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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.

Enda Kenny

Question:

84 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a sandbank has built up at Ballyglass Pier, Broadhaven, County Mayo which prevents small fishing boats using the ladder on the pier; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that six of these boats are having to use an unsuitable area of berth; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that skippers and their crews have to walk along narrow girders underneath the pier in darkness to reach the shore; his views on whether this is suitable and safe; if his Department has received a report by Mayo County Council indicating that £20,000 would clear this sand bank; if he will issue instructions to have this vital work carried out; and if he will make a statement acknowledging that responsibility for maintenance of the pier is the responsibility of Mayo County Council and acknowledging that the area in question is the responsibility of his Department in order to avoid a serious accident and potential loss of life. [19316/97]

I am aware of the siltation problem at Ballyglass pier. Maintenance dredging at piers is, in the normal course, the responsibility of pier owners which in this case is Mayo County Council. My Department does not, generally, provide financial assistance for maintenance dredging but will consider grant aiding capital dredging schemes.

The Department has been in direct contact with Mayo County Council this week. I can confirm, in view of the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, that I am prepared to make the requisite funding available to the county council to carry out the necessary dredging work before the end of the year on foot of a detailed proposal.

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