Vol. 487 No. 3
44 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to visit the harbours of Balbriggan and Skerries prior to any attempt by Dublin Port to relinquish responsibility to Fingal County Council under the Harbours Act, 1996, in view of the fact that these working harbours require a number of improvements in the interest of the safety for people working in their facilities. [3898/98]
Arrangements for the transfer of Balbriggan and Skerries harbours to Fingal County Council can only be made in accordance with regulations made, with the consent of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, under the Harbours Act, 1996. In the interest of safety, Dublin Port Company will undertake necessary maintenance works until the harbours are transferred to Fingal County Council. In August 1997 some repair work was carried out to a wall on the east pier at Balbriggan harbour which had shown a small collapse. Since then, I am advised that Dublin Port Company have approved expenditure of up to £40,000 for paving work on the west pier and some minor work at the east pier at Balbriggan harbour. I am advised that work will commence shortly. It is my intention to visit both Balbriggan and Skerries harbours in the near future and well in advance of any transfer.
