asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any plans for major harbour development at Clew Bay, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Harbour Development.
10.
On the evidence available to my Department a major harbour development at Clew Bay could not be justified in the fisheries interest.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that any major development of the fishing industry in the future must be on the west coast and, bearing in mind the large boats that are being bought by fishermen now, is it not necessary to consider the possibility of developing Clew Bay as a major harbour?
Hear, hear.
That possibility was examined by a survey team nominated by my predecessor. Unfortunately, so far as the development of the area suggested by the Deputy is concerned, the report is not favourable. I must take note of the report of this survey team. They paid special attention to Inislyre harbour, which is situated within Clew Bay and some six miles from Westport. They found that while this harbour possessed some characteristics that were good—ease of entry, safety for vessels and so on—other considerations precluded it from consideration for development.
Who compiled that report.
It is the report of the survey team.
What date is on it?
The team was set up by the previous Government.
There were several such teams set up. Which one is the Parliamentary Secretary referring to?
Which year?
By whom is it signed?
We cannot have a reference to names in this instance.
I presume the team was established last year. It is only within the past 12 months that their reports have been coming in. We had nothing to do with the personnel of the team.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there have been large catches of herrings west of Clare Island and Inisturk and that fishermen are now concentrating on that area? Unfortunately, though, they must steam their way seven or eight miles into Galway with their catches. In view of this would the Parliamentary Secretary ask his officials to reconsider the possibility of developing a harbour in the Clew Bay area?
A survey carried out in 1967 was not favourable in so far as this suggestion is concerned and I have no reason to believe that, geographically, matters have changed since then. Of the six reasons given as to why the area would not be suitable for development of this kind, the major one so far as I am concerned is that there is no tradition of fishing in the area.
Is there any possibility that, with the expansion of the fishing industry on the west coast, a harbour might be developed in Galway Bay?
There is major development in progress at Rossaveal. So far as the development of Galway Bay is concerned, although this is not pertinent to the question under discussion, the previous Government made a decision deferring indefinitely the development of Galway harbour. That decision stands.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us the reference for the survey he quoted in his reply? From which survey was he quoting?
The team made the survey in 1967, six years ago. This harbour needed development but nothing happened while Fianna Fáil were in office. There is no indication in the file that the then Parliamentary Secretary or Minister found any fault with the survey or report. Unfortunately for the proposal suggested by Deputy Gallagher for its development the report was unfavourable.
Question No. 11. I am sorry Deputies. The Chair has allowed an inordinate amount of time to Question No. 10 and I am calling Question No. 11.
In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, I propose, with your permission, to raise the subject-matter of Question No. 10 on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.