asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when it is proposed to develop Union Hall pier, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Pier.
34.
There are two piers in the Union Hall area, one at Union Hall itself which is dried out and the other about a quarter of a mile away at Keelbeg, Union Hall, for the development of which I have received a number of representations. I presume the question relates to the latter pier. My Department asked Cork County Council on 6 February 1979 to carry out maintenance works at the pier which were urgently required.
I am also investigating the feasibility of providing a number of improvements at the pier and for this purpose I am awaiting reports from the technical officers of the Office of Public Works and of my Department. Until these reports are received and examined I cannot say what improvements will be carried out or when.
My question relates to the pier at Union Hall. Would the Minister accept that the pier at Union Hall is the next pier in the south-west Cork area for major improvement works?
Is it the Keelbeg one?
The Union Hall pier.
That is at Keelbeg.
Union Hall. Will the Minister now accept that the turn of Union Hall — where fishing is such an important industry; in fact one could say the only industry — to get a substantial grant towards the much needed improvement of the pier there has come? If so, will the Minister review the situation in that light so that I can question him again in the not too distant future as to what kind of progress he is making?
I agree with the Deputy on the importance of the piers at Keelbeg and Union Hall. My sea fisheries officer has reported to me on the improvements that are required such as underpinning, damaged wood fenders to be repaired or replaced with new ones, raising and resurfacing of piers, dredging, provision of water supply, provision of lights in the pier extensional posts, provision of extra ladder, filling in of steps. All of these matters are agreed upon. At the moment we are seeking to get the county council and the OPW together on drawing up this scheme.
What is the position regarding Union Hall? Union Hall and Keelbeg are two separate propositions.
I prefaced my remarks by saying that. It is the Keelbeg pier that I am talking about.
The Chair can see only one quay mentioned.
The Chair has no peers.
What money is available now towards the development of Union Hall?
As far as money is concerned, I am awaiting just that from the OPW, but I will press ahead, on foot of the Deputy's representations and interest in the matter, with getting an expeditious solution to the problem. My officer reports to me that the work is very essential.
I shall be in contact again with the Minister on that.
It will be drawn to his attention.
The Deputy is always very helpful.