Vol. 486 No. 4
66 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the current position regarding the ice plant, the auction hall and the extension of the pier at Dingle; when he expects work to commence on these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2785/98]
Consulting engineers have been engaged to progress plans for the extension of the pier and the provision of an ice plant at Dingle. The consulting engineers will prepare a schedule of works and a proposed timescale for the developments, in light of their current site investigations and identified design options. When they have submitted their report, applications for statutory consents, including planning permission, will be progressed with the aim of getting the development works under way at the earliest opportunity.
67 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the pier at Portmagee will be cleaned and the unfinished works completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/98]
Portmagee Pier is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority.
My Department has recently completed development works at Portmagee at a cost of £500,000, and proposals for further works have now been received from Kerry County Council. These are being considered in light of the limited funding available and the numerous priority demands at key fishing ports around the coast, in the context of finalising fishery harbours development programmes for 1998 and forward years.
There are, however, some minor works to be completed at Portmagee and my officials will be in contact with Kerry County Council with a view to having these works carried out in the near future.
68 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when repairs will be carried out to Blackwater, Rossdohan and Sneem piers in view of the fact that a number of boats have been damaged at these points during the past two months and it is vital that immediate attention be given to these places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/98]
Blackwater, Rossdohan and Sneem piers are owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for their repair and maintenance rests with the local authority.
Development proposals for these piers have been submitted to my Department by Kerry County Council. These are being considered in light of the limited funding available and the numerous priority demands at key fishing ports around the cost, in the context of finalising fishery harbours development programmes for 1998 and forward years.
69 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when an extremely dangerous swamp beside the pier at Kenmare will be filled; the action, if any, he will take to carry out works there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2788/98]
I have no specific information to hand on the swamp to which the Deputy refers and have, to date, received no proposals on the matter from Kerry County Council, which is responsible for the repair and maintenance of Kenmare pier. I would be glad to arrange to have the matter investigated if the Deputy could provide my office with the relevant details.
70 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the current position regarding the dredging at Burtonport harbour, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2813/98]
I provided funding to Donegal County Council in 1997 for the surveys and investigations necessary for the purpose of drawing up a dredging plan for Burtonport Harbour. I understand that Donegal County Council has employed a marine engineer to oversee this work.
When the investigations are completed and a dredging plan has been prepared, the proposals will be assessed by my Department in consultation with the county council.
