asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when it is proposed to continue work on the development of Portmore Pier, Malin Head, County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - County Donegal Pier Development .
15.
: In 1981 an electrically operated crane and two recessed ladders were provided at Portmore at a cost of £40,000 towards which my Department contributed a grant of £30,000.
Full consideration has also been given to a development scheme sought by the local fishermen, comprising the extension of the pier and the raising of the stormwall by six feet. The substantial expenditure involved in extending the pier could not be justified having regard to the limited amount of fishing from this landing place. As to the second request, the Department have been advised by the Office of Public Works that the raising of the stormwall by six feet would not prevent heavy seas from breaking over the pier. A proposal by the fishermen to fill in the set of steps between the two new ladders is at present being examined in my Department.
: Would the Minister not agree that Portmore is the most northerly point in this country, facing the open Atlantic? While the fishermen appreciated the installation of a crane there which was of great benefit to them, in winter seas lash over the pier and damage boats there. Would the Minister reconsider the decision? It is the opinion of the fishermen that if the sea wall were raised, it would be of benefit and provide protection for them and their boats.
: As I have said, the major problem here is that the engineering report states that the provision of extra height would not solve the problem and expenditure of a very substantial sum of money would not be justified on the basis that the landings at this pier are not sufficient to justify great expenditure. The proposal to fill the steps between the two ladders is being examined at present by my Department.