asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry whether he is aware that the present pier at Rathmullan, County Donegal, is inadequate to handle the number of large vessels (up to 10,000 tons) now landing and loading fish there; and if he will make provision in the coming budget to improve berthage facilities there.
Written Answers. - Rathmullan (Donegal) Pier.
541.
Cavan-Monaghan): The pier at Rathmullan is generally adequate to cater for fishing boats landing at the port. Congestion is being experienced at the pier at present because it is being used by a number of fishing vessels from other Irish ports which are supplying mackerel to foreign freezer trawlers that lie at anchor in Lough Swilly. As the mackerel move southwards, as is normal, this activity is expected to transfer to Killybegs where adequate facilities are available.
The extension of the pier at Rathmullan would be a very costly operation and, as the current congestion is of a seasonal nature, it is felt that the expenditure involved would not be justified.