asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the pier in Castletownbere, which is extensively used by Irish and foreign fishing boats, is in danger of collapse, and that people are reluctant to use it; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to have the necessary improvements carried out without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castletownbere Pier.
6.
I have received complaints about the condition of the jetty at Castletownbere and have already requested Cork County Council, who are responsible for maintenance, to attend to the matter.
The county council reported in January, 1959, that the pier was not in danger of collapse. I will remind the Cork County Council again of the necessity for repair.
Would the Minister not agree that his Department has responsibility for the repair of this pier? Everyone locally believes the pier is in danger of collapse and, as stated in my question, many people are reluctant to use it. There is no doubt that this is a matter of grave urgency, because, if it did collapse, what would the consequences be?
The ordinary maintenance of the existing pier is a matter for the county council and, in the ordinary way, there is no actual State grant towards that work. Apparently the pier was not properly maintained, and I have gone as far as I can to persuade the county council to put repairs in hands. If there is any question of fundamental improvement or development of that pier, then, undoubtedly, there will be quite a substantial contribution, if the consultant on harbours considers that Castletownbere can play a useful part in the development of our harbours, and that is confirmed in the Department and by myself.
Would the Minister not agree that the technical opinion is that this pier has gone beyond repair or reconstruction? The present pier must be removed; it cannot be reconstructed or repaired, so that it is entirely a matter for his Department to provide a new structure there. I should like to know if the Minister is aware that the existing pier is not capable if being repaired? I examined it myself last Sunday and one would not need to be an expert to know it is beyond repair. Therefore, the county council is not the body liable. It is the Minister's Department which is responsible.
Question No. 7.
This is a very important matter, Sir, because it could lead to very serious results. The Minister seems to have a different idea of the position from what I have. He states that the existing pier can be reconstructed, or renovated, whereas local technical opinion is that it cannot now be reconstructed or renovated.
Proposals for the repair of the pier, on even a temporary basis, have been sent to the Cork County Council and they can be put into effect if the pier deteriorates to the point of danger.
One last question — has the Minister any plans for building a new pier? Any reconstruction work would be a purely temporary arrangement.
If the Deputy was here when I was introducing the Estimate, he would have learned that the Minister for Fanance appointed some six additional officers in the Board of Works and there has been a Swedish consultant here. The work of the very able officers in the Board of Works, supplemented by that of that consultant, will result in the first proper survey of harbour facilities being made, in which Castletownbere is included.
When can we expect any work to be carried out at Castletownbere, whether the erection of a new pier or, as the Minister states, reconstruction of the existing pier?
I have told the Deputy I am communicating again with Cork County Council.
I think the Minister is shelving his responsibility, having the reports before him that the pier is beyond repair.