asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry whether provision has been made in 1986 estimates for the extension of berthage facilities at Rosabhil Harbour, County Galway; and if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosabhil Harbour Berthage Facilities.
24.
Pending settlement of a plan for the development of Rosabhil harbour it was not practical to make provision for the extension of berthage facilities in the harbour in the 1986 estimates. The development plan will shortly be discussed with all interested parties, thus hopefully clearing the way for an early decision on the development of this very important harbour.
May I take it that the Minister's recent visit to Rosabhil, accompanied by senior officials of his Department, would indicate that the development plan will be available within a matter of weeks as opposed to months?
The Deputy could take that.
Will the Minister be giving a particular period of time during which that plan can be discussed and reports given to the Department before any work would be undertaken?
I have told the people in the Rosabhil area that, as a result of a recent visit there, we intend to call the Rosabhil harbour committee together to present them with the plans for the harbour in the not too distant future.
What I asked was how long they would have to look at the plan before they would have to report with a detailed response to the Department.
We would not be putting any time limit on the committee in relation to their examination of the plans.
However, if they were to spend a couple of years on that matter that would delay the development even further. My hope would be that they would look at the plans, express their opinions on them and finalise their report with a view to doing something for Rosabhil as soon as possible.
If the development plans were returned within a reasonable period of time, would work commence this year and would money be spent by his Department in this financial year on development at Rosabhil?
I have a very special interest in the development of Rosabhil. There will be no unavoidable delays as far as I am concerned.
The Minister has not answered my question. I specifically asked if any money would be spent by his Department in 1986 on development in Rosabhil.
As I said in my reply to Deputy Molloy's question, it would be impossible to make money available for Rosabhil in 1986 when the plans for the harbour have not been agreed.
In other words, if the plans are agreed by the development committee and his Department well before the summer, the Minister still will not be in a position to spend any money on Rosabhil? Is that what the Minister is saying?
There is no need for the Deputy to be putting words into my mouth.
I am trying to be helpful.
As soon as the plans for Rosabhil are agreed, I certainly would hope to act upon them.
And spend money this year?
I would hope to act upon them.
Next question.