Vol. 533 No. 1
28 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department received correspondence from Wicklow County Council on 20 November 2000 outlining proposals for Greystones Harbour and the North Beach; if so, his views on these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7612/01]
I presume the Deputy is referring to correspondence dated 20 November 2000 which the Wicklow County Manager addressed to the Department of the Environment and Local Government and which was copied to my Department.
The correspondence outlined a profile of the project currently being promoted by Wicklow County Council which involves a development of the Greystones Harbour and North Beach area involving among other things, a marina, coastal protection works and a residential development.
I understand the council, in copying the correspondence to my Department, has made specific proposals for changes in the tax code by the Minister for Finance which the council believes will assist in attracting financial backers whose participation is critical to the project's success. In particular, these proposals are aimed at amending current tax incentive schemes to include marina developments and coastal protection works approved by my Department.
I should point out to the Deputy that at present my Department's role in approving coastal developments is confined to the issuing of foreshore leases under the Foreshore Acts 1933-88. The foreshore lease focuses primarily on the physical effect of the development, and involves consultation, planning permission and a public notice process.
The general direction for marine tourism development for the next six years is set in the national development plan and more specifically the marine tourism grant scheme which will be administered by my Department. The grant scheme, which is currently being developed in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation for launch later this year, will be targeted at improving marine tourism access infrastructure and encouraging integrated development and co-operative partnerships, particularly in relation to networks and clusters.
29 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be provided by his Department in the 2001 Estimates for the planned extension and construction of a breakwater and other works to Schull Fishery Harbour, County Cork. [7383/01]
Schull Pier is owned by Cork County Council and its repair, maintenance and development is the responsibility of the local authority in the first instance. While Cork County Council is primarily responsible for the development of facilities at Schull, the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources provides aid for development works at fishery harbours.
The strategic fishery harbour in the West Cork area is, of course, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre. I recently announced a major development package for Castletownbere. The Castletownbere development provides for an extension of the existing wharf at Dinnish Island, along with the construction of an Auction Hall. The planning application in respect of this development was lodged recently with Cork County Council and I am hopeful the development will commence before the end of the current year.
The National Development Plan 2000-2006 provides, in total, a £60 million package for the upgrading and development of facilities at the key strategic fishery harbours and landing places. New and improved facilities will also be provided at smaller harbours and landing places, which will provide essential structures for the fishery and aquaculture industries.
My Department has an extensive list of proposals for development works, comprising projects submitted for consideration by local authorities and industry sources. These projects are considered and approved on a priority basis.
No proposals have been submitted by Cork County Council for the extension of a breakwater at Schull Pier. The scope for funding works at Schull will be kept under review by my Department in consultation with Cork County Council in light of available resources in forward years.
