asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether he has received proposals in connection with the provision of landing facilities for fishermen at Glengad, County Donegal, and, if so, the nature of such proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal: Landing Facilities.
The main proposal put forward by local interests for the improvement of the landing place at Portaleen (Glengad) was the construction of a dock basin. In connection with this proposal, engineers of the Office of Public Works carried out a close survey of the site in 1953 and, as a result, that office came to the conclusion that the cost of the dock scheme which would need the construction of one main breakwater would be of the order of £250,000 and would have serious limitations in operation. To provide harbour of refuge facilities for the number of boats based on Portaleen at the time, the Office of Public Works considered that two main breakwaters would be necessary together with an inner basin, quayage and shore facilities, and estimated that the cost would be of the order of £400,000. The Donegal county engineer considered that adequate shelter could be provided at a much smaller cost and undertook in February last to furnish details of the plan he had in mind to the Office of Public Works. Such details are, I understand, still awaited.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that during last week's storm five further fishing boats were completely wrecked at this spot, making a total of 30 boats in the last ten years? As a matter of urgency would he go into the question now with a view to having something done because, if he does not, the danger is that fishing will cease to be carried on in this area since no insurance company will insure these boats? The loss of five boats last week is a total loss so far as these fishermen are concerned because they cannot get insurance.
I am deeply sorry at the losses that have taken place and I am already having the matter examined.