asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the criticisms made by An Taisce of the Howth harbour scheme, County Dublin; and if he is prepared to accept that suitable protection be given to the amenities threatened under the scheme, while allowing the improvements otherwise to take place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Howth Harbour Scheme.
15.
I am aware of the views of An Taisce on both the current and long-term proposals for the development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre which have been the subject of a meeting and correspondence between officers of my Department and the association.
I can assure the Deputy that current development proposals, spread over a period of five years, pose no threat to the amenities presently enjoyed by the general public at Howth harbour.
There are two points involved and one relates to Claremont beach, which is a very important place for Dublin working class people in summer. Is there the possibility of that being eroded to any extent? The second point is: are the lovely old buildings, including some active businesses, along the pier likely to be interfered with? These are the two major points for consideration. Obviously everybody welcomes the developments in relation to the harbour. What is the position about these two features?
We have gone to considerable pains over the past 18 months to have full and frank discussions on the ground in Howth. I initiated these discussions. We met the representatives of Balscadden Bay Fisheries Co-operative Ltd., the Howth Yacht Club, the Harbour Committee, the Howth and District Association of An Taisce, and the residents of Howth in an open forum. Concensus agreement was reached at a meeting in my Department on 21 April. Matters are proceeding along those lines. Frankly, I was surprised at An Taisce coming into it at that stage of play because their local committee were in on all these discussions. There will be demolition of buildings on the pier to which the Deputy referred. That is inevitable because there will have to be an auction hall there for fishing purposes. There has been very full consultation on all of this.
What about Claremont Strand?
I will inquire about that. Candidly, I have not got the information on that. I will write to the Deputy.