Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fishery Harbour Development.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

70 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he can give an assurance that fisheries port investment projects approved under the national development plan can proceed without delays in public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29008/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

The national development plan provides 84.35 million, £66.43 million, for capital investment in fishery harbours infrastructure and facilities. This funding envelope represents a major increase over all previous programmes and is supporting crucial investment in safe, modern and efficient infrastructure which is essential for the fishing and aquaculture industries. While funding has been directed primarily towards key strategic fishery harbours, including Killybegs, Rossaveel and Castletownbere, we are also investing in smaller harbours and landing places right around the coast to meet the needs of local fishing and aquaculture interests and coastal communities.

The programme is intended to proceed on a planned basis over the period 2000-06. A substantial programme of capital works has already been undertaken. The Estimates allocation of 14.176 million, £11.16, for fishery harbour development is substantial but nonetheless reflects the dramatic change in the economic environment. The Minister and I have made the case for additional resources particularly for capital investment and critical priorities for our Department including the fishery harbour programme will be decided in terms of the overall budgetary situation.