Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
1101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be provided for works at a pier (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45083/20]
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 Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.
Responsibility for the maintenance and development of Local Authority-owned harbours and piers rests with each individual Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage thereafter. In the case of Dromatoor Pier in Ballyheigue Bay, Kerry County Council is the responsible Local Authority.
As part of the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. Between 2010 and 2020, over €31m has been made available to assist coastal Local Authorities under this programme. Kerry County Council secured funding of €1.9m during this period, with over €30k being allocated to repair and development works at Dromatoor Pier, Ballyheigue Bay.
No final decisions have been made in relation to the composition of the 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, however, should any application be submitted by Kerry County Council in relation to repair works at Dromatoor Pier under any future programme, it will be given due consideration, taking into account the terms and conditions of the scheme, the priority attached to it by the Council and available exchequer funding.
