Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Since 1997, my Department and its predecessor, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, have provided some €8.7m for essential capital works on the islands off the County Donegal coast. These works included pier and road improvements, water supply, waste management, car parking facilities and village renewal. Assistance is also available for the provision of community and recreational facilities and activities on the islands. It is intended to continue with this programme of investment in the islands over the coming years.

My Department currently subsidises two ferry services in Co Donegal serving Toraigh and Árainn Mhór at a total cost of over €305,000 per annum. A winter helicopter service arranged by Údarás na Gaeltachta is also funded by my Department for Toraigh. In addition, plans are currently being progressed for the provision of a subsidised cargo service for Toraigh.

I also launched a plan in 2006 aimed at marketing the islands, including those in Donegal, internationally as a niche product. The total cost of this initiative, which is being funded jointly by my Department and Fáilte Ireland, is €343,000 over a three-year period.

The Deputy should also be aware that the various schemes operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta promoting enterprise and community development are also available to Gaeltacht islands in Co Donegal and that an tÚdarás provides annual administration grants to the co-operatives on Toraigh and Árainn Mór, and to Ancaire, the co-op serving the smaller Donegal islands.