Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2021
212. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected capital spend for marine projects for 2021; the projects that will be completed in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36665/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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, the 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.
In May of this year, I announced a capital investment package of €38.3m for the 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. As part of the programme, funding of €4.2m has been approved to assist coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 79 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.
As no doubt you are aware, COVID-19 restrictions have meant the necessary closure of construction sites and related delays for projects at the Fishery Harbour Centres. A number of our larger projects including those at Dinish Island Castletownbere, Middle Pier Howth and Smooth Point are multi-annual projects and are projected to be completed in 2022.
However, I expect that the remaining projects due for completion in 2021 will be substantially completed by year end. Taking account of the impact of COVID-19 on delivery of projects, and that we are only at mid-year, I currently anticipate that we will maximise our budget for 2021.
