asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the dangerous condition of Castletownbere pier; and if he will indicate when operations will commence for the development of Castletownbere as a major fishing port.
29.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castletownbere Harbour Development.
28.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to commence work on the development of Castletownbere harbour; and what system will be applied for the recruitment of labour.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question No. 28 and Question No. 29 together. The development of Castletownbere port as a major fishery harbour has been approved and the investigation and design work necessary for the preparation of the detailed scheme is proceeding. Until the scheme is ready, I cannot say whether all or any of the work may be done by contract. At this stage, it is not possible to say precisely when the construction work can be begun, but I can assure the Deputies that there will be no avoidable delay.
Can the Minister say how long this investigation will take? Has he any idea as to the approximate length of time it will take?
It is not possible to have the design for any type of major marine scheme finally prepared until certain borings and soundings have been carried out. It has been arranged that that work will be carried out at Castletownbere. Until that work is done, it will not be possible to have a final working drawing prepared. It is estimated that the work should be completed by 1st January next. That is the nearest I can go.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the dangerous condition of the existing pier?
The Parliamentary Secretary did not answer the first part of my question as to whether he is aware of the dangerous condition of Castletownbere pier. Is he aware of the dangerous condition of the pier?
There is a scheme proposed to replace the existing pier by a new quay. Until the proposal was finalised to have it established as a major harbour, I did not hear a word about it.