asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the report on the survey of fishing ports in the West of Ireland has been completed; and if he will state the plans for the development of harbour and port facilities at Kilrush, Quilty and Liscannor, County Clare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Ports Survey.
84.
The reply to the first part of the Deputy's question is "Yes". As regards the second part, the question of improvement works at Liscannor and at Seafield near Quilty, County Clare, is being examined but at this stage I cannot say what works, if any, may be approved for execution. Improvement works have already been carried out to the ramp at Quilty and no works are contemplated at Kilrush.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether, in fact, there is an overall plan spreading over any number of years in regard to the recommendation following the survey referred to in the question? Is there an overall plan to improve all of the various places recommended by the survey team?
Yes. There is an overall plan to carry out the recommendations of the survey team where feasible.
Is it over a certain number of years with so much money per year, or what is the approach to it?
According as the need arises, and according as the reports from the OPW come in, with regard to the feasibility of carrying out the work. I can assure the Deputy that we spend as much money as we possibly can on improvements.
I would say that the Parliamentary Secretary spends as much money as he gets which is what I am really concerned about. Has there been an abandonment of the proposed five year plan which should have started in 1970, or is it proceeding? If so, have we made progress to the extent of 60 per cent of the work outlined then and only 40 per cent yet to be done, or are we doing it piecemeal without any plan or any reference to the plan envisaged and announced in 1969?
As I said, this work is going on as fast as possible. None of the work has been delayed because of lack of finance. We cannot get the reports from OPW as fast as we would like. This is not due to lack of finance.
Would that be by arrangement with the OPW?
There is a plan?
Yes.