asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will ensure that all possible steps will be taken to expedite the necessary extension of Skerries harbour, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skerries Harbour.
163.
The need for a further extension of the pier at Skerries Harbour, County Dublin in the interest of the fishing industry is at present under active examination by my Department.
Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to speak of "the need for a further extension of Skerries Harbour, County and has already been proven. It was an indication as to when the work was to be carried out I was hoping to get from him. I also hope that in his examination of this very necessary extension of the premier prawn port of the country, he will also examine the commercial shipping possibilities for Skerries Harbour as well as the fishing industry.
I have informed the Deputy that this examination is being carried out in depth in my Department at present. I agree that Skerries Harbour needs developing and his colleagues in north County Dublin are exceptionally active on this question, so that I am sure that with united effort and the cooperation of the Department, something will happen in Skerries in the not too distant future.
And it will not take 20 years to do this extension.
I am delighted to hear that my colleague in north County Dublin is interested in the extension of the harbour. An interesting point has been raised by the Parliamentary Secretary's reply in his reference to depth.
The Deputy may not make a speech.
Could he say what depth is to be provided for the boats in this extension?
As I told the Deputy, this is getting active consideration.
Will it be in time for the blessing of the fleet in July?
The last job took 20 years.
May I ask if the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the Office of Public Works has already made a recommendation to the Department that there should be a further extension?
I am so aware but we are awaiting a report from the Office of Public Works.
The report went long before the change of Government.
No, sir.