Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
914. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role he envisages the Naval Service and his Department will play in a certain project (details supplied); the funds which have been committed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23872/16]
View answerThe Haulbowline Island Master Plan was completed in July 2015. The creation of a Master Plan for the Island was considered necessary in order to identify a vision for the sustainable development of the remediated Island, linking industrial development and tourism potential alongside the activities in the Naval Base. It was also to ensure that the necessary remediation infrastructural works can, where possible, complement future development plans for the Island.
As you may be aware, ownership of Haulbowline Island has been temporarily transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to facilitate the completion of the remedial works. Accordingly, funding for the remedial works has been included in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Vote for 2016. The Department of Defence has received no funding in respect of the remedial work, the development of the Master Plan or the implementation of the Plan.
There are currently infrastructural developments being undertaken in the Naval Base to ensure that the ongoing operational needs of the Naval Service can be met. This development is informed by the Master Plan, although most aspects of the Master Plan are awaiting completion of the remedial work on the island.
The position of the Naval Service as the priority user of Haulbowline has been stressed by the Department of Defence during the development of the Plan and accordingly both the Navy and the Department will play a central role in its implementation while facilitating the development of those parts of the island not required now or in the future for Naval Service operations.
