asked the Minister for Lands if he is now in a position to state the result of the consultations between his Department and the Office of Public Works concerning the improvements to Ballycotton Harbour, and, if so, if he will state the result, and the approximate date on which the works of improvement will start.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballycotton Harbour Improvements.
The consultations referred to by the Deputy have not yet been concluded, and I am, accordingly unable to state when harbour improvement works may start.
Is the Minister aware that the consulting engineer's documents are lying in his Department for well over 12 months, and that the Cork County Council went to considerable expense, on the instruction of his Department, to have these plans and specifications prepared? Surely it does not take 12 months' consulting between two bunches of civil servants to get a result?
Everything is being done to expedite this matter, and one of the necessities in this case is to reestablish the administration in connection with the investigation of harbours and to provide the necessary staff. That is my immediate duty in the matter, and I am trying to expedite it as much as possible.