Vol. 485 No. 2
88 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the condition of the pier and harbour in Ballycotton, County Cork; the plans, if any, he has for remedial work if required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23145/97]
89 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money, if any, allocated by his Department towards the dredging of Ballycotton Harbour, County Cork; if so, the dates on which this money was allocated; the procedures for payment of this money; the preferred date of payment; the proposed date of dredging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23146/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
The harbour at Ballycotton is owned by Cork County Council, who are responsible for its repair and maintenance. Accordingly, it is primarily a matter for the local authority to determine what remedial works may be required at the harbour.
Earlier this year, Cork County Council was notified of a grant of £52,500 from my Department towards a silt dredging scheme at Ballycotton which will cost £70,000. This project is being managed by the county council. I understand that the necessary tendering procedures have been initiated and that the local authority will be proceeding with the dredging works as early as possible in 1998.
