Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - Harbour Committees Establishment.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

46 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine his views on the establishment of harbour committees or committee to ensure the views of fishermen are heard before any money is spent on Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours, County Dublin in view of the wasteful way in which the £120,000 allocated for wreckage removal in both harbours and dredging in Balbriggan was spent; and whether he will facilitate the establishment of these committees. [5170/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The control and maintenance of Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours are the responsibility of Dublin Port and Docks Board. I have no function in the establishment of harbour committees.

As regards the reference to the way in which the funds allocated for wreckage removal and other works in both harbours have been spent, I understand that Dublin Port's berthing master for Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours considers the moneys well spent and that the fishermen themselves are pleased with progress.