Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will explore the possibility of developing a tourism driven walkway and cycleway on the old Letterkenny to Burtonport railway line, with a view to developing the project through a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4967/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Community Employment is first and foremost an active labour market programme with the primary objective of progressing participants into the open labour market. It is specifically targeted at equipping the long-term unemployed, through identified worthwhile work and training, with the skills that will allow them to enter the labour force. While the programme is a valuable support to groups in the delivery of services, this is not the primary purpose of the scheme.

FÁS is the agency responsible for approving projects and welcomes all proposals from sponsors to carry out projects such as those mentioned by the Deputy.

Eligible projects are those which: · Respond to an identified community need;

· Provide development for participants in areas involving heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment;

· Have the agreement of relevant trade unions;

· Do not displace or replace existing jobs;

· Offer valuable work experience for participants.

The FÁS Community Services Offices in Letterkenny or Gweedore would be in a position to explore the above-mentioned proposal identified by the Deputy.