andMr. M. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the estimated cost of the Howth harbour improvement works; and if this cost has escalated since the original estimate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Howth Harbour Improvement Works.
10.
The present estimated cost of the harbour improvement works at Howth amounts to £7,500,000. The original estimate for improvement works at Howth was prepared in May 1977 and amounted to £3,034,000.
Is that not an enormous increase? It is well in excess of 100 per cent. Can the Minister give an explanation?
Following representations made by the Deputy to me when I was Minister for Fisheries and he was spokesman on fisheries, a number of additional works were undertaken and consultations were held with fishermen, boating and shipping interests and residents' interests and we decided to make a number of improvements, all designed to meet the various points of view put forward by organisations in the area and by Deputies.
Deputy Cosgrave.
Including Deputy Cosgrave, who is very assiduous in this matter.
I thank the Minister. Does the figure of £7.5 million refer to phase I or to phase I and phase II together?
The whole lot.
Is it proposed to go ahead with phase II incorporating an industrial estate in the area to provide for the processing of fish?
Yes.
A final question.
Is it proposed to erect a fish processing plant in the Howth area?
Yes, an auction hall, stores, workshop, the whole lot. I have the details here and, if the Deputy wishes, I will ask the Minister to send it on to him.
Thank you.
A final supplementary from Deputy Deasy.
Can the Minister give a concise breakdown of the increase?
I have not the actual details here, but apart from the normal escalation in costs there was a substantial increase in additional works following discussions with all interests.