asked the Minister for Finance if he will make funds available for the development of Inisturk Harbour, County Mayo.
25.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Mayo Harbour .
24.
asked the Minister for Finance the proposals he has for the development and improvement of the harbour facilities at Inisturk, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
: It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
An outline scheme for substantial improvements to the main landing place at Inishturk, County Mayo, was prepared at the request of the Minister for Fisheries. In 1978 it was costed by the Office of Public Works at £93,000, current equivalent of which would be £225,000. The Department of Fisheries took the view that the level of fishing on the island would justify only a fraction of this expenditure.
It was considered that expenditure of the order estimated by OPW would only be justified, if at all, by reference to the total communications needs of the islanders. It was decided to refer this aspect to the Central Development Committee which is located in my Department, and which has general responsibility for the affairs of inhabited non-Gaeltacht islands. It is at present continuing with its consideration of whether the expenditure would be warranted.
It must be said, however, that given the current constraints on the public finances, there is no possibility of making funds available for these works in the immediate future.