Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Renard (Kerry) Pier.

Mr. Moynihan

I raise this matter for the second time in two years. Two years ago the closure of Renard pier was a matter of great concern to the community in Cahirciveen and its environs. Nobody at that time anticipated that two years down the line this pier would still remain closed, with a consequent loss to the business and tourist community and growing frustration and disenchantment among all the citizens of Cahirciveen.

In its last year of use, 1989, 134 ships visited and discharged at this port; 50,000 boxes of fish at an estimated value of £3 million were discharged; £270,000 was spent on transport to and from the pier, mainly by Kerry hauliers; £225,000 was paid to a Kerry supplier for oil to service the ships; approximately £35,000 was spent on foodstuffs by those coming in and approximately £30,000 was spent on ancillary services. These activities at Renard pier in its last year of service clearly demonstrate the loss of the pier to the community over the two years and the urgent need of the Minister to make a firm decision to have the pier restored without further delay.

Exactly one year ago a high-powered deputation from the business community in Cahirciveen, accompanied by officials from Kerry County Council and public representatives, discussed with the previous Minister the provision of the necessary moneys to enable Kerry County Council to proceed with the repair work. At that meeting £37,500 was contributed on behalf of the business community in Cahirciveen, which was certainly most generous. The county council confirmed their contribution and the Minister appeared totally satisfied, promising a decision within three weeks. To my knowledge no decision was subsequently issued by Deputy Wilson who was then Minister.

I am appealing very strongly tonight to the Minister, having regard to the generous contribution of the community and the anxiety of the council and public representatives in Kerry, to have the necessary repair work carried out so that the ships may start moving into Renard pier again. By doing so, the Minister will be acknowledging the generous contribution of the community towards the work. A favourable decision at this time would provide the opportunity of having the repair work carried out before the peak tourist season, thus benefiting immensely the economy of Cahirciveen. I welcome the Minister to his new portfolio, a portfolio that often takes the Ministry onto the high seas. I am appealing to him to ensure that money is provided at an early date to repair this pier.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

I wish to thank the Deputy for affording me this opportunity to address the question of the closure of Renard pier. The Deputy will be aware that resources for the development of fishery harbours are scarce and he will appreciate that my primary concern is to ensure that these resources are used in the most effective manner to encourage and foster the development of our fishing industry. In this regard, I wish to draw attention to my Department's Fishery Harbours Development Programme, 1989-1993. This was drawn up following detailed consultation with the local authorities. It is designed to meet the infrastructural needs of a modern fishing industry facing into the 21st century.

I would like to turn now to the specific case of Renard pier. The primary responsibility for the maintenance and repair of Renard pier lies with Kerry County Council. My Department do, however, grant aid improvement works at fishery harbours and it is in this context that the question arises. In so far as we have an interest in Renard pier, that interest is concerned solely with its contribution to the fishing industry in its widest sense. Renard pier has played an important part in facilitating the landing of substantial quantities of fish over the years. In particular, Renard pier has been used extensively by large steel-hulled Spanish vessels, which have contributed to the deterioration of the pier.

Since Kerry County Council closed the pier in 1990, my Department have been the focus of many representations regarding the repair of the pier. Local interests, including Kerry County Council, have offered to contribute to the cost of the repair work. To date little progress has been made in advancing the case. A fuller investigation of exactly what is required to repair the pier needs to be undertaken and a detailed costing produced. The limited resources available for harbour developments must be spent in the most effective manner possible.

The Deputy will be glad to hear that I have already received strong representations from Deputy John O'Donoghue with regard to this pier and I have accepted his invitation to inspect this personally at an early date. I will then consider the most appropriate course of action within the resources available to me.