Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 7

Adjournment Debate. - County Cork Pier.

I wish to share my time with Deputy Paul Bradford and Deputy Michael Ahern.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Ballycotton pier is a 105 year old structure which has been severely damaged by the recent storm. Over a long number of years trial borings have taken place and numerous reports have been compiled by departmental officials and the Office of Public Works with a view to developing a new pier. I think a local committee submitted their proposals on this project some 18 months ago.

The demands of the people of Ballycotton were aired at a recent public meeting of an action committee who have been set up. Following further storm damage the pier was split in two and it completely blocks the inner harbour which is used by the lifeboat service and many fishing trawlers. The crew of the lifeboat reside in Ballycotton and no alternative location for the lifeboat would be workable. The Ballycotton lifeboat service covers an important area of the southern coast and the consequences of leaving this area without lifeboat cover for a long period would be very serious. As we know from recent events the capacity of the Air Corps to provide helicopter rescue services is still restricted by weather conditions. In these circumstances the fishermen and seamen whose lives are at risk still have to depend on the lifeboat service.

In excess of 50 people from the area are permanently employed in the fishing industry in Ballycotton and many more are employed in a temporary capacity. Their livelihoods are threatened by the damage done to Ballycotton pier. I appeal to the Minister to treat this matter with extreme urgency. At their meeting on Monday last Cork County Council decided to give this matter top priority. I understand a plan has been submitted on how to make the pier safe and I hope the Minister will provide the funds necessary to carry out this work. The local committee, which is comprised of representatives of all the local associations, fishermen, the community, etc., want a new pair to be developed in the long term at Ballycotton. I want to emphasise the need for recognition of their demand.

I want to emphasise the two very important problems which need to be addressed in the Ballycotton area. We hope some funding will be made available through the Structural Funds and perhaps with Government assistance in the medium to long term to ensure that Ballycotton harbour will be upgraded and developed and a new breakwater put in place. More importantly the Government need to provide funding to Cork County Council to ensure that the essential work can be carried out as of now in order to repair the extensive damage which has occurred as a result of the recent storm. The damage done to the breakwater in Ballycotton should be repaired immediately.

Some of the improvements we are seeking here tonight have been sought for over 30 years. At a public meeting a few weeks ago the people of Ballycotton told us they have waited for far too long for this work to be carried out. We agree that a grave crisis exists in Ballycotton which needs to be tackled immediately. I think I can say without doubt whatsoever that the very future not only of the fishermen and their families in that area but the future of the whole town of Ballycotton is in serious doubt and under threat if the Government do not provide funding to Cork County Council to carry out the necessary work.

The town of Ballycotton is entirely dependent on the harbour. The fishing and tourism industries which have come about as a result of Ballycotton harbour create the only real employment in the Ballycotton area. If these two industries are allowed to develop and obtain funding both from the Government and the EC it will mean that there will be jobs for the people of Ballycotton. Unlike many of the industries which receive copious IDA grants these industries will not disappear overnight.

Deputy Sherlock outlined very clearly the needs of the lifeboat service. The breakwater is on the verge of collapse and, as has been pointed out clearly, if it does collapse the Ballycotton lifeboat service will not be able to operate. The gravity of that situation should be clear to all. The people of the area want the Government to give urgent attention to this matter and I appeal to the Minister to give us a positive response to take back to the people of Ballycotton. A genuine crisis exists there at present and the people of the area need a genuine commitment and answer from the Government.

As no doubt the Minister is well aware Ballycotton is an important tourism and fishing area and the lifeboat service which is vitally important to the south coast, is based there. Without going into what has been said by the other two Deputies, it is essential that the breakwater and harbour are repaired so that no harm will be caused to the fishing community, the people who use the sea around the south coast and the people who holiday in the area.

I earnestly request the Minister and the Government to do all in their power to ensure that this facility is brought up to the proper standard.

First, I want to thank Deputies Sherlock, Bradford and Ahern for bringing this matter before the House. The Deputies will be aware that I have already sent one of my engineers to Ballycotton to inspect and report on the damage caused by the storm. I should like the House to know that the lifeboat there is operational. There were media reports that the lifeboat was not able to put to sea, but, as the Deputies can verify, that is not the case.

As Deputy Sherlock knows, Cork County Council have requested help with regard to the damage caused to the pier and the breakwater. I understand Cork County Council are to demolish the concrete beacon on the breakwater because it is weakening its structure. I think they are only waiting for better weather conditions to carry out that work in order to reduce the strain on the damaged section of the breakwater itself.

The Deputies and the House will no doubt be aware that Ballycotton is only one of the many coastal towns which local coastal authorities are now seeking assistance for. I, my Department and the Government are aware of the gravity of the problems which have been caused by the persistent adverse weather we have been having for almost three months. Because of this bad weather the Government set up a special sub-committee to report urgently on what needs to be done. I and some of my colleagues are members of that sub-committee and our task is to assess the damage caused and to report back to the Government with all possible speed. Just before this debate there was a meeting of the sub-committee. I want to assure Deputy Sherlock and Deputies Bradford and Ahern that I will be pressing for special funding to deal with the damage caused to our coasts. Ballycotton will be among those places to receive that kind of consideration. As I said, the report will go before the Government urgently.

We want to give help speedily and in an equitable manner to the actual locations which have suffered damage. I am aware that Ballycotton is an important fishing place. In 1989, £300,000 worth of fish was landed there. I have already referred to the lifeboat. It is operational and the Deputies need have no fears about it. I agree with Deputy Sherlock when he says that it covers a very important area which is exposed to south-west and south south-west storms. Fifty full-time fishermen are entitled to facilities.

Reference was made to long-term development. We are not dealing with long-term development at this time. One particular operation which should be done would take up all the money which might be available for this kind of remedial action. I am also aware that it is a very important tourist centre, as mentioned by two of the Deputies. We depend a great deal on the tourism industry which is a developing one. I will bear this in mind in our considerations in the sub-committee, in drawing up the report to be submitted to the Government and when it comes up for consideration at a full Government meeting.

Top
Share