asked the Minister for Lands what harbours in County Wexford are due for reconstruction grants; and when such work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction Grants for Wexford Harbour.
56.
An offer of a State grant towards the cost of minor improvements at Duncannon Harbour was made two years ago to the Wexford County Council by whom, it is understood, the matter is being reexamined. There have also been suggestions for improvements at Kilmore Quay, Ballyhack and Cahore and engineering advice has been sought by my Department in these cases.
Can the Minister indicate when he will be able to let me know if work is going to commence on any of these harbours?
I cannot inform the Deputy as to the question of improvements to the first harbour, Duncannon Harbour, as it is at the present time the subject matter of correspondence with the local county council. There was an offer made in respect of this harbour about two years ago which they did not accept. Now they have put up another scheme which is at present under consideration. With regard to the other places, I can express no view until I have received the technical report following on the engineer's examination.
Does the Minister expect to have that report fairly soon?
I cannot express an opinion. For the information of Deputies generally, I would say that an extra burden has been thrown on the Board of Works owing to the development of fishery harbours generally and until they are properly geared to deal with that burden there will be some delay.
Would the Minister say if there is undue delay with regard to Kilmore?
I do not want to assess the delay. Let us hope that the present proposals will come to a successful conclusion.