asked the Minister for Communications the reason for the delay in the allocation of a grant of £80,000 to Dundalk Harbour Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
136.
Written Answers. - Dundalk Harbour Commissioners.
128.
asked the Minister for Communications when it is proposed to make available the grant of £80,000 to the Dundalk Harbour Commissioners, County Louth, for dredging purposes.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 136 together.
Provision was made in the 1985 Public Capital Programme for the payment of a State grant of £80,000 to Dundalk Harbour Commissioners towards the cost of the construction of a jetty to link Oake's and Connick's Quays. The financial viability of this project was under examination in my Department when the commissioners requested that the grant allocation be diverted to a major dredging project which they are proposing to undertake at the Soldiers Point and Inner Harbour areas.
Dundalk Harbour Commissioners have recently received tenders for the dredging work and I understand that they are considering these. My Department is considering the financial viability and financing of the project. If the project is found to be financially viable the financing will consist of commercial borrowing, a contribution from the commissioners' own resources and, possibly, grant assistance. A decision on the latter will be taken as soon as possible in the light of the commissioners' current and projected financial position and the availability of funds for harbour works in the 1986 Public Capital Programme.