asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that Balbriggan Harbour, County Dublin needs to be maintained and improved urgently; and his proposals in this area.
Written Answers . - Balbriggan (Dublin) Harbour .
77.
: My Department offered the Dublin Port and Docks Board, which is the statutory authority concerned, a grant of 50 per cent of the cost of carrying out certain minor repairs to the piers at Balbriggan. As the board has indicated that it is not prepared to incur the expenditure involved the Dublin County Council has been asked to consider meeting 50 per cent of the cost. The decision of the county council is awaited.
The Department has also asked the Office of Public Works for an engineering report and estimate of cost of rehabilitation of the south pier and breakwater. When this report is received consideration will be given to the overall question of the future maintenance and improvement of Balbriggan Harbour in the light of all the circumstances.