asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has received proposals for dredging of Burtonport Harbour, County Donegal, and if any application has been tendered for an EEC grant towards the cost of this project.
28.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Burtonport Harbour Dredging.
27.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when work will commence on the dredging of Burtonport Harbour, County Donegal.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.
Proposals for the dredging of Burtonport Harbour are at present under examination. Should it be decided to proceed with the work the feasibility of seeking a contribution from the EEC towards the cost will be borne in mind.
The Minister realise that this has been under examination for many years now. Can he give some definite commitment to the House as to what he proposes to do for Burtonport and when the grant will be sought from the EEC?
Burtonport is in a designated Gaeltacht area, and even the Deputy will appreciate that. My Department are acting in a consultative capacity to see what should be done. Certain criteria were arrived at and certain depths were agreed. Boats that would draw more were involved and it was decided that a different depth would have to be achieved. There has been a certain amount of difficulty over that. The OPW are dealing with it at the moment. When I have any further news I will communicate with the Deputy.
Will the Minister deal with it urgently?
Yes.