asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the survey had been completed on the sand-bar leading into Tarbert Harbour; and, if so, if he would state the findings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Harbour Survey.
13.
Under the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946, responsibility for the deepening, improving and dredging of harbours rests with the relevant harbour authority.
I assume that the Deputy's question refers to recent hydrographic and geophysical surveys, commissioned by the Limerick Harbour Commissioners, of areas in the Lower Shannon, including areas off Tarbert. The Commissioners have informed me that the reports of the surveys show that, in so far as the Tarbert region of the estuary is concerned, depths there have not changed to any significant degree since the last complete survey carried out in 1841 and that they consider that vessels drawing up to 60 feet, taking advantage of the tide to cross the bar at the mouth of the Shannon, could proceed to Tarbert without difficulty. The reports also state that it is feasible to dredge the bar to a level of 80 feet and estimate the cost at between £2 million and £3 million, subject to further trial dredging, site investigations, model studies, et cetera. There is no indication of the cost of maintenance dredging.
If the sand-bar leading into Tarbert Harbour were removed we would have the deepest port in Europe and this would be very beneficial to County Kerry.
Will the Deputy put a question?
The permission of Kerry County Council has been sought for an oil refinery on the Tarbert side of the harbour and planning permission has been granted in the Clare side. It is important that this sand-bar be removed as quickly as possible. Will the Minister proceed to have the sand-bar removed in the near future?
We welcome the projects referred to by the Deputy on both the Limerick and Clare side. My information is that the depths are such that there is adequate space for the vessels that use them. If there was a project which was serious enough to warrant the removal of the sand-bar that could be considered on its merits.
Can the Minister say what size of vessel can be accommodated without the removal of the sand-bar at Tarbert?
Up to 60,000 feet.
Is the Minister sure of that figure?
I am sorry, 60,000 tons deadweight.
Tons.
Yes, 60,000 tons.
Would the Minister repeat that figure?
At the present time there are no indications that vessels up to 500,000 tons would be involved in the particular projects referred to by the Deputy, vessels of between 60,000 and 100,000 tons would be involved and the sand-bar referred to by the Deputy is no barrier to these vessels.
(Interruptions.)