asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what progress has been made concerning facilities for fishermen using Killybegs Harbour with special reference to providing extra berthage and discharging facilities; and what steps are being taken to maintain the existing facilities in the interest of safety.
Written Answers. - County Donegal Harbour.
358.
As regards the first part of the question the position is that up to the 31st March, 1971, £212,758 was spent on improvement works at Killybegs Harbour consisting of:
(1) dredging of harbour in the berthage, landing and servicing areas to a minimum depth of 12.0 feet at low water; and
(2) provision at the Black Rock site of a berthage quay with a large deck area, an approach road and a causeway together with other related works including high mast lighting.
In accordance with the development plans for the harbour, the Commissioners of Public Works intend before the end of December next to invite tenders for the provision of a new pier and wharfs east of the Town Pier which will provide an additional 630 feet of discharging and servicing space. The provision of extra berthage space at the Black Rock site and mooring facilities in the harbour are also being investigated.
As regards the second part of the question, a contract for new and improved lighting of the Town Pier was placed in August, 1971 by the Commissioners of Public Works. With a view to improving further the safety aspects of this pier, consultations with the fishermen were held recently and to meet their wishes, arrangements are being made—
(1) to modify the design of the pier ladders;
(2) to replace the wooden kerbing by a continuous heavy steel bar raised above deck level to serve as both a kerb and a fairlead or guide for mooring warps;
(3) to test out underdeck bulkhead lights at the ladders; and
(4) to increase the number of life belts.
The feasibility of improving the system of navigation leading lights and of requesting the Commissioners of Irish Lights to put a light on one of their harbour buoys is also being examined.