Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Clogherhead Harbour Reconstruction Project.

Michael Bell

Question:

167 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine the current position regarding the re-construction of the pier at Clogherhead harbour; the type of reconstruction plan which he has sanctioned or will sanction; if his attention has been drawn to the delay of 20 years regarding this project; if the hydraulic model work started four years ago at UCC has been finalised; if so, if he has the report on when this project will be sanctioned and likely to commence; the proposed cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Bell

Question:

172 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine the reason for the continuing delay in giving sanction to the reconstruction project for Clogherhead Harbour/Pier; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department, having rejected a proposal for £8 million, subsequently indicated that a revised plan at a cost of £2.5 million would be sanctioned; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that two further years has now elapsed with no final sanction yet being given, that part of the fishing fleet has no berth at other ports and that extra employment which is much needed in the area could be generated if this project was completed; if he will give details of the sequence of events and the current position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 172 together. There is a long standing commitment in principle to the undertaking of a significant development programme at this harbour, provided the costs can be justified by reference to the economic benefits arising.

Because of the extremely exposed nature of this harbour and the complexity of the design issues, which could have a major bearing on the scale of costs which could arise, comprehensive predesign exercises were required. To this end a hydraulic model study was commissioned. This comprehensive study is on-going. In July 1992 a site investigation, which is a prerequisite of such development projects, was started. This site investigation was later halted pending more favourable weather conditions. It will recommence during the summer. Pending completion of these exercises, I am not in a position to indicate the feasibility of any development project or the associated costs.