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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - Moville (Donegal) Pier.

James McDaid

Question:

24 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give EU designated landing area status to the pier at Carrickarory Moville, County Donegal. [2986/96]

The Deputy is no doubt aware that the pier at Carrickarory Moville, which is now owned by Donegal County Council is in a very poor state of repair. I understand that the county council advise against its use as a landing place in view of its condition and it has not been extensively used in recent years.

From a fisheries perspective it would be difficult to make a case for investment at the pier even if the resources were available to do so. Future possible investment proposals should more realistically focus on the development needs of Moville pier itself and the port of Greencastle, both of which are used for landings of fish and shellfish by fishermen of the area.

In any event, and to clarify the situation for the Deputy, there is no EU designation system for Irish fishing ports and harbours in relation to landings by the domestic fishing fleet. Irish fishing boats are free to land their catch into any suitable harbour. There is one exception to this. Boats fishing for herring and mackerel are required under the terms of their licences, to land into specified ports. Killybegs and Rossaveal are the specified ports for the north west herring and mackerel boats. It is also the case that under EU regulations fishing vessels from outside the EU are required to land in certain designated ports. This is primarily to facilitate necessary inspection of such vessels by the national authorities. I am not clear if it is these designation scenarios which the Deputy actually has in mind but he will understand that Carrickarory would not qualify under either category.

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