Thomas P. Broughan
Question:129 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine when the Howth Auction Hall will open; and the way in which it will be operated.
Written Answers. - Howth Fish Auction Hall.
The Fish Auction Hall in Howth was completed and handed over to the Department in June this year. Technical staff of the department operating in Howth have been using the office facilities of the building since that date. The franchise to run the auctions was offered by public tender and generated considerable interest from qualified contractors. Extensive negotiation with tenderers and with the locally based Howth Fishermen's Association are continuing. The contract to hold auctions will be for a number of years subject to clearance from the Department and the franchisee. In addition a monitoring committee, comprising representatives of the Department, the franchise-holder and the fishermen, will oversee operations and facilitate smooth running of the undertaking.