Vol. 523 No. 1
246 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make available funding to support the development of the fish landing jetty and the establishment of an ice plant at Adams Quay, Kinsale, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20327/00]
As the Deputy may be aware a major independent review of the State's 16 commercial regional ports, including Kinsale 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 socioeconomic impacts. Following publication of the review a full consultative process was initiated in order to give all stakeholders and interests a chance to comment on the recommendations of the review in advance of any decisions being made.
In Kinsale's case the independent consultancy review recommends that the harbour be transferred to Cork County Council. The harbour commissioners have indicated that while not opposed to the transfer to the local authority, a number of issues need to be clarified in advance including future investment needs and levels of local input and consultation under any new operational/management structure.
Kinsale Harbour Commissioners have produced an integrated development plan which was co-financed by my Department. Proposed developments have been costed at some £5 million. This is currently being considered by my Department in the context of competing demands from other regional commercial ports which were the subject of the overall independent review. My Department has already agreed to provide a grant of some £500,000 to Kinsale Harbour Commissioners for the completion of urgent remedial works to repair the main pier at Kinsale and to support the planned eight metre extension to the pier.
