asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any proposals for the provision of landing facilities for fishermen at Doonbeg, County Clare.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishermen's Landing Facilities.
15.
Proposals for the provision of landing facilities at Doonbeg have been under consideration in my Department for some time. I must, however, point out that suitable construction works at Doonbeg would be very costly in relation to the existing level of fishing activity there and along the coast of County Clare in general, and, having regard to the fact that improved landing facilities are at present being provided a short distance away at Seafield, I am not persuaded that the development of Doonbeg as a landing place is warranted at present.
Will the Minister further investigate the potential of the area, bearing in mind that recently boats have been purchased and young fishermen are desirous of engaging in that way of life and that a Clare development committee is to be formed. Bearing all that in mind, will he now further investigate the possibilities there and will he ask his inspector to contact the local fishermen who deserve a proper landing place?
My information is that a short distance away, at Seafield, there is such accommodation. I am aware that a reasonably good case has been made for this development but the cost is very heavy. It is well in excess of £100,000. The cost of land, and so on, would be £10,000 or £12,000 more. It would cost £600 a year to keep it maintained.
Is the Minister aware that the distance they would be expected to travel to Seafield, by road, from where they reside, Doonbeg, is between ten and 12 miles? It is not reasonable to ask them to avail of the facilities at Seafield which is far removed from their own residences. Would he further consider making available some facility, no matter how small, to encourage local fishermen?
In the light of what the Deputy has said I will have it looked at again.