Vol. 571 No. 4
355 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to prevent a repeat of the damage caused to fishing boats at Seafield Pier, Quilty, County Clare, in December 2002 by waves over topping the new structure; if the owners will be grant aided towards the cost of repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22391/03]
Seafield Pier is owned by Clare County Council, which is responsible for its upkeep and any improvements necessary. The pier was inspected by an engineer of my Department in December 2002, and a proposal was put forward to raise the low wall on the inner pier and provide a rock armour revetment for this wall for a length of 115 m. The estimated cost of those works is €240,000. It is not possible to provide Exchequer funding for those works in 2003 as the funding for fishery harbours is fully committed. The question of providing Exchequer funding in the 2004-06 period for this project will be considered carefully in the context of the funding available and overall national priorities. Clare County Council would, of course, be expected to contribute towards the cost of any improvement works.
My Department does not operate a scheme to provide compensation for damage to fishing vessels.
