asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the losses suffered by fisherment whose boats were berthed at Dunmanus Pier, County Cork, and were wrecked against the pier during a recent storm; and if he will ensure that priority is given to the repair of the pier and that adequate lighting is provided there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Pier.
5.
I have received no reports of any losses suffered by the fishermen whose boats are berthed at Dunmanus Pier, County Cork. As regards repairs to the pier, this is a matter for Cork County Council, who have responsibility for maintenance. However, I have asked for a report into the matters raised in the question.
I know that the Parliamentary Secretary, because it is at his own back door, is aware that very serious losses have been suffered by some fishermen there and that they found themselves in the position very late at night in the middle of a storm trying to use hand flash lamps to try to save their boats. I am sure he will agree that this is not a proper situation for any fishermen to be working under. Are the Department in a position to make any sort of compensation to those men?
I do not think so. The Department have not received any representation, as I have already informed the Deputy. We have looked for some information. The maintenance of the pier is the responsibility of the Cork County Council. I may add that a survey team reported to us in 1970 that it was a pier which did not warrant any Exchequer contribution for its improvement.