Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crosshaven (County Cork) Pier.

Peter Barry

Question:

17 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine if he will allocate funds for the repair of Crosshaven pier, County Cork.

Improvement works at Crosshaven pier, involving the provision of additional berthage, are included in my Department's Fishery Harbour Development Programme. It is intended to undertake the necessary site investigation at Crosshaven this year. The results of this investigation will form the basis for the preparation of detailed plans for the proposed works.

This project has been submitted for Structural Fund assistance under the Operational Programme for Rural Development. Progress on the proposed works will depend on the outcome of the site investigation, the acceptance or otherwise of the submission for Structural Fund assistance, and the availability of the appropriate local authority contribution as well as the overall level of Exchequer funding after 1992.

With due respect to the Minister, his reply does not sound very hopeful — there are many qualifications in it. I am not sure if a survey and a site inspection are the same, but is the Minister aware that a survey of this pier was undertaken two years ago and an undertaking was given by one of his predecessors that that work would commence last year?

As the Deputy knows, I was only recently appointed to this office.

It was the other fellow's fault.

I appreciate the Deputy's interest in the matter. I have noted his concerns and I will certainly keep them in mind. It was not possible to undertake the site investigations at Crosshaven pier in 1991 due to the fact that major projects used up the resources which were available at the time. I am giving the Deputy the good news now, which I need not do.

The Minister has it well disguised.

The Deputy can inform The Cork Examiner that it is intended to invite tenders for this work shortly and that the investigation work will go ahead.

I am mainly concerned about the tourism industry and the fishermen in Crosshaven. The Minister's statement that he has noted my concerns in regard to this matter will not exactly butter many parsnips for the fishermen in Crosshaven. I plead with the Minister to understand that this is a major tourist angling port and sea fishery harbour. There is no berthage there at present for the sea fishing boats not to mention the angling boats. Will the Minister bear this in mind?

I have had butter with parsnips in the distant past. It probably was not too good for me so it might be better not be butter too many parsnips. This work is getting under way now, and nothing more can happen in any event. I am very anxious to accelerate all these works.

This pier is very important both tourist wise and fishing wise.

I understand that and that is what I meant when I said I noted the Deputy's particular concerns and interest in the matter. I am not being facetious — I have noted the Deputy's concerns. When I am in a position to do something more I will bear the Deputy's concerns in mind.

The cheque is in the post.

Not quite. We have to deal with many situations similar to the one at Crosshaven. Crosshaven pier is an important pier. I want to get more money so that I can do more in that area. What I am saying to the Deputy is that unless the investigation goes ahead now this pier will not be up to the starting line. It is intended to invite tenders for this work very shortly. The Deputy can let people know that this is the position. This will bring the pier up to the wire, so to speak, so that works can start. In the meantime I will try to get the necessary resources.

Top
Share