Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2066. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure scheme is still open to local authorities; the way in which projects are selected for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32452/19]
View answerMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government thereafter.
However, as part of my Department’s annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, limited funding is provided to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.
On the 28th January this year, all coastal Local Authorities were invited to submit applications under the 2019 Programme with a closing date of 8th February for receipt of applications. Following an initial evaluation, detailed applications were sought on the 21st February for projects shortlisted under the process. The closing date for receipt of detailed applications was the 6th March 2019.
I can confirm that all applications for funding made by Local Authorities in respect of qualifying projects have been assessed, taking into account the criteria of the scheme, the priority attached to each project by the relevant Local Authority, the funding available, and the need to ensure a broad geographical spread of projects.
On the 31st March I announced details of a €2.2m package to assist 12 Coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 39 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.
The Local Authorities have been advised of the projects for inclusion in this year’s programme and the funding available to them.
