asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the public concern at the state of Howth Harbour, Dublin 13, and in particular, the older sections which are in need of maintenance and repair; the action, if any, he proposes to take in relation to the following: (1) the restoration of the building previously occupied by Howth Yacht Club and now in the ownership of the State (2) the demolition or restoration of the old ice plant (3) the reopening of the right of way beside the old church which has been illegally closed off (4) the repair and restoration of the wall near the base of the east pier which has been closed off because of its current danger to the public (5) the provision of a new surface to the east pier (6) the cessation of illegal dumping of fish, offal and related matter on land behind the west pier which is in the ownership of the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Howth, Dublin Harbour.
Since 1 January 1989 my Department has assumed responsibility from the Commissioners of Public Works for Howth Harbour and arrangements to declare it a Fishery Harbour Centre, in accordance with the Fishery Harbour Centres Act, 1968-80, are in train.
I understand that Howth Harbour has been generally well maintained up to now and ongoing maintenance of the harbour will continue as part of the arrangements for maintenance of major fishery harbours under my Department's control.
As regards to the specific items raised by the Deputy, the position is as follows:
1. Tender documents to enable a lease of the premises to be advertised are being prepared, in consultation with the Chief State Solicitor. The matter will be finalised as soon as possible.
2. The principal terms of a lease of the old ice plant to a tenant have been agreed and in accordance with those terms the tenant will be required to renovate the property.
3. The passageway in question was temporarily closed off by an adjoining tenant. At the time he was advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that, when requested, he will be required to remove the hoarding. It is not considered in the interests of public safety to have it removed at present.
4. The wall at the end of the East Pier is the responsibility of Dublin County Council. The council was notified of its condition when it first began to deteriorate.
5. A significant section of the East Pier was resurfaced following the development scheme. Resurfacing of a further section of the pier will be considered in the light of funds available for such works. I am advised that maintenance of the deck of the pier is attended to on an ongoing basis.
6. While there have been problems with the dumping of fish offal, the fish processors on the West Pier have now made arrangements to have such material stored on their premises for subsequent removal from the harbour area.