I am sure I will be entitled to some injury time because of the altercations between Dublin Deputies.
The background to my requesting this debate is the discrimination long suffered by the east and south east in regard to harbour development and of coastal erosion protection works. West of Helvic Head, which is in Waterford, local authority harbours enjoy 75 per cent grant aid from the Exchequer whereas, in the east and south east, grant aid of 50 per cent must suffice.
The economic overview in the south east is this: Wexford suffers from the second highest rate of unemployment in any county. Within this economic black hole the highest levels of deprivation are concentrated on the port and harbour towns of New Ross, Duncannon and Kilmore Quay. These communities are afflicted by unemployment and depopulation on an appalling scale. Such is the depth of the crisis that both a combat poverty programme and a Programme for Economic and Social Progress partnership programme are in operation there. The key to economic recovery lies in the area's ports and harbours. I have a very simple question to post to the Minister this evening: will he develop the ports of Wexford or allow them to die? Incisive and urgent action versus irreversible stagnation is the stark choice.
New Ross harbour is the key to industrial development for south west Wexford. My representations in relation to nrcessary works to the Barrow Bridge and other developments are well known to the Minister. This debate has been called to focus attention on the fishing ports of Kilmore Quay and Duncannon. I might add that the Minister for the Marine, Deputy Andrews, gave me a personal commitment to visit these parts with me. The people of south west Wexford, to whom he represents their last and best hope, are still waiting.
I ask the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, Deputy Gerry O'Sullivan, to renew the promise this evening. After all, these people deserve and desperately need to have their case examined from the bottom up rather than from the top down. The Minister of State has shown a genuine interest in the people's plight.
In reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy Doyle on 5 May there was a promise given that major works would begin at Kilmore Quay this year. I have it on good authority that, to date, no consultations have been appointed. Should this be true the stated timetable must be in grave doubt. Will the Minister of State put on the record this evening the exact position regarding the promised works for Kilmore Quay?
The ongoing development of our harbours, in addition to the vital work of protecting our coasts, is chronically hindered by having to pay a 25 per cent premium above what must be paid for such development in the west. This means an impossible burden is placed on a local authority whose rate base has already been decimated. Present policy puts Wexford into a vicious, downward spiral.
I have been representing Wexford in this House for 12 years. I have yet to hear any justification for the preferential grant rates given west of Helvic Head. This affair is an example of pork barrel politics at its worst. Duncannon is an example of what could be done where most desperately needed. It was the only harbour not damaged in the south-east in the 1990 hurricane. Furthermore, it is located very close to the shipping lanes into Waterford and New Ross, which fact underlines its development potential. It is a harbour providing good shelter with access to deep water. Indeed, frequently vessels from Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay take shelter there. For all its natural advantages, Duncannon is a harbour whose potential has been stifled. Extra berthage is needed urgently there and its landing facilities bear no relation to its real potential.
In Wexford we are not looking for preferential treatment; rather we are seeking equal treatment. I challenge the Minister to treat all parts of Wexford in the same way as other regions.