asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will take all steps open to him to improve harbour and landing facilities at Skerries, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skerries (County Dublin) Harbour.
44.
Skerries Harbour will be inspected by the special survey team which is at present engaged in making an appraisal of the fishing ports and landing facilities on the east coast. When I get the Team's report, I will give careful consideration to whatever recommendations it may make for further improvement works at Skerries harbour.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that since the harbour was last extended the number of boats operating from the harbour has more than doubled and that there is not sufficient berthage for the boats there now? This is still a tidal harbour, but if there was an extension of the same size as the last one boats would be free to operate regardless of the tide. This is an urgent matter.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the expansion which has taken place in the fishing fleet in Skerries and I am delighted with this. The previous scheme which has just been completed has proved well worthwhile. No doubt the survey team will take this into account when making their recommendations in regard to Skerries.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that this extension will not take 20 years to start, as the last one did?
The county council would not put up their share.
I can assure the Deputy——
(Interruptions.)
I can assure the Deputy that any delay that took place was not our fault.
Of course it was your fault.
The county council would not put up their share.
(Interruptions.)