asked the Minister for Fisheries when it is proposed to start work on the Portnacross Pier, Killybegs, County Donegal, in view of the fact that there are materials left lying at the Office of Public Works shed in Killybegs for some years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killybegs Pier.
11.
My Department is currently examining the request for improved landing facilities at Portnacross Pier in the light of current fishing activity there. Until such time as the examination has been completed it is not possible to say what improvements, if any, will be carried out.
I understood improvements were to have taken place at this pier a number of years ago. Is it true that some of the material for the building of this pier is lying in a store belonging to the Office of Public Works in Killybegs?
I will look into this matter for the Deputy. A number of exchanges have taken place between the Office of Public Works and Donegal County Council in relation to this work. Further investigation is required in order to expedite the matter. I shall be glad to follow it up and communicate with the Deputy.
Can I have a guarantee from the Minister that it will be followed up because——
The Deputy has my word.
——as I have stated, this is lying there for a number of years——
There has been delay over a number of years.
——and it is unsatisfactory so far as the fishermen on that coast are concerned.
There is a long history of neglect from 1972 until now in the matter.
The history of neglect goes back even longer than that.
I have a good deal of supplementary information here which I do not think I should go into now.
It was only in the last three years that we appointed a Minister who has direct charge of fisheries.
Later, actually.
I may take it then that I shall hear from the Minister within the next few weeks?
The Deputy will hear immediately from me on the matter.