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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

107 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will sanction moneys to cover 50% of the cost of the car park adjoining the pier at Baltimore, County Cork, in view of the agreement by the county council and the Department of Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht and the Islands to each provide 25% of the cost and in view of the urgency in having the facility completed. [14600/00]

As the Deputy may be aware, a major independent review of the States' 16 commercial regional ports, including Baltimore harbour, was published last year. The review develops a general strategic framework for the ports and harbours concerned which aims to maximise their financial sustainability, their contribution to strategic maritime policy objectives and socio-economic impacts.

Following publication of the review, a full consultative process was initiated to give all stakeholders and interests a chance to comment on the recommendations of the review in advance of any decisions being made.

In Baltimore's case, the independent consultancy review recommends that the harbour be transferred to Cork County Council. Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Commissioners have indicated that they believe the best way forward is for the County Council to take over the running of the harbour. The development requirements of Baltimore harbour can only be considered in the context of such a transfer, competing demands for funding from the other regional ports which were the subject of the review, the overall priorities for coastal infrastructure development, and in light of funding available under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

I am aware that Baltimore Harbour Commissioners had submitted a comprehensive development plan (costed at some £8 million) prior to publication of the review. I point out, however, that while Baltimore harbour continues to operate under the Harbours Act, 1946, it is defunct in terms of commercial traffic and has very little income with revenue returns, mainly from recreational users, failing to top £10,000 in the past four years.
I have received no specific application from Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Commissioners for funding of the car park adjoining the pier at Baltimore and have no information as to whether this constitutes a part or a stage of the overall development plan. Any provision of funding from the Vote of my Department towards such a development would have to be channelled through the harbour commissioners on foot of a detailed and costed project proposal.
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