Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
45 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the harbour development at Castletownbere for which funding was committed in January 2004; the progress made in the meantime; and the proposed timetable for the completion of dredging, pier extension and auction hall. [10178/04]
View answerThe project at Castletownbere was announced on 23 January 2004. The consultants engaged on the project and officials from my Department have presented their findings to harbour users. User observations and internal review considerations are now being incorporated into the design stage of the project.
The project will require dredging work to be carried out in the vicinity of the harbour. It is intended that this work will be let as a sub-contract to the main contract. The contractor will have responsibility for design, procurement of the statutory permits for dredging and disposal, and execution of the works. The current programme will see the main contract being awarded in October 2004. It is intended that the dredging contractor will commence his design and preparation work in August 2004.
It is envisaged that the programme will run sequentially, with dredging operations being completed in six months from award of the contract. Subsequently, the quay construction is expected to last approximately 11 months. Construction of the auction hall building will commence immediately thereafter. It has a 12 month construction period.
