asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will consider taking over the pier at Kitchen Cove, Ahakista, in the interests of the local fishermen and sand-boat owners and have the improvements and proper repairing of the pier carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kitchen Cove (Cork) Pier.
I have no power to take over landing structures of any kind. The pier at Kitchen Cove is not State property and the question of its repair is a matter solely for its owner. If the County Council is the owner I will be prepared to consider whether I can recommend a State grant for the improvement of the pier in the fishery or agricultural interest on my Department receiving from the council an outline plan and estimate of cost as to the improvements considered necessary in these interests.
In view of the fact that this pier is rapidly deteriorating and that it is of consequence to the local people, particularly with regard to escallop fishing and the landing of sand for agricultural purposes, would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider initiating, on behalf of the interests of agriculture and fishing in that particular area, with the local authority, the possibility of this being done? It has been indicated already that the owner is more than willing to dispossess herself of ownership of the pier if it be taken over.
The ownership of the pier has not been quite definitely established, but it is probably the property of Cork County Council. It would therefore be for them to initiate the proceedings.
The Cork County Council deny owning it.