Vol. 422 No. 4
129 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Marine if he has any plans for the development of Sligo port in view of the fact that it is the only commercial port between Galway and Derry and having regard to the fact that access is so vitally important in the Europe of the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
130 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Marine whether any application has been made by the Irish Government for EC Structural Funds or EC Cohesion Funds for the improvement of Sligo Harbour in view of the vital importance of access for peripheral areas in the new Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
Development plans for Sligo Harbour are in the first instance a matter for determination by Sligo Harbour Commissioners. Where such development works request EC aid, I will in due course be making recommendations to Government on the Commissioners' proposals.
Work is underway in my Department for a continuation of EC aid for development works at commercial ports. Port authorities, including the Sligo Harbour Commissioners, have recently submitted development plans for consideration for EC aid under the Cohesion Fund and the post-1993 EC Operational Programme on Peripherality. The projects submitted are being evaluated on an equal footing.
