Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will detail the total cost to date of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Páirc na Mara project, including staffing, media and communication costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20574/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the development of Páirc na Mara is a priority project that it is central to Údarás na Gaeltachta's current 5-Year Strategy. It is an ambitious proposal, based on viable principles, and demonstrates the commitment of An tÚdarás to the circular economy, which brings together the community, the environment and employment.

An tÚdáras has stated that there has been a long and detailed process so far in relation to the planning application for this complex and multi-faceted proposal. Consultants with the most relevant expertise have been hired to develop the project and the cost of the comprehensive work required for the planning application has reached €1.043 million to date. It has been confirmed by an tÚdarás that all studies and surveys that were part of the application are included in this figure, along with any additional services, such as media and communications costs.

Regarding the cost of Údarás staff assigned to the project, an tÚdarás informs me that a number of staff members have worked on the project over a number of years and that a breakdown of that cost is not available.