Vol. 395 No. 6
92 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine the areas selected for provision of marinas to date; the criteria used for each such selection; the overall estimated expenditure in each case; and, in view of its outstanding natural facilities and tourist potential, the reason no marina is proposed for Westport, County Mayo.
My Department has not selected particular areas for marina development. However, my Department has a policy of facilitating private investment in marinas and encouraging those developments which can enhance Ireland's tourism and leisure facilities. This includes urgent consideration of proposals with foreshore implications, engineering advice and general advice on suitable contacts where other agencies are concerned.
Each proposal is considered strictly on its merits with particular regard to my Department's responsibilities under the Foreshore Act, 1933. No application for a licence under the Foreshore Act with respect to a marina at Westport, County Mayo, has been received to date.
