Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Lough Ree Developments.

John Connor

Question:

12 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money which the Office of Public Works will expend in the current year on developments at Portrunny Bay on Lough Ree; the nature of the developments proposed; the time-scale for completing these developments; the amount of money which the Office of Public Works will expend on developing landing and tie-up on its shore site at Galey Bay on Lough Ree in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the future of the Galey Bay site.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Daly)

The expenditure to be incurred by the Office of Public Works in the current year on developments at Portrunny will depend on weather conditions and water levels but is expected to be in the region of £20,000. The developments which are being planned in consultation with Roscommon County Council consist of the construction of a projecting jetty suitable for mooring of large cruisers. It is expected that the work will be completed in 1991.

The Office of Public Works has no immediate plans for developments at Galey Bay but it is intended to construct a short jetty there at a later stage if circumstances warrant it.

Mr. Connor

Would the Minister not agree that it would have been a far more economic proposal to have developed facilities at Galey Bay since it is a naturally deep bay and any developments at Portrunny Bay would be the subject of major costs because of dredging?

Mr. Daly

A plot of land was acquired some years ago by the Office of Public Works at Galey Bay to enable a short jetty for boats to be provided there. It is intended to provide some facilities there perhaps at a later date. As I said we have had some development proposals for Portrunny Bay. It is expected to spend about £20,000 there this year and that this will enhance the facilities there and that Galey Bay will be done at a later stage.

An Ceann Comhairle

Can we proceed to another question? A brief question Deputy, I want to make some progress with other questions.

Mr. Connor

The question of the cost of development at Portrunny Bay as opposed to Galey Bay has not been addressed. Galey Bay is naturally a deep harbour; Portrunny is not naturally a deep harbour and major expenditure would be required to make it deep enough for navigation. Why was not Galey Bay — which is two miles away from Portrunny — prioritised for development?

Mr. Daly

Because the cost incurred is a very minor amount. It will cost £20,000 to make some improvements there which are considered desirable. Is the Deputy saying it should not be done?

Mr. Connor

I am not saying it should not be done. I am saying that 2 per cent or 3 per cent of what will be needed to develop Galey Bay——

An Ceann Comhairle

This is question time.

Mr. Connor

The point I am trying to make is that developments at Galey Bay would be far cheaper——

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is proceeding to make a statement——

Mr. Connor

——and I am wondering why the Minister will not reply to that pertinent question?

An Ceann Comhairle

Question No. 13, please.