Vol. 560 No. 1
149 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to assist in the upgrading of the pier at Ballycotton, County Cork; his further plans to assist in the development of a marina facility in Ballycotton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1878/03]
The pier at Ballycotton is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. In 2001 the council submitted a report prepared by consulting engineers on the estimated cost of the Ballycotton harbour development plan. The proposed development is estimated to cost a total of €6 million. This includes the cost of constructing a marina. There is no funding available to my Department in 2003 under the fishery harbour development programme for works at Ballycotton pier. The question of funding works at Ballycotton pier post-2003 will be considered in the context of the funding available for fishery harbour development works and overall national priorities.
The Deputy will be aware that Cork County Council applied for funding last year under the marine tourism grant scheme of the national development plan for a development including a marina of 18 berths at Ballycotton, County Cork. However, as the applicants had not obtained the necessary statutory permissions, i.e. planning permission and foreshore lease, as required under the conditions for the scheme, their application could not be considered further. The applicants were informed of this and that they could apply for funding under a future call following the receipt of the required permissions.
