asked the Minister for Communications his plans for the replenishment of Rosslare strand and for the development of Rosslare harbour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare Strand and Harbour.
12.
As the Deputy is aware, CIE are responsible for the operation and management of Rosslare harbour and the provision of beach material for the nourishment of Rosslare Strand.
CIE are at present engaged in the provision of improved passenger handling facilities at the harbour in respect of which an allocation of £500,000 has been included in the 1985 Public Capital Programme. The question of additional Exchequer assistance for the completion of terminal facilities in coming years will be considered in the light of the commitment contained in the national plan to expedite port improvement works at Rosslare.
As regards Rosslare strand, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question by Deputy Byrne on 21 February last. The condition of the strand is the subject of ongoing assessment by my Department in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. I understand that that office propose to undertake a further detailed assessment of the condition of the strand this month following which any necessary action will be taken in relation to the remainder of 1985 and 1986. I have already indicated to the House my view that the long-term solution to the problem of coastal erosion at Rosslare lies in a scheme of coastal protection. In this regard, I have been informed that the Commissioners of Public Works recently made a positive determination under the Coast Protection Act, 1963, in relation to an application by Wexford County Council for a scheme of coastal protection for Rosslare strand. The matter is being pursued by the Office of Public Works.
Is the Minister aware that the system of small semi-circular protection barriers has been, in the opinion of the people on the spot, highly successful and would he use his good offices to ensure that that type of barrier is developed further to the south of the existing one?
I will convey the Deputy's views to the Office of Public Works and to the other relevant authorities. I have visited the area and witnessed the problem and it is one that can be tackled. Deputy Wilson's suggestion may be helpful in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.
It would not involve too much expense. Regarding Rosslare harbour, can the Minister indicate what his plans are for the harbour authority? Already he has given us some general lines on development and in this context he mentioned a provision of £500,000. Perhaps he would tell us what his plans are for the harbour authority and the powers they will have for the development of the harbour.
There is ongoing investment in the harbour with, as the Deputy says, provision of £500,000 this year. I was at Rosslare harbour in the past week and I was glad to notice some of the improvements that have been effected there, for instance, the provision of a passenger gangway which was badly needed. In the national plan the Government outlined their proposal for the setting up of a harbour authority who would run Rosslare harbour. As I said then, this change would require both Irish and British legislation because of Rosslare harbour having been set up in conjunction with Fishguard. There is no problem about preparing the relevant legislation here and having it passed but the difficulty is in persuading the British authorities to act with similar expedition and that is a matter over which we have no control, though we have been in contact with them several times on this subject. In the meantime I have discussed with CIE ways and means of bringing about local involvement in the running of the port. I expect a report from the chairman of CIE in that regard in the near future. I am very keen that some local people would be involved in the running of the port.
Would the Minister clarify what the British attitude is, whether they have indicated they are in favour generally of the proposal or that while they agree with the change they cannot give the necessary legislation priority at the moment?
The general impression is that there is no difficulty with the British apart from the problem of their finding time to draft the legislation and then parliamentary time for its enactment.