Fergus O'Dowd
Question:89 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the proposed works at Clogherhead Pier, County Louth. [29546/03]
Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.
Clogherhead Pier is owned by Louth County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the county council in the first instance.
As part of my Department's fishery harbour development programme, I provided funding to Louth County Council in 2001 to carry out a cost benefit analysis on development proposals for Clogherhead Pier. This year, I provided further funding sufficient to provide for the advancement of the planning of the proposal as requested by Louth County Council. The council has engaged the services of consulting engineers to undertake the necessary preparatory work, including the carrying out of the required environmental impact assessment and completing documentation to secure a foreshore lease and planning permission.
I indicated that funding for the advancement of the project would be the subject of further consideration next year and that, while I could not guarantee funding for the new pier development, I am anxious for the council to be prepared so it could act immediately should funding be available. In addition, I recently made funds available for the provision of a crane and handrails at the pier.