The harbour infrastructure at Helvick is owned by Waterford County Council and development or maintenance works are, therefore, the responsibility of the local authority in the first instance.
I understand, however, that a plan for the development of this harbour facility was prepared in 1998 on behalf of Meitheal Mara na Rinne Teo and that Waterford County Council, with the support of Meitheal Mara na Rinne, have recently appointed consultants to update this plan and associated costings.
My Department will examine the matter further once proposals have been received from the local authority.
I should also point out that a total of £19,425 was paid by my Department to Waterford County Council between 1998 and 1999 to enable them carry out improvement works, which included dredging, at this harbour.