Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 1991

Vol. 404 No. 4

Written Answers. - Development of Harbours.

Ivan Yates

Question:

155 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give a breakdown of the £15 million announced for harbours before Christmas by the Government; whether Duncannon Pier in New Ross, County Wexford, is to obtain any proportion of this sum; the reason for the different rates of grant aid in relation to Government funding and local authority funding west of Helvic Head and east of it; if he will consider allowing 75 per cent grant aid to all such pier developments; and if he will make a statement on the proposed development at Duncannon Pier.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

On 15 October 1990, I announced details of my Department's fishery harbour development programme, which covers the period up to the end of 1993. Improvements to Duncannon Pier are included in that programme.

The total investment proposed for the development of fishery harbours over the period 1990-1993 will be of the order of £20 million, towards which an ERDF contribution of £7.5 million will be provided through the operational programme for rural development.

In general, my Department provide fishery harbour development grants up to a maximum of 75 per cent for works west of Kinsale and 50 per cent for works east of Kinsale. The different levels reflect the greater dependence of the west of the country on the fishing industry. The availability of resources precludes extending the 75 per cent rate at this time.

The fishery harbour development programme identifies the need for dredging and a pier extension at Duncannon. My Department have written to Wexford County Council in the matter.