County Council has opted not to proceed with the facility at Garrylucas. This is as a result of potential issues and concerns around the provision of a stand-alone wastewater treatment system in a sensitive site adjacent to a blue flag beach. I am informed that concerns were also raised by Irish Water in respect of taking in charge any specific wastewater infrastructure at this location.

The project at Claycastle, Youghal, is proceeding through Cork County Council. It is working to progress a planning application. In this regard, I am informed that a foreshore licence has been lodged with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority. It is hoped to progress this project by the end of this year.

However, Senator Lombard's primary focus is on Garrylucas. It is a matter for Cork County Council. The decision not to proceed with the facility is primarily as I set out but I am more than happy to engage with the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, on the Senator's behalf around this if the Senator has information that is different from what is here.