Séamus Hughes
Question:242 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has to complete the development of Darby's Point, County Mayo to accord with the original proposals of Mayo County Council. [3891/95]
Written Answers - Development of Darby's Point, County Mayo.
The original development proposal submitted by Mayo County Council to the Department of the Marine in respect of the Fishery Harbour Development Programme 1989-1993, provided for a pier extension and development scheme at Darby's Point pier at a cost of £750,000. This scheme was included in the Department's 1989-1993 programme. However, due to limited funding and higher than anticipated costs arising on a number of other projects, it was not possible to undertake the planned development works at this harbour.
As the Deputy will be aware, the moneys now available for fishery harbour developments under the National Development Plan is limited to some £8 million. This represents a 60 per cent reduction on funding available in previous years. Therefore, it has been necessary to scale back the number and extent of projects to be undertaken.
Notwithstanding these constraints a significant £380,000 pier extension and development scheme at Darby's Point was initiated in 1994. The scheme involves a 25 metre piled extension, surfacing of a previously filled area, and improved access and dredging of the berths. I am satisfied that this project will be of benefit to the fishermen in the region allowing for safer and quicker handling of catches and increased berthage.
The question of further development at Darby's Point will be kept under review in the light of available funding.