asked the Minister for Transport and Power the discussions, if any, his Department have had with Cork Harbour Board regarding the provision of adequate facilities for the servicing of the projected offshore developments in the area; and if he is satisfied that planning is sufficiently advanced to be ahead of such developments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Harbour Developments.
12.
The provision of any necessary portal facilities is, under the Harbour Acts, primarily the responsibility of the harbour authority concerned.
I am aware that the Cork Harbour Authority are alive to possible developments in their area arising from offshore exploration and other offshore activities and provision has been made for appropriate facilities in the Cork harbour development plan. Detailed planning both in physical and financial respects must depend on the formulation of satisfactory specific proposals.
There have been some informal discussions between my Department and officials of the harbour authority in relation to these proposals.
Is the Minister aware of Press publicity given to statements by people in authority, or people who should be in a position to know, which are critical of the part being played by the Department of Transport and Power in these projected developments in Cork and which allege that the Department are dragging their heels and, if so, will he state what specific plans have been discussed for improving facilities for the offshore development?
I am not aware of the reports to which the Deputy draws attention and I cannot give him a detailed reply to the latter part of his supplementary but I will have his question drawn to the attention of the Minister for Transport and Power