Jim O'Keeffe
Question:69 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if adequate funding will be made available from the national development plan for the building of the new pier at Bantry, County Cork. [6259/02]
Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.
Some €40.1 million is provided for investment under the seaports infrastructure sub-measure of the southern and eastern regional operational programme of the national development plan.
This measure is heavily oversubscribed. A total of 38 applications were received, seeking grant funding of up to €78 million, including an application from Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners for assistance towards the construction of the new pier referred to by the Deputy.
In order to maximise the investment under the programme, I am currently considering each of the projects in the context, inter alia, of their relative contribution to the achievements of the objectives of the NDP compared to other applications received, the forecasted national seaport capacity requirements and the availability of funding. I hope to be in a position to make a decision in the near future.