Cecilia Keaveney
Question:101 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the Department-organisation which currently has responsibility for Lough Swilly, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/96]
Written Answers. - Lough Swilly, Donegal.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:102 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the steps involved in transferring responsibility for Lough Swilly, County Donegal, to the Buncrana Harbour Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19657/96]
I propose answering Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
Lough Swilly, apart from the area currently controlled by the Buncrana Harbour Commissioners is "navigable water" and as such is subject to IMO and other international maritime conventions and relevant domestic legislation. Buncrana harbour commissioners are responsible for the operation and movement of vessels within certain limits in and around Buncrana harbour. At Rathmullen, the pier is under the ownership and control of Donegal County Council. However, the council does not control any pilotage area within Lough Swilly.
Under section 135 of the Harbours Act, 1946, any extension in the area of jurisdiction of a harbour authority would have to be effected by way of a provisional harbour works order. However such order would have no force or effect unless and until confirmed by an Act of the Oireachtas.