asked the Minister for the Marine the plans his Department has to provide capital funds to commence the work on Westmans and Ballast Quays on Drogheda Dock, County Louth; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners were advised by his Department and by his predecessors that work was due to commence in mid-1987; when work will now commence; if his attention has been drawn to the serious condition of these docks and the danger to the dockers and shipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drogheda Dock Funds.
76.
As I indicated on 29 April 1987 in my reply to a similar question it was not possible in current economic circumstances to make provision in the 1987 Public Capital Programme for grant assistance in respect of the works concerned. I did, in fact, visit Drogheda recently and had an opportunity to see the quays in question. I have asked the commissioners to prepare proposals for financing the work through contributions from local interests as well as State and, if appropriate, EC sources. When these proposals are received and the technical reassessment completed I will have them considered in conjunction with other proposals for the limited funds at my disposal in 1988.