Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

101 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has for the dredging of the inner harbour at Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18269/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

In March the Dungarvan Urban District Council applied to my Department for permission under the Foreshore Acts to carry out minor dredging works in Dungarvan Harbour. The quantity of material to be removed is approximately 2500 cubic metres. The UDC plan to deposit the material on land approximately six miles north east of Dungarvan. The material has been sampled and chemical analysis has been carried out to ensure that dredging and deposition will not pose a threat to either public health or the marine environment.

In May the UDC was requested to publish notice of its proposals in theDungarvan Leader and to provide evidence thereof. Publication of such a notice is essential so that interested parties and the public generally would be aware of the proposals and have the opportunity to make objections or representations to me. The UDC would be allowed to comment on any such objections or representations before a report is made to me by my Department. Such reports detail the proposals, the consultation process that has been gone through, any objections or representations received and a commentary thereon, and recommend whether or not a licence should be granted and, if so, under what conditions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

102 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has for the further development of Ardmore boat cove in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18281/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

The harbour infrastructure at Ardmore is owned by Waterford County Council and development or maintenance works are, therefore, the responsibility of the local authority in the first instance.

Grant aid amounting to £84,000 has been awarded to Waterford County Council in 1999 and 2000 for pier improvement works at Ardmore with a total cost of £112,000. Waterford County Council has not, to date, made any proposal to my Department for further development at this location. Any proposals which the local authority wishes to put forward will be considered carefully having regard, inter alia, to available funding mechanisms and overall infrastructure investment priorities.