§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what considerations govern the possible connection of Rathlin island to the electricity main grid; and whether there are presently any plans for action.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Northern Ireland electricity service last carried out a study of the provision of a mains supply of electricity on Rathlin island in 1983 and concluded that neither of the two main options considered could be economically justified at that time. This is a matter which is kept under regular review and is currently being reassessed.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on Government action in relation to the development of Rathlin island, giving details of investments over the past six years and all planned investment or schemes under consideration.
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§ 6. Mr. NeedhamSet out are details of past and proposed action and expenditure on Rathlin island undertaken by Northern Ireland Departments.
Department of Environment
Roads
The DOE(NI) Road Service has spent £155,000 on the improvement and maintenance of the roads on Rathlin island over the past six years. No significant reconstruction works are under consideration at present.Housing
In 1983 the Northern Ireland Housing Executive completed an improvement scheme on the two cottages remaining in its ownership on the island at a cost of £49,000. In addition, during the past six years renovation grants totalling almost £42.000 have been paid in respect of eight dwellings and applications for grants totalling £17,900 in respect of three dwellings are under consideration.Water Supplies and Sewerage
The Water Service of the DOE(NI) has spent £335,000 since 1983 on the provision of a public water supply. A scheme to construct a public sewer at Church Bay is programmed for 1989–90 at a cost of £20,000.Conservation
In association with the Commissioner of Irish Lights the DOE(NI) provided Nature Reserve Warden accommodation at a cost of £11,500. It is proposed to spend approximately £6,000 in 1986–87 on fencing and associated works on Kebble National Nature Reserve.Department of Economic Development
Harbours
- (i) The Department of Economic Development provided £187,367 in grant assistance towards the cost of major improvements to the harbour at Church Bay, Rathlin.
- The island has benefited from grant assistance of £843,342 under the Amenity Harbour Grant Scheme provided by the Department for the development of Ballycastle Harbour.
Department of Education
Schools 301W
The Department has given grant aid for capital works at the island's Primary School totalling approximately £14,157 during the last two financial years. There are no planned investments or schemes under consideration.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give consideration to the granting of boarding allowances to children from Rathlin island who have to attend school on the mainland.
§ Dr. MawhinneyBoarding allowances are available to children from Rathlin island who are non-fee-paying pupils at grammar schools and the North-Eastern education and library board may provide board and lodging otherwise than at school for those who attend other schools on the mainland.