asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the need for a harbour authority to co-ordinate the proper development of Dún Laoghaire harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Harbour Development.
15.
As indicated to the Deputy in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 156 on 28 June 1984 at columns 1129-30 of the Official Report, proposals for other arrangements for the management of Dún Laoghaire harbour were examined by me. I remain satisfied that no adequate case was made in the matter.
Will the Minister agree that there are many interests including commercial, recreational and other interests in Dún Laoghaire harbour which need a coherent plan and approach? Will the Minister also agree that there should be a guiding body to supply that plan and that the title of that organisation should be the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Authority?
I do not accept that. The Office of Public works are the best people to be fair minded in this area. Dún Laoghaire harbour has been administered by the Commissioners of Public Works since 1830 as an amenity harbour with a certain amount of commerce consistent with that overall picture. That is the position. There are several areas in the harbour which are not under the control of the harbour authority as such. In regard to one place, the commissioners made an offer to the owners, Dún Laoghaire Corporation, to develop it some years ago and the corporation decided, as they were entitled, to do the work themselves. At that time the Office of Public Works, in recognising the right of the corporation to adopt that attitude, pointed out certain things we would need in that complex. That took place five years ago and I suggest that the Deputy contact Dún Laoghaire Corporation and request that they carry out developments there. I am sure the Deputy will agree that there is not much room for development within the present harbour complex.
As it is now 3.30 p.m. I must move to Priority Questions.
I must point out that I have fared very badly in this wretched lottery which is strangling the efforts of backbenchers. Surely in the circumstances I should be allowed to ask a further supplementary?
The Chair's hands are tied. I have no option or discretion.
It is a very unfair and unjust system.
The Deputy should take that up with his Whip.
I know about all that guff. As I am being put off I should like to ask the Chair to consider the possibility of allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment. It is the only outlet available to me.
I will communicate with the Deputy.