asked the Minister for Finance whether it is practical to commence the dredging of Killybegs Harbour, County Donegal in mid-November, in view of the fact that it is in the middle of the mackerel season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killybegs (Donegal) Harbour.
16.
It was envisaged from the outset that some dredging would be necessary during the main fishing season. This was provided for in the specification for the works and a programme of working to minimise interference with normal traffic in the harbour has been agreed with the contractor.
Will the Minister of State tell the House if he is satisfied with regard to this expenditure at this time of the year where this machine will not be able to get even near the pier which is the cause of the problem? There is a fishing fleet of 150 and these vessels pick up wires and so on near the pier. Last year a diver was killed when trying to release a propeller. I should like the Minister to outline the expenditure involved, to say how long dredging work will continue and to state if he is satisfied that the Government will get value for the money particularly in view of the fact that it is now in the middle of the mackerel season in Killybegs.
It was accepted from the outset that some dredging would take place during the main fishing season, October, November and December. The specification for the works provided that dredging would not be permitted within 30 metres of the landing pier during these months. At a recent meeting in Killybegs at which engineers from the Office of Public Works, the fishermen, the dredging contractors and representatives from the Department of Fisheries were present, a programme of working was agreed to reduce to the absolute minimum any interference with fishing activities.
Will the Minister repeat the number of metres from the pier in which dredging will not take place? Will he state if this applies to the old pier and the new pier? If that is the case, where will the money be spent in respect of dredging work?
I told the Deputy it was accepted that some dredging would take place during the main fishing season. I stated also that the specification for the work provided that dredging would not be permitted within 30 metres of the landing pier.
Some of the boats are 60 metres long. I suggest that the money is being badly spent.