asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the reason for the delay in preparing an approved plan for the further development of Rossaveal Harbour, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - County Galway Harbour Development.
508.
Cavan-Monaghan): There has been no undue delay in preparing a plan for the future development of Rossaveal Harbour.
This harbour became the responsibility of my Department in June last when an order was made declaring it to be a fishery harbour centre.
The development plan for the harbour needs careful planning in both the short and long term interests of the fishing industry in the area and must provide for onshore and offshore facilities to cater for the landing, marketing and processing of the catch as well as the servicing of the fleet. In preparing such plan regard must be had to factors such as land and sea topography, land and sea approaches and the effect of planned development on the local community. For these reasons comprehensive surveys of the area are necessary before the most satisfactory plan can be decided upon.
Work on the preparation of a development plan for the harbour has been proceeding since June last but in the light of the considerations referred to earlier its finalisation will inevitably take some time. In the meantime, some works requiring urgent attention, such as the provision of lighting, toilet and car parking facilities, have been put in hands.