asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to begin work on landing and berthing facilities at Darby's Point, Achill, County Mayo.
42.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Achill Island Landing Facilities.
41.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will take the necesstry steps to have a full cost grant provided for the extension of Darby's Point Pier, Achill, County Mayo, so as to make safe landing facilities available for the local fishermen and to have pilot lights installed for the guidance of the boats into harbour.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together. Before a decision can be taken on the proposal to extend the pier at Darby's Point a boring survey will be necessary. Tenders for the survey have been received by the Commissioners of Public Works and a contract will be placed shortly.
Roinn na Gaeltachta have offered to Mayo County Council a grant for the provision of navigation marks in Achill Sound including lights at Darby's Point. The offer has not yet been accepted by the council.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this was promised 30 years ago and will he now give a positive assurance that the work will be undertaken at an early date?
The first thing to do is to carry out a boring survey on the site. The contract for that will be placed without delay.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state why it is that the people of Achill have not been told that such a survey was being carried out?
I do not think that is correct.
Ask your colleague, the Minister for Justice. He will tell you.
When was the decision made to have a boring survey carried out in regard to Darby's Point?
I have not got information as to the precise date. I can get it for the Deputy.
Are we to be satisfied now that this is no longer a stalling answer—that there is some prospect of a decision?
Mr. Gibbons
It is a factual answer.
A factual answer can also be a stalling answer in relation to decisions.
The question asked on the Order Paper has been replied to and replied to accurately.
We shall have another one.