asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the moneys that have been allocated for the operation at Balbriggan harbour, County Dublin, in the current financial year.
458.
Written Answers. - Harbour Allocations and Improvements.
455.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the improvements or repairs he intends to carry out on Balbriggan Harbour, County Dublin; and when this work will commence.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle it is proposed to take Questions Nos. 455 and 458 together.
Balbriggan Harbour is under the control of the Dublin Port and Docks Board. Repairs and maintenance of the pier and harbour are a matter for the board in the first instance. However, my Department have sought an engineering report and estimate of cost from the Office of Public Works on the dredging of the harbour and other works sought by the Balbriggan Town Commissioners and the Balbriggan Fishermen's Association. Until this report is received and examined I cannot say what improvements, if any, will be carried out at this harbour in the fishery interest or their probable cost.
456.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the moneys that have been allocated for the operation at Skerries harbour, County Dublin, in the current financial year.
457.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the improvements or repairs he intends to carry out on Skerries harbour, County Dublin; and when this work will commence.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle it is proposed to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.
I am fully aware of the need for improved berthing facilities for trawlers at Skerries and I intend to make a grant for such facilities when I obtain an engineering report and estimate of cost from the Office of Public Works. That office have advised my Department that a boring survey must first be carried out before the engineering report and estimate of cost can be prepared and I cannot therefore say when the improvement works at Skerries will commence.
A full-cost State grant of £20,000 has already been sanctioned for the boring survey at Skerries and any expenditure which may be incurred on the survey this year will be paid by my Department.