Vol. 451 No. 8
274 Mr. P. Gallagher (Donegal South West) asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, which has been made with regard to the completion of the dredging of Burtonport Harbour and the provision of a new pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6965/95]
As you are aware, the drilling, blasting and dredging project at Burtonport has suffered from serious setbacks and work is currently suspended. However, it is hoped to recommence works within the next number of weeks to be completed during the summer months.
As I have already informed the House, 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 safe and efficient handling of fishing boats and catches. This is a separate excercise from deciding what can be done with available funding and is intended to quantify how much the sector has been undercapitalised. Further development at Burtonport will be considered and costed in this context.
Naturally, implementation of any development proposals must be kept within available funding. However, the funding available under the Operational Programme, some £8 million, is insufficient to meet the infrastructural needs of the industry. I will, therefore, be making every effort to secure additional Exchequer funding for fishery harbour works.
