Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 3

Written Answers. - Kinlsale (Cork) Port.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

62 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the lack of facilities at Kinsale Port, County Cork, for fishing vessels operating out of that port; and if he will give a guarantee to provide finance in 1993, if possible, to carry out the proposed plan to extend and renovate Adams Quay as submitted to him by Kinsale Harbour Board.

Minister of State at the Department of the Marine (Mr. G. O'Sullivan)

The Department of the Marine is currently implementing the final year of its fishery harbour development programme for the period 1989 to 1993. No provision was made under this programme for development works at Kinsale Harbour. In view of this, it will not be possible to carry out any works at the harbour during 1993.

The Department of the Marine is currently drawing up a new fishery harbour development plan covering the period 1994 to 1997. To this end the various maritime local authorities and harbour authorities, including Kinsale Harbour Commissioners, were invited to make formal proposals for development works in the fisheries interests and for which they would be prepared to make funds available. Kinsale Harbour Commissioners submitted their proposal in July 1992. The commissioners proposed two possible development options for the harbour. These were (a) to extend the existing quay or (b) to construct a new quay. Both options were estimated to cost approximately £800,000. The commissioners also indicated their wish to provide an ice plant on the fish-landing quay, the construction of an auction hall and the provision of washing and showering facilities.

The commissioners have recently written to the Department of the Marine outlining proposals to construct a new fishery quay at Adam's Quay, Kinsale, at an estimated cost of £400,000. The commissioners have also indicated a willingness to make a contribution to the costs of the work. The Department of the Marine, which is conscious of the limited facilities at this harbour and the conflict between commercial and fishing activities, is examining the proposal with a view to its possible inclusion in the new development plan. However, pending finalisation of the plan and clarification of its funding, I am not in a position, at this stage, to say if it will be possible to undertake the work in question.