Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.

David Stanton

Question:

153 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to assist in the development of a marina in Youghal, County Cork; his further plans to assist in arresting coastal erosion in the Youghal area of east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1877/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Deputy will be aware that the Revised Estimates for 2003 have included major adjustments in marine spending. The funds allocated to marine tourism in 2003 are already fully committed to a small number of flagship projects. Unfortunately, this means that there will be no funds available for any additional infrastructure projects under the NDP marine tourism grant scheme in 2003.

Primary responsibility for coast protection works rests with the property owner, be that a private individual or a local authority. In 2002 my Department provided funding of €37,500 to Youghal Town Council towards the preparation of planning and contract documents and foreshore lease-licence application at Youghal, costing a total of €50,000.

In 2002 my Department requested applications from all coastal local authorities for consideration in the context of the 2003-2006 national coast protection programmes. Cork County Council submitted three proposals in relation to coast protection works at Youghal costing an estimated total of €5.5 million. There is no funding available to my Department for works at Youghal in 2003. The question of funding works at Youghal post-2003 will depend on the funding available for coast protection works in 2004 or later and overall national priorities.