With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 18 together.
In recent months a number of discussions have taken place between officials from my Department, the Office of Public Works and Mayo County Council to resolve difficulties, mainly financial, about repairs and improvements to Killala harbour. As a result, revised proposals to complete works, estimated to cost £128,000, were forwarded to Mayo County Council for consideration on 16 October 1978. In June 1973 when the need for the works was discovered the estimated cost was £40,000. The difference between the 1973 and present estimates of cost is accounted for by inflation and by the cost of making good the deterioration of the surface and face of the pier which has occurred since 1973.
I am advised that if Mayo County Council accept the proposals and the financial requirements are met the actual work would take about nine to 12 months to complete.