asked the Minister for Transport and Power if financial assistance will be made available for improvements to the harbour in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dungarvan Harbour.
11.
No. Responsibility for the upkeep of Dungarvan harbour rests with Dungarvan Urban District Council who are the harbour authority for Dungarvan.
Is the Minister aware that unless the quay wall is repaired immediately there is grave danger not only of the quay wall itself being destroyed but also of the roadway up the centre of the town being flooded? Is he also aware that it is not possible for a small urban authority to provide finance of that type.
I do not know what finance is involved but Dungarvan UDC or Waterford County Council would be the responsible bodies in regard to the roadway and inasmuch as the quay wall effects that roadway I think it would be the responsibility of either or both of these bodies.
Is the Minister aware that to restore the quay wall to a safe condition would cost in the neighbourhood of £500,000? Surely there should be some assistance from central funds either to the county council or to the UDC facing that type of expenditure.
I am not aware that this is the amount involved and I presume what happens is that the urban council apply to the county council who possibly apply to the Department of Local Government for assistance. It is not one of the harbours under my jurisdiction.