asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, when considering applications from harbour authorities for financial assistance towards development of harbours such as Kinsale, he takes into account the question of traffic in pleasure craft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Harbour Development Applications.
32.
The Government expect harbour authorities to be operated as commercial undertakings and to be self-supporting. Grants for harbour improvement schemes are given only in exceptional circumstances to enable harbours to cater for commercial traffic with particular reference to industrial developments which require improved harbour facilities. Traffic by pleasure boats does not come within this category but it is open to a harbour authority, which can show that improved facilities for such traffic would lead to increased tourist development, to approach the approprivate Regional Tourism Organisation with a view to seeking assistance from Bord Fáilte.
Is the Minister aware that a number of harbours on the south coast—Kinsale, Courtmacsherry, Schull and Bantry—have in recent years through the efforts of local bodies and the tourist association been developed into harbours for pleasure boats and that the income from them is very small? Would he consider giving these harbours financial assistance?
I shall take the matter up with Bord Fáilte but my Department is directly concerned with the commercial aspects of harbour development and, on the commercial aspects, Kinsale and the other harbours referred to by the Deputy are not on, from the point of view of that type of investment. However, as regards Bord Fáilte interest I agree that perhaps there is something in what the Deputy says. There has been an increasing interest in sea-angling and so on in that area. I shall take it up with Bord Fáilte.
I do not think Bord Fáilte are so well equipped on the financial side at the moment. Perhaps the Minister could make some funds available for this.
All I can say is that I will take it up with Bord Fáilte. It is a tourist obligation rather than a commercial obligation in the sense of business.
Would the Minister consider introducing mooring regulations for those harbours because these pleasure craft are blocking up the harbours.
That is a separate question.
It is not. It concerns pleasure craft.
I shall look into that aspect and I shall write to the Deputy.