Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 2

Written Answers. - Burtonport (Donegal) Pier.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

145 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, being considered by him for the development of the Burtonport pier-harbour area, County Donegal; the cost of the projects; the source of funding; and when a decision will be made on the application for funding. [6308/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

As the Deputy is aware, the drilling, blasting and dredging project at Burtonport is ongoing at present. Although this project has suffered from serious setbacks it is hoped to complete the work in the coming months.

I have asked my officials to look at the overall needs of the fishery and aquaculture industry with regard to landing places and the necessary infrastructure for the safe and efficient handling of fishing boats and their catches. This is a separate exercise from deciding what can be done with available money and is intended to quantify how much the sector has been undercapitalised. The further development at Burtonport will be considered and costed in this context. Of course, the implementation of any development proposals must be kept within available funding, but it is clear that the operational programme envelope of some £8 million is not adequate to meet the needs of the fisheries industry and so it is my intention to make every effort to secure additional Exchequer funding for fishery harbour works.