Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - Harbour Works.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

142 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine the money spent in Skerries and Balbriggan, County Dublin; the way in which £10,000 was required to remove each of the wrecked boats while quotations could have been secured for £3,000 per wreck removal; if he will ensure that the Dublin Port and Docks Board finishes the work of maintenance in both harbours particularly the levelling of the ground at Skerries harbour where uneven sand banks are endangering the structural strength of boats when they are resting at low tide; and if he will ensure that the supports of the pier in Skerries are protected from the ravages of the sea as was intended, and a proper surface and taps are provided at Balbriggan harbour. [3273/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

Responsibility for the ports in question is a matter for the Dublin Port and Docks Board.

A sum of £120,000, funded equally by my Department and Dublin Port and Docks Board, has been allocated towards certain works at Balbriggan and Skerries harbours.

The works which are specialised and marine specific are being undertaken by the board as prioritised and agreed with the technical staff of the Department of the Marine and Fingal County Council and are progressing. These priorities did not include the levelling of the ground and protection of the supports of the pier at Skerries and surfacing at Balbriggan harbour.

I am informed that quotations were received by Dublin Port and Docks Board of between £4,000 and £10,000 each for dismantling wrecks at Balbriggan and Skerries harbours and a sum of £10,000 in total was spent for the removal of wrecks, other than those privately owned, at Skerries harbour.