Austin Deasy
Question:28 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make moneys available for the erection of an all weather harbour at Ardmore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15620/95]
Written Questions. - Ardmore (Waterford) Harbour.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have recently approved grant aid of £45,000 to Waterford County Council to support an overall investment of £75,000 in improvement works at Ardmore. The project involves extension of the existing slipway, extra storage for boats and restoration works on the breakwater. The work is already under way and should be completed before the end of the year. The immediate investment will considerably enhance the facilities for fishermen at Ardmore from an operational and safety perspective.
I understand that a feasibility study into a number of development options for Ardmore Harbour has been undertaken and that this has recently been presented to the Department. These proposals envisage major development works at a cost of about £1 million. Given the funding available and the existing and emerging priorities for essential works at the five fishery harbour centres and other major fishery harbours, it is, difficult to justify investment on the large scale envisaged at Ardmore. That being said, the structural improvements which I have agreed to fund will be completed quickly and will be of immediate benefit to local fishermen.