Vol. 398 No. 8
16 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Marine when repairs will be carried out to the Carrickarory pier, Moville, County Donegal; the reason for the delay in having this matter dealt with having regard to the dangerous condition of the pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of repairs to Carrickarory pier is at present a matter for the Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners.
I understand that, subject to the resolution of certain outstanding legal proceedings, Donegal County Council and Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners have reached agreement on the acquisition by the council of the pier.
Is the Minister aware that this matter has been outstanding for many years and that Donegal County Council are anxious to acquire the pier? Can he say what the hold up is and if the matter can be expedited and brought to a satisfactory conclusion?
It is a rather ticklish matter. Certain people have taken action against the Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners. Donegal County Council want to acquire Carrickarory pier but if they acquire it before the legal difficulties of the former owners, namely, the Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners, are resolved they will be buying in a legal problem. As I know Donegal County Council and Donegal people they do not buy a pig in a poke too easily. It is my information that the Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners are on the point of coming to an agreement on the purchase of the pier by Donegal County Council.
With respect, that reply has been milled out year after year——
This is the first time I have heard of the Deputy's question.
I am not only talking about my question to the Minister; in my 29 years in this House I have raised this question almost 29 times or once a year. Perhaps that is an exaggeration but that is not relevant. What is relevant is that Donegal County Council want to acquire this pier but there are difficulties between people on Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners which have continued far too long. Can the Minister take any action to resolve this matter as speedily as possible?
Citizens in the Deputy's constituency are pursuing the Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners. Donegal County Council want to acquire the pier but naturally they want the legal problem resolved before they acquire it. I have been informed and have read this into the record of the House that, subject to the resolution of those legal proceedings, Donegal County Council and the Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners have reached agreement on the acquisition by the council of the pier. We will then be in a position to deal with it.
Is the Minister in a position to make any forecast?
As it is my native province, I think commonsense will prevail and the matter will be expedited.
Therefore this will be the last time I will have to raise this matter in this House?
I hope so.
