asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that a scheme for the improvement of Wicklow harbour was sanctioned by his Department over 12 months ago and that work on the project has been suspended for some months past, he will state (a) the reason for the suspension of this urgent work, and (b) when it is proposed to proceed with the job.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Improvement of Wicklow Harbour.
The reconstruction of the South Quay at Wicklow harbour, which is a part of the approved works, was completed early this year.
I am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works, who are carrying out the scheme, that the preliminary stages for the other works have taken longer than was anticipated and that it is not now proposed to make a start on the site until next spring. The reason for the postponement is that practically all the work to be carried out requires reasonably good weather, long hours of daylight, and—most important—low water spring tide conditions during the initial stages. As the latter conditions occur between 4 o'clock and 7 o'clock, morning and evening, at Wicklow, it would not be possible, due to failing light, to take advantage of them at this period of the year. I understand that by commencing operations in the early spring it should be possible to make uninterrupted progress with the works until they are complete.