Vol. 559 No. 5
249 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the developments at Rossaveel Harbour, County Galway; if the development as proposed of the harbour is going ahead; when work will start on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26339/02]
In 2000 the Department commissioned O'Hare and Associates to carry out an assessment of the capability of the existing infrastructure and on-shore facilities at Rossaveel Fishery Harbour Centre to service safely and efficiently the existing and future requirements of the fishing industry and other potential sources of commercial traffic.
The trust of the study was to recommend two separate, but complementary, developments at Rossaveel. Development A provides for the provision of a dedicated ferry berth with a depth of three metres and a limited amount of dredging in the inner harbour and navigational channel. Development B involves the provision of deep water berths with facilities for vessels up to eight metres draught. The study went on to recommend further phased developments including the provision of a purpose built ferry terminal building.
My Department appointed consulting engineers to advance the proposed developments outlined at A and B. The consulting engineers estimate the cost of the development proposals, having taken account of certain lesser requirements identified in the course of public consultation process, at €30 million. The consultants envisage that the expenditure would be incurred over a three year period. In September 2002 planning permission was granted for the project. The Environmental Protection Agency licence for disposal of dredged wastes was received in November 2002.
The funding available to my Department for fishery harbour development works in 2003 will not allow for further advancement of the Rossaveel development in 2003. There are numerous proposals on hands in my Department for fishery harbour development works going forward. The decision on whether to advance the Rossaveel project will be taken based on the funding available for fishery harbour development works in the post 2003 period and taking account of overall national priorities.
