asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the estimated cost of the improvement works sanctioned for Wicklow harbour, (b) the amount of the State grant provided, (c) the amount expended, (d) the proportion of the total work carried out, and (e) whether the work has been suspended, and, if so, the cause of the suspension, and when the work is likely to be resumed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wicklow Harbour Improvements.
The estimated cost of the improvement works sanctioned for execution at Wicklow harbour is £57,000 of which the State grant is £49,500. The first stage, representing about 12 per cent. of the work, has been completed at a cost of approximately £6,700.
Owing to shortage of engineering staff it was not possible to have the plans for the remainder of the work prepared before completion of the first stage. Those plans will be ready shortly and work will be resumed as soon as the necessary formalities have been completed.
Do I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to state that the first portion of the scheme was completed?
The first stage, representing about 12 per cent. of the work, I said.
Was completed?
Yes.
My information is that it is not.
Mine is that it is and that is all I know.
I understand that that portion of the scheme is not completed and that the matter about which the harbour authorities are concerned is that spoils have accumulated as a result of the work that has been carried out and they are anxious that the spoils would be removed so that they could use the berthage.
I shall consider the Deputy's remarks.