Vol. 482 No. 1
74 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will establish a fund to assist smaller harbours such as Wicklow and Arklow to develop their recreational and tourism potential through the establishment of publicly owned marinas; if he will provide the Harbour Commissioners in these and other smaller ports with the financial and technical back up necessary to develop marina/recreational and tourism projects based on their harbours. [17458/97]
The development and funding of marina proposals at smaller harbours is in the first instance a matter for the relevant harbour authority. Funding possibilities include own resources, borrowing, contributions from potential users and/or private investors, support from local authorities and grant aid under various EU programmes.
The funding of tourism and recreational projects generally falls under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
I will of course provide whatever help I can in processing marina proposals in so far as they may require permissions under the Foreshore Acts or harbour legislation. I am anxious to see a mix of developments in our ports and to ensure that they are complementary to each other.
The strategy statement for my Department includes provision for review of strategic options for the future development and management of the declining commercial regional ports, including Arklow and Wicklow, where traditional activities may be diminishing.
