asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will make representations to the responsible authorities to put the fishing ports of Balbriggan, Loughshinny and Rush into proper working order for fishing boats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Fishing Ports.
As the Fishery Authority, my functions in relation to harbours are restricted to the furnishing of advice from the fisheries viewpoint in respect of any work of alteration or improvement proposed to be undertaken wholly or partially at State expense. In the case of Balbriggan, I understand that the Commissioners of Public Works are willing to hire a suitable dredger to the Dublin Port and Docks Board, which is the harbour authority for that place. My Department had already brought to the notice of the Dublin County Council (as the responsible authority) the need for certain improvements in the interest of fisheries at Loughshinny, and I shall be prepared to make a suitable recommendation regarding a possible contribution from State funds as soon as a plan and estimate have been submitted. If the appropriate authority (presumably the Dublin County Council) decides to furnish proposals in respect of the harbour at Rush they will have careful consideration. No such proposals would appear to have reached my Department in recent years.