asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will detail the present position regarding port development either in progress or projected from (a) local funds and (b) national funds in Galway, Arklow, Wicklow, Drogheda and Dundalk.
Written Answers. - Port Development.
52.
A major improvement scheme at Galway Harbour has been completed, with the exception of two items, namely (i) the provision of an additional navigational aid and (ii) repairs to the dock gates. The harbour authority are engaged in preliminary investigations in regard to these two items. A State grant of £360,000 and a loan of £70,000 from the Local Loans Fund were made available towards the cost of the scheme.
A hydraulic model investigation of Arklow Port to determine the best means of dealing with siltation has been completed with the aid of a full cost State grant of approximately £20,000. The harbour authority are at present examining possible schemes for improvement in the light of the findings of the investigation.
The harbour authority at Wicklow propose to carry out repairs to the South Quay at a cost of approximately £10,000 which they hope to finance from the Local Loans Fund and bank borrowing.
A report on the findings of a hydraulic model investigation of Drogheda Harbour to determine the best means of solving the dredging problem is expected in the near future. The model investigation was undertaken as part of a comprehensive improvement scheme in respect of which a State grant of 50 per cent of the cost subject to a maximum of £175,000 was approved.
I am not aware of any port improvement works in progress or projected at Dundalk Harbour.