Vol. 493 No. 4
70 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the role of the Ballyshannon Harbour Commission, which has dissolved itself, will be taken over by Donegal County Council; if the necessary markings on the Erne estuary channel will be put in place as soon as possible to ensure the safety of both local fishermen and others; and if his Department will contribute towards the costs of these markings. [16518/98]
The acting chairperson of Ballyshannon Harbour Commissioners has formally notified me that the commissioners have taken a unanimous decision to resign their positions and have requested that their responsibilities be transferred to Donegal County Council.
Section 88 of the Harbours Act, 1996, provides for the transfer of harbours to local county councils. This would require the consent of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the making of a ministerial order under the Harbours Act, 1996. The transfer would encompass all properties, rights and liabilities.
I am advised that as a commercial seaport Ballyshannon is non-operational. There has been no sea-going commercial activity since the 1950s and there is only the occasional leisure boat or fishing boat using the facility.
While funding of some £50,000 has been sought to mark the channel there is no provision in the Department's Vote for such expenditure.
Under An Action Programme for the Millennium the Government is committed to transferring small harbours to local control to develop marine leisure activities. My Department has written to Donegal County Council concerning the possible transfer of both Ballyshannon and Buncrana harbours to its control. I am advised that the council has agreed to take over responsibility for Ballyshannon Harbour and is considering the position in relation to Buncrana Harbour.
