Vol. 410 No. 1
5 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline his specific proposals for the development of the five major designated fishery harbours over the next five years; and if he will make a statement of the matter.
(Limerick West): The five major fishery harbours under the management and control of my Department are Howth, County Dublin, Dunmore East, County Waterford, Castletownbere, County Cork, Rossaveal, County Galway and Killybegs, County Donegal. In October 1990, I announced a major development programme encompassing all harbour facilities covering the five year period 1989-1993.
Many of the projects specified in the development programme have commenced or are at an advanced stage. Commencement of projects not already under way is dependent on satisfactory results from preliminary surveys and site investigations.
Specific developments at each of the harbours are as follows:
At Killybegs, I recently inaugurated a new synchrolift which cost in the region of £2.6 million. The facility will assist fishermen by providing a speedy and efficient service for maintenance and repair of boats as well as increasing the efficiency of fishing operations and safety.
In addition, during 1990 work commenced on upgrading the auction hall which will be completed shortly.
Preliminary studies have also commenced to examine the need for a new pier. Dredging will also be undertaken.
Howth has been developed as a major fishery harbour at a total cost in excess of £11 million. During 1990, my Department provided a gear storage compound at Howth Harbour and also surfaced an area which is being used by fishermen for the repair of their nets. The cost of these works amounted to almost £50,000. As I have recently informed the House, the provision of an auction hall is at the design stage.
The major developments at Rossaveal, County Galway announced in the harbour development programme have now commenced. This comprises work on a new pier as well as dredging the harbour. Ancillary works, including provision of a new auction hall, will also be undertaken. The total cost will be in the order of £5.125 million.
The programme envisages upgrading of auction halls and ancillary facilities at Castletownbere and Dunmore East. In 1990 a new "state of the art" computer controlled ice plant was opened by me at Dunmore East. This represents a total investment of £650,000 of which 50 per cent will be provided from EC funds.
Will the Minister state how much of the total investment will be provided for EC funds and how much will be provided directly by the State?
(Limerick West): That will vary from place to place but generally it is on a 50/50 basis. I do not have specific information concerning the ports and harbours outlined.
Will other fishery harbours suffer as a result of developing the five major designated fishery harbours over the next five years? There are so many smaller fishery harbours on which the livelihood of most of the people depends which are crying out for development and refurbishment. Can the Minister give a commitment that smaller harbours such as Kilmore Quay where there is a loss to the processing industry because the harbour cannot afford to allow large trawlers to come in will not suffer. In the light of that type of disincentive to the fishing industry, can the Minister let us know what incentive will be given to the other harbours?
The question refers to five major designated fishery harbours, and strictly speaking we should not allow an extension of that question. There are five main harbours only.
(Limerick West): If the Deputy wishes to put down a specific question on any harbour I will be very glad to answer it. A general reply is that the other harbours certainly will not suffer.
