asked the Minister for Transport the proposals, if any, he has to remedy the appalling conditions in Sligo harbour and the approach roads to the harbour; and if his Department intend to make any money available for the restoration of vital areas in the north-west in order to facilitate trade and employment which has been lost arising from the fact that boats must discharge half their cargo at Killybegs before discharging the remainder at Sligo docks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Harbour Facilities.
15.
Sligo harbour can normally accommodate vessels of 1,500 tons fully laden. However, serious situation problems which arose in 1977 meant that ships were being required to discharge part of their cargo at Killybegs before proceeding to Sligo. In order to remedy the siltation problem, a full cost State grant of £18,000 was sanctioned by the Department of Transport in August 1978 for dredging of the channel and berths. To date a sum of £16,000 has been paid to the commissioners and a claim for the balance of £2,000 is awaited. The port can again accommodate vessels of 1,500 tons fully laden and I understand that since 1980 only one vessels has had to use Killybegs instead of Sligo and that vessel exceeded 1,500 tons.