Vol. 518 No. 6
75 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has given consideration to the report presented to him by the Ballycotton Development Association on the future development of Ballycotton Harbour; his views in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12956/00]
Ballycotton Harbour is owned by Cork County Council. The county council is, therefore, responsible for its maintenance or development of the harbour's facilities and it is a matter for it, in the first instance, to determine what works may be required at the harbour.
Comprehensive development proposals for the harbour were put to my Department last year by the Ballycotton Development Association. Cork County Council subsequently indicated to my Department that it supported the association's proposals and sought financial assistance to allow the proposed works to be undertaken on a phased basis.
The question of grant aid for the major development envisaged will be addressed in the context of the overall needs of harbours generally, the relative priority of such works and the funding available for them. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding has already been made available for repairs to the breakwater, and that further moneys are being provided in the current year for the completion of those works.
