Vol. 428 No. 3
68 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties which are being experienced by fishermen in Killybegs, County Donegal because of inadequate access to the harbour; and the plans, if any, there are to carry out dredging to make the harbour more accessible.
I am aware of the problem mentioned following my recent visit to Killybegs. Some of the largest fishing vessels have experienced access difficulties during low spring tides. Provision had been made to carry out dredging works at Killybegs in the Fishery Harbour Development Programme 1989-1993. However, insufficient funds were available and the work was not progressed. The estimated cost of dredging Killybegs is put at £1 million.
A new fishery harbour development programme is currently being drawn up for the 1994-1997 period. It is intended to provide for the dredging works in this programme. Pending finalisation of the new programme and clarification of its funding I am not in a position to give any definite timetable at this point. However, I would regard the early carrying out of this work as a high priority.
