Vol. 474 No. 6
301 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine the guidelines, if any, he has for local authorities which are newly responsible for fishing and leisure harbours in view of the fact that such authorities may have no particular expertise in this area and may not have established means of co-operating with or consulting fishing and other maritime interests. [3637/97]
The Harbours Act, 1996, provides for the transfer of a number of small "non-commercial" harbours from harbour authorities to local authorities. Once transferred, the relevant local authorities will be responsible for the control, management, operation and development of the harbours in question. The local authorities will be empowered to introduce bye-laws for the good rule and government of these harbours.
I have no guidelines as such for the local authorities in question. I should mention, however, that quite a number of local authorities are already responsible for harbours, piers and landing stages around the country. I am convinced, therefore, that there is already in existence a wealth of expertise which could be tapped into through the forum of, for example, the County and City Managers Association. I should add that my Department will be available to assist with advice where appropriate and relevant.
