asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the very high landing charges and harbour dues etc., being charged to trawlers and fishing boats landing their catches in Cobh can only result in driving this fishing development away from Cobh Port; and if he will take steps to remedy this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cobh Fish Landing Charges.
1.
The charges applied by harbour authorities to vessels and goods are determined by the harbour authorities and are promulgated in Harbour Rates Orders made by me under the Harbours Act, 1946 after due publication of the intention to make the Order and consideration of any objections thereto by interested parties.
The charges currently applied by the Cork Harbour Commissioners were authorised in 1957. They were duly publicised in draft form and no objections were made thereto before I made the Order authorising them.
As the authorised charges are maximum charges it is open to the Cork Harbour Commissioners to vary them should they see fit to do so in relation to fishing vessels and their catches. My consent is not required for such variation.
Is the Minister aware that in any fishing port, for example Dunmore East, the charge is 3d per cran landing charge and £5 per year for the amenities of the port? The Cork Harbour Commissioners are charging 6d per cran and 30/- every time the fishing boat comes in beyond Roches Point, £5 as against £490 a year. In view of those circumstances, will the Minister see that those charges are changed immediately?
I have already explained to the Deputy that this is not a matter specifically for me; it is a matter for the Cork Harbour Commissioners. They in their wisdom have decided to maintain this charge, and it is one in respect of which those people who represent the interests in the area come to, I presume, the best decision from the point of view of the harbour board. There is no doubt that the charges are somewhat higher than in other places but the Deputy is comparing the port with a fishing port, and in this case it is a commercial port. My information indicates that the total value of fish sold during the month of December was £23,000 and that would indicate an average value per catch per vessel of £217. The average overall charge per vessel was 38/-which is .87 per cent of the value of the fish sold. I think that is not unreasonable.
I should like to point out, for the Parliamentary Secretary's information, that the charge collected by the Cork Harbour Commissioners for the six weeks up to now was £1,786. The Parliamentary Secretary stated that it is he who makes the Order in regard to this charge and I am asking him now if he is going to amend it?
We do not make the Order; we only approve of the rates. The last time this matter came before the Minister for approval was in 1957 and it would be a matter for the Cork Harbour Commissioners to amend the Order, if they so desire.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary——
We cannot have a debate on fishing charges.
With your permission, Sir, I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
Good man; that is the stuff to give them.