Vol. 457 No. 1
52 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has for the development of Dún Laoghaire Harbour in car ferry and leisure terms; the further plans, if any, he has to replace the Carlisle Pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14993/95]
The development of the ferry terminal at Dún Laoghaire Harbour was identified as a priority in the development plan for the harbour at the time of publication in 1992. The installation of new passenger terminal facilities has been completed recently. Work will continue into the new year on berthing and other facilities.
Comprehensive consultation with harbour users has elicited some possible projects for development of leisure and recreational facilities. Information obtained from detailed site investigation studies has been made available to various parties which had indicated an interest in developing recreational facilities in the harbour. To date, however, none of these has advanced sufficiently to proceed through the planning process.
A commitment was given at the time of the planning application for the new ferry terminal development, to decommission the Carlisle Pier from ferry operations by December 1997. This commitment was reflected in the condition attached to the planning permission granted for the development.
The development of the Carlisle Pier, therefore, is contingent on the transfer of the ferry operation to the new facilities and consideration is being given to the development options available.
If these prove to be technically and financially viable and attract a reasonable degree of support, they will be progressed to a planning stage. Work on developing these proposals continues.
