asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he proposes to provide satisfactory harbour facilities at Inisturk, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Piers.
15.
A State grant was approved in 1974 for harbour improvement works at Inisturk. Because of the failure of the Mayo County Council to lodge their share of the cost however, the works were not proceeded with. A subsequent inspection of the harbour revealed that the condition of the pier has deteriorated considerably and a detailed engineering survey will now be necessary before a satisfactory scheme can be prepared. I am awaiting particulars of this survey and an estimate of cost from the Office of Public Works.
Do I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary stated in his reply that Mayo County Council refused to pay their share of the money towards providing the facilities asked for?
Yes, that is the position. The cost of the work was £4,850. The work was the type of work recommended by the survey team in their report. Then, apparently, the local people, including the fishermen, were anxious to change the scheme and change the plans. Hence the work was held up and we did not get the 25 per cent contribution from Mayo County Council. I think the council now have it in mind to change the scheme. Possibly that is why they have not paid their contribution. From the Department's point of view, there is nothing further we can do.
I take it that, if the county council refused to pay the contribution, they communicated with the Parliamentary Secretary. Has he any correspondence stating why they refused, if they did refuse?
An agreement was to be signed when Mayo County Council indicated they were prepared to pay this money. When it came to signing the agreement and paying the money, they did not do so. That is the simple answer. I assume the Deputy is a member of Mayo County Council and he can ascertain locally what is the cause of the delay. Let me add, on the question of harbour surveys, that I am making public a report on harbours.
Deputies
Next question.
I have been answering questions here. I have given Deputies the factual position. There were confidential documents marked "Secret". Even Fianna Fáil cumainn were refused copies of this report on harbours——
Is this on Question No. 15?
That is the position.
Question No. 16.
The files were marked "Secret and Confidential".
In view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary mentioned all other harbours, will he now tell us when he will make public the harbour report on Skerries?
The Chair will not allow it.
It took 20 years in Fianna Fáil's time.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 16.
16.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when work will commence at Annagh pier, Belmullet, County Mayo.
Because of the heavy outlay on fishery harbour works in progress and the need to provide for urgent new works including the pier at Ballyglass it is not expected that work on the scheme at Annagh can commence before 1977.
A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I have been on my feet for the past five minutes. When was the contract sent to Mayo County Council to be signed?
Inquire from Mayo County Council.
A Deputy
Now who is being secretive?
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.