I propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 166, 168 and 169 together.
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres (FHC) for which my Department is responsible. I am conscious of the unique and valuable contribution Howth FHC has to make both to the fishing industry and the wider economic environment. Notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, I am happy to be able to advise that I have allocated almost €1.2 million towards maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Departments Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. This investment will result in a significant improvement of the parking facilities, the access available to persons of reduced mobility and the electrical infrastructure available. It will in addition serve to act as a catalyst for the enhancement of facilities available to the marine tourism industry, boat repair facilities and indeed business generally in the harbour.
I can also confirm that my Department continues to facilitate a considerable amount of business development in the harbour area. As part of the support process my officials facilitate a Harbour Users Forum at the harbour which affords the various stakeholders an opportunity to discuss their own views and hear at first hand the views of my Departments officials. I have not met with officials of Irish Rail and Dublin Bus in relation to Howth FHC.