While Ros a' Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour there are commercial and other users of the harbour including passenger vessel operators. The Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order, 2012 (S.I. 214 of 2012) came into effect on 1 July 2012 and sets out the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres. Different rates apply according to the type and nature of the vessel, the different use made of the facilities by the vessel, the size of the vessel and the quantity and species of fish landed (where applicable).
Charge 10 of Schedule 1 provides inter alia for a rate or charge of €17 per entry or €1,150 per calendar year payable in advance for use of a harbour by small passenger boats licensed to carry up to 12 passengers.
Charge 17 of Schedule 2 provides inter alia for an annual rate of €180 per metre in length in connection with the berthing of yachts or pleasure craft.
My Department is in receipt of correspondence from the Deputy regarding the individual concerned and his proposal to establish a small business operating from Ros a' Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre.
A final decision will be taken as to the appropriate applicable charge upon receipt of a full proposal and once it has been established on an ongoing basis the precise nature of the activity to which the proposal relates. If that activity is related to a small passenger boat licensed to carry up to 12 passengers, then Charge 10 of Schedule 1 would apply; if the vessel operates as a pleasure craft, then Charge 17 of Schedule 2 would apply.
The Deputy should also be advised that, given that the current allocation of berths is scheduled to remain in place for some time, the availability of berthing spaces to new entrants at Ros a' Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre in 2015 is uncertain.