asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is now in a position to give a decision on the application of the Galway Harbour Commissioners for a grant in aid of the second part of their harbour development programme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Harbour Grants.
The consideration of the application of the Galway Harbour Commissioners for financial assistance has not yet been completed. The works proposed involve substantial expenditure and a decision cannot be given until all aspects of the matter have been fully considered.
Will the Minister say if the difficulty in arriving at a decision is connected with general Government policy or with any peculiar circumstances of this board itself?
It is due to the fact that there are a considerable number of harbours all over the country with problems which are under consideration and also to the fact that very considerable sums of money are involved. The fullest consideration is being given if applications are made to ensure that where money is spent it will be spent in the right direction and that a proper return will be got for it.
Would the Minister say whether applications for larger amounts came to his Department at a later date than this one?
That is so.
Then some special difficulty must, in the Minister's view, be connected with this particular application?
If the Deputy knows anything about Galway Harbour, he knows that there are special difficulties connected with Galway Harbour.
Will the Minister communicate what, in the view of his Department, the special difficulties are or has his Department communicated to the Galway Harbour Commissioners what the special difficulties are?
The Department has taken the difficulties into consideration and is fully aware of what the difficulties are.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what progress has been made regarding the grant applied for by the Wexford harbour Commissioners to enable them to restore the harbour to its 1939 position; and, further, if he will ensure that a decision in the matter is given at an early date, as the appropriate time for dredging is drawing near and the commissioners are very anxious to see this work in operation.
I am aware that the Wexford Harbour Commissioners are anxious to carry out improvements to the harbour. In view of the considerable silting that has occurred in recent years it is clear that substantial expenditure would be involved in any scheme that might be adopted. Examination of the application made by the harbour commissioners is proceeding.
Is the Minister aware that a deputation met the officers of his Department and were told that it was under consideration? When will the Minister make a final decision and when will this question of "active consideration" be done away with?
At the earliest possible moment.