Vol. 451 No. 4
31 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, which has been made with regard to the proposed dredging of Killybegs Harbour and the provision of a new pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6268/95]
The present position is that consultants have completed a preliminary structural assessment of the existing quay structures in Killybegs. This is an essential prerequisite before any dredging can be undertaken. This consultants report which is being evaluated at present will determine what dredging, if any, can be carried out without undermining the existing available berthage.
Provision of dredging and a new pier and wharf at Killybegs is estimated to cost £10 million. Total funding provided under the Structural Funds programme for harbour developments in the entire country up to 1999 amounts to only £8.2 million. I intend to pursue the question of the inadequate level of funding and Killybegs will certainly be among my top priorities to be addressed out of any additional funding that I achieve.
