asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when it is proposed to proceed with the second stage development of Greencastle Harbour, County Donegal.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Harbour.
21.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when it is proposed to provide adequate shipping facilities at Greencastle Harbour, County Donegal.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together on the assumption that both are intended to refer to fishery facilities at Greencastle harbour
A comprehensive site investigation and boring survey, estimated to cost £21,000 for which a full cost state grant has been approved, will be commenced soon at Greencastle by the office of public works. The survey is essential before the large scale improvement scheme proposed for execution at Greencastle and which includes the "second stage" development referred to by the deputy can be finalised.
While I am very glad that something is now moving in regard to the prospect of the second stage development it is an error to regard the slipping facilities job as being part of that second stage. It is not. It is a separate, much smaller, but very much more urgent and important little job that has been badly required for some time. It is not tied in with the second stage and was never proposed in the second stage. It is a separate entity.
This is a long question.
It is a long subject. It has gone on for 20 years under Fianna Fáil.
Could we have the matter dealt with?
Deputy Harte is not being helpful in this matter and he should be. I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary to regard the slipping facilities as distinct from the second stage development. The two questions are separate, they are not tied together, they never were and they would be better disentangled because we need slipping facilities now whereas it will take quite a while to get the second stage done.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that he must do the disentangling. I took it that the two questions referred to the proposed development at Greencastle. I am sure it is interesting for the Deputy to note that action is being taken at last.
Hear, hear.
Question No. 23.
While appreciating that the action is about to be taken—I hope it is taken—the slipping facilities' question is not to be confused with it.
I shall look into that question and communicate with the Deputy.
Question No. 23.
Can we have an assurance that there will be no more delay because we have been frustrated in that part of the county by Fianna Fáil for the past 20 years.
Order, please.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. I must ask Deputy Harte to desist from interrupting.