Vol. 542 No. 1
19 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make funds available for further development works at Dingle Harbour (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23412/01]
My Department has worked closely with Dingle Harbour Commissioners in undertaking significant development works at Dingle Harbour in recent years.
Most recently, my Department undertook and funded development works costing almost £3 million, between 2000 and 2001. This expenditure related primarily to a pier extension which facilitated the development of the new ice plant.
This year I have allocated a further £500,000 in respect of finalisation of the pier extension and various other remedial works at the harbour.
Dingle Harbour Commissioners have made proposals for additional significant development works at the harbour. These works include dredging of the approach channel, the construction of a breakwater and the provision of an auction hall facility. The proposed developments have yet to be fully costed but are estimated to be in the order of several million pounds. Preliminary technical and design work is under way in connection with the breakwater component of these development proposals.
Undertaking these further major development works at Dingle is contingent on funding being available in forward years.
