asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that in reference to the consultations begun some years ago between officials of his Department and the Office of Public Works regarding an extension to Ballycotton pier the then Minister stated in November, 1957 that consultations had not yet concluded; and that he stated in February, 1958 that officials of the Office of Public Works and of his Department and an expert of international repute were still considering the matter; and if he will state (1) the date on which these consultations started, (2) the number of officials of his Department engaged in these consultations, (3) the total number of meetings held and attended by them to date, (4) if the consultations have yet concluded, (5) the total cost of the consultations, and (6) if any report of the result of the deliberations is yet available, and, if not, when it will be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Ballycotton (Cork) Pier.
I am aware of the various statements about Ballycotton harbour and that consultations have been proceeding from time to time with a view to devising an effective scheme of improvements at reasonable cost towards which I would be justified in recommending a contribution from State funds in the interest of fisheries. The schemes already submitted do not meet these requirements but, rather than reject them without further investigation, it was hoped that consultations at expert level might lead to a solution of the problem. The consultations, which began in 1956, have taken place by correspondence and discussions—some of which were not exclusively confined to Ballycotton. Both the number of officers of my Department engaged in the consultations and the number of meetings held are quite small and the cost would be insignificant but could not conveniently be segregated. No final conclusion has yet been reached but I may say that I doubt if an effective scheme can be devised at reasonable cost and, on receipt of further information recently sought from the Office of Public Works, I shall have a decision conveyed to Cork County Council.
Is the Minister aware that this show has been going on since 1950 and that the Cork County Council cannot get any decision in this regard? Would the Minister recommend to the Minister for Finance that this show be put on at the Abbey Theatre because if these officials gave the same exhibition at the Abbey as they have given to the Cork County Council for the past 10 years, income tax could be reduced by a 1/- in the pound?
I am aware it took Cork County Council 10 years to produce the basic data in this case.
I have the file in connection with this and the Minister got the last communication from the Cork County Council in 1954, that is, six years ago.
The Minister for Lands is giving information, not asking for it.
With your permission, I intend to raise the subject matter of Questions Nos. 4 and 23 on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.