Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

122 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he received a submission for funding for the development of Sligo Port from Sligo Harbour Commissioners; if the necessary grant aid and assistance will be provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10127/02]

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

The only source of funding available to my Department for ports operating under the Harbours Acts, including Sligo, is that provided under the seaports measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Applications for funding under the seaports measure were invited in a prescribed format from prospective promoters of seaport investment projects with a closing date for receipt of proposals of 18 June 2001. No formal application for grant aid was received from Sligo Harbour Commissioners.

My Department did receive a copy of the Sligo Harbour Regeneration Strategy final report in July 2001 which followed on from the Sligo Harbour Commissioners' integrated development plan 2000-2005, which was funded by my Department. The future development of Sligo Port is being considered in the context of overall policy on regional ports and harbours and the longstanding Government commitment to transfer small harbours to local control as outlined in the Government's Action Programme for the Millennium.