asked the Minister for Lands whether it is proposed in the development of the Castletownberehaven Harbour, County Cork, to provide adequate facilities for berthage by the Irish Lights vessel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Berthage Facilities for Irish Lights Vessel at Berehaven.
42.
The development works at Castletownbere are primarily for the benefit of the fishing fleet and are not designed to cater for the Irish Lights vessel. The extended berthage should, however, provide improved facilities for the vessel — which cannot use the existing pier.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is considerable apprehension in that area that the depth of the proposed dredging of the harbour will not facilitate the type of berthage that would suit the Irish Lights vessel? As the berthing of this vessel is of considerable economic value to the people there, will he consider increasing the depth by an extra four feet at the development stage when the cost will be less?
The proposed dredging depth will facilitate the Irish Lights vessels on 90 per cent of occasions——
I was informed by the skipper of the ship that it will not. Who is right?
It will not give 100 per cent service.
He says it will be four-and-a-half to five feet short of the depth necessary. Surely it would be simpler and less costly to complete the dredging to that depth at the commencement of the work than subsequently?
When will the work at Casteltownbere get under way?
The work is getting under way at the moment. Deputy Collins can be assured that the work is primarily designed for the benefit of the fishing industry, and that the vessel to which he refers will in fact be able to use the harbour 90 per cent of the time.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware from his visit to Castletownbere that this vessel has considerable economic value to the area?
On his visit to Castletownbere, the Parliamentary Secretary studied the matter in a very detailed manner and fully acquainted himself with the situation.
As the development of Castletownbere pier has stood the test of two elections——
The work is under way.
This work should have been completed long ago.