Vol. 551 No. 2
37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the inadequacy of Dunmore East harbour to cater for the growing demands of the fishing fleet and leis ure craft, he will make funds available for the design and planning of a vastly expanded harbour embracing a marina and a greatly increased area for the mooring of the fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10012/02]
A sum of €2 million has been invested since 1998 to date in capital maintenance and safety works at Dunmore East. The interim board which I established last year, and which represents the fishing and marine leisure interests at Dunmore East, is working with my Department to enhance management and operations at the harbour centre and to agree the overall strategic direction going forward.
I have indicated my support in principle for capital investment to develop Dunmore East on a value for money basis as a strategic centre for the seafood and marine tourism and leisure sectors. Future investment decisions will also have to take into account the development needs of other key fishery harbours in the south east region, including Kilmore Quay.
A range of development options between €14 million and €24 million have already been proposed for Dunmore East in the strategic infrastructural review completed in 2000. In light of the emerging funding constraints under the NDP fishery harbour capital programme and in line with the Government's overall strategy to encourage public private partnership, I have asked my Department to examine and recommend on the scope for a PPP approach to future investment at Dunmore East. The potential for PPP will be strictly evaluated in terms of achieving value for money in line with Department of Finance guidelines on PPP projects. The cost benefit of any such investment for the Exchequer, for Dunmore East and the south east region generally will also have to be rigorously assessed. Subject to the outcome of the analysis of PPP potential and recommendations arising, it would be intended to put proposals to the Government on future investment strategies for Dunmore East.
