Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the efforts by his Department to resolve the Corrib gas dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41645/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's role in this issue largely focuses on the work of the North West Mayo Forum which, as the Deputy will be aware, was established in November 2008, with the dual purpose of facilitating dialogue on local issues relating to the Corrib Gas Project and also offering the opportunity for furthering the socio-economic development of the North West region and, in particular, Kilcommon Parish. The Forum has provided an opportunity for a range of local groups with an interest in the Corrib Gas Project to engage in a structured dialogue with each other, with the developer, Government Ministers, local representatives and with relevant Government Departments and public agencies.

Arising from the deliberations of the Forum and a community consultation process, an investment programme to improve the social and physical infrastructure of the area was drawn up by Mayo County Council whereby a number of projects, both long and short term, were identified. A number of priority projects involving investment of €750,000 were identified for delivery in 2009. Considerable progress had been made in the implementation of this programme. In addition to the above, a major revamp of Coláiste Chomáin in Ros Dumhach (Rossport) is to be undertaken, to the value of €340,000. My own Department has committed funding of €260,000 towards investment projects in the area, as follows:

· €100,000 towards village enhancement projects in the area. These community projects will commence shortly and will be finished for the most part in 2009;

· In the area of Rural Recreation / Tourism, €160,000 has been committed for the proposed extension of the of the existing north coast walk from Céide Fields to Belmullet, and other associated developments.

These projects are phase one of the implementation of a range of transport, education, enterprise, recreation and village enhancement measures identified as part of the work of the North West Mayo Community Forum. I am pleased to support the socio-economic development of this area through these initiatives and am confident that they will show tangible benefits for the people of this area.