Ned O'Keeffe
Question:118 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the development of the extension of a pier (details supplied) in County Cork. [15761/01]
Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.
In 1999 and 2000 my Department provided £113,000 to Cork County Council towards the cost of repairing the breakwater at the pier in question.
My Department is currently developing an investment support scheme for the marine tourism and leisure sector under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. One of the main objectives of the marine tourism grant scheme is to improve marine tourism access infrastructure. Some £20 million has been allocated to marine tourism, of which £6 million has been allocated to the south and east region.
The scheme is expected to be launched later this year and applications cannot be accepted before the scheme is formally launched and applications invited. Thus, while development proposals for the pier in question have been received, the project cannot be considered as being a formal application as my Department's marine tourism grant scheme is not yet in place.
Those parties who have expressed an interest in the marine tourism grant schemes will be sent details and an application form as soon as they are available.
Jim Higgins
Question:119 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make the necessary resources available for the provision of a winch at Killerduff Pier, Ballycastle, Ballina, County Mayo. [15845/01]
Killerduff Pier, Ballycastle, County Mayo, is owned by Mayo County Council and its repair and maintenance is the responsibility of the local authority in the first instance.
The pier is among the piers and harbour projects in County Mayo which were submitted to my Department in a three year programme by Mayo County Council for funding support last year. The scope for funding works at this location is being kept under review by my Department in consultation with Mayo County Council in light of available funding in forward years.