asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding improvements to the pier at Innisturk Island, County Mayo, which is now in a rapidly deteriorating condition.
Written Answers. - Innisturk Island (Mayo) Landing Facilities.
616.
The Central Development Committee, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Finance, has overall responsibility for the affairs of inhabited non-Gaeltacht Islands. This committee has been asked to consider whether expenditure on improving landing facilities at Innisturk would be justified. The Office of Public Works has estimated that harbour works at Innisturk would cost up to £275,000 and it is quite clear that the level of fishing alone would not justify expenditure at this level. However, the case of Innisturk must be considered in the light of the overall needs of the islanders and the Central Development Committee is at present consulting all the relevant Departments and official agencies. It must also be considered in the light of transport policy in general and the availability of public funds. It seems unlikely, given the present state of the public finances, that funds will be available for work at Innisturk in the immediate future.