Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015
211. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre in County Dublin over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41324/15]
View answerHowth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute. While first and foremost a working fishery harbour, Howth similar to the other five Fishery Harbour Centres, has its own unique features and is home to a broad range of diverse economic and social activities. My Department is conscious of the importance of both fishing and non fishing activities in Howth and endeavours to facilitate and develop both. This involves day to day operational support by Harbour staff and management and development and repair of infrastructure subject to available financial resources.
I am happy to advise the Deputy that, notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, in excess of €4.2 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme from 2011 to 2014.
For 2015, I approved funding of €1.79 million for the maintenance and development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre. Major works for 2015 include the continued upgrading of the electrical system, provision of a small craft pontoon and traffic management works.
Supporting the needs of the fishing industry and those of the wider range of harbour users, while continuing to deliver on a public service remit, will be foremost when considering future developments in the harbour. As with all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, future projects at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre will be considered under the Capital Programme on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing National priorities.
