Vol. 542 No. 1
16 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the development of Dunmore East Harbour; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that during the summer season in particular, and the peak period of the winter season there is considerable congestion, impeding the efficient working of the harbour in general. [23458/01]
Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the five fishery harbour centres which are currently owned and operated by my Department. More than £700,000 has been invested in repairs and upgrading at the harbour between 1998 and 2000. Some £1.6 million is being invested this year on essential safety and cliff stabilisation works. A consultancy review of the infrastructure requirements at Dunmore East was commissioned during 2000. The report has proposed a range of infrastructural development options. These are currently under consideration and future decisions will take all relevant factors into account, including the availability of funding for fishery harbour capital works under the NDP.
The Deputy has raised concerns relating to congestion at the harbour during peak periods. I have requested my Department to investigate the scope for short-term action to alleviate congestion in consultation with the recently established interim harbour board which represents harbour users.
