Vol. 422 No. 1
13 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline (1) the purpose for which a new pontoon and ramp has been provided at St. Michael's Wharf, Dún Laoghaire, (2) by whom it was requested, (3) the cost of providing it and (4) whether Dún Laoghaire Corporation were consulted about it.
The Department granted permission to the Royal St. George Yacht Club to temporarily moor pontoons at St. Michael's Wharf for the period April to August 1992. The purpose of the pontoons is to improve the club's access to the water. The Royal St. George Yacht Club will bear the full cost of installing the pontoons including paying a licence fee to my Department for the use of the waterspace.
Dún Laoghaire Corporation were not consulted, as the nature of the installation did not require planning permission.
The Minister will be aware that the recent report of the interim harbour board for Dún Laoghaire gave a commitment that Dún Laoghaire Corporation, as the planning authority, would be consulted about the development in the harbour area. Does he consider this arrangement, which is the first, albeit small, development in the harbour, is setting a precedent whereby the corporation will not be consulted? Second, will the Minister state if the full cost is being met by the Royal St. George Yacht Club?
We want to ensure there is no conflict between the Department, the yacht club and the interim board. I do not have the information to hand as to when this commitment was given by the interim board, but I know the application was made on 11 February 1992. If that commitment was given it surprises me that we did not consult with them. We have had no correspondence from Dún Laoghaire Corporation in relation to this. I know that is not the point, but I would prefer an opportunity to check the dates of when the commitment was given and the issuing of the licence. A considerable number of conditions are attached to this licence, including that a fee, as advised by the Valuation Office, will be paid to the Department. All the other expenses will be the responsibility of the yacht club. We are not in the business of covering any expenses for any club.
How much is the fee? Will the pontoon be removed in October?
The licence fee is £1,000. They were granted approval from April to August. If any difficulties are being created by them remaining longer than August that can be resolved. If there is an application for a further year and it does not hinder any development and there are no objections, we will consider it. My information is that the permission was granted to the yacht club to provide pontoon facilities in Dún Laoghaire until August.
Is it a condition that it will be removed after August or October? If the club require it again next year will they have to make a fresh application?
We are having quite an amount of repetition.
The granting of the licence — in case there are any fears that they had been granted a licence to moor pontoons — certainly will not confer any rights to occupation there or at any alternative site in the harbour. I will give a guarantee that it will be absolutely necessary to reapply for permission next year if the yacht club should require it.
The Minister has hinted that when the time expires he will consider granting a licence for a further year. What will happen in the event of an application being made and accepted for a further year and if the club want to extend it for a further year? Is this going to be a temporary little arrangement that goes on year after year? Will it be renewed annually?
I do not know if it is necessary to repeat my replies. I do not like repetition because of the limited time available. I gave an assurance in reply to the final supplementary to Deputy Gilmore that a further application will be necessary. I do not want to prejudice it one way or the other. It will be looked at on its merits and the views of the interim board will be taken into consideration. I have no reason to doubt that the licence was given. The date would be the only factor.
Question No. 14 has been withdrawn.
