Written Answers. - Howth (Dublin) Harbour.
Patrick McCartan
Question:
44
Mr. McCartan
asked the
Minister for the Marine
if he will outline the latest position regarding the development of Howth Harbour, County Dublin as a major fishing port; when construction of the proposed auction hall will commence; if he will establish a harbour committee representative of port users in Howth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, a major development scheme for Howth which cost in the region of £11.6 million was completed in 1985. This scheme included:
—construction of a breakwater pier;
—increased berthage through pier widening and extensions,
—reclamation of a portion of the Claremont Beach adjacent to the root of the West pier to provide sites for fish-related industries,
—provision of a synchrolift.
Since my Department assumed responsibility for the harbour, a gear storage compound and a tarmacadam area for repair of fishing gear has been provided at the rere of the West Pier together with minor upgrading to pier and breakwater structures.
The result has been to bring the harbour to a high state of development. Landings are now valued in the region of £6.3 million per annum, compared with landings valued at £2.6 million in 1979, the year before the development scheme started. The major species landed at Howth comprises high value demersal species. There are approximately 145 fishermen and 28 boats based at Howth and it is estimated that there are 100 onshore jobs, related to the fishing industry.
As the Deputy will know I have made provision for an Auction Hall at Howth this year. The preparation of detailed designs and costings for the Auction Hall is presently being progressed by my Department. An application has been submitted to the European Commission for grant aid of up to 50 per cent for this project and, it is planned that building of the Auction Hall will commence by September this year.
In response to a request from the local Howth Fishermen's Association, I established a Port User's Committee during February this year which brings together representatives of my Department and the main users of the harbour. The committee, which has met twice to date and will meet again shortly, has proved to be a valuable forum for discussion between fishing and leisure users of the harbour and in assisting the harbour master in effecting smooth running of the harbour. The committee will also be consulted on the design of the auction hall when drawings become available.
