asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to have a harbour development carried out on Inisturk Island, County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Mayo Harbour Development.
392.
When this matter was last raised by way of Dáil question on 28 April 1983, the Deputy was informed that the level of fishing on the island could justify no more than a fraction of what harbour works at Inisturk would cost. At that time it was estimated that harbour works would cost £225,000. The up-to-date estimate of cost by the Office of Public Works is £242,000.
Since the level of fishing alone is not sufficient to justify expenditure of this order the issue of harbour works must be considered in the light of the overall transport needs of the islanders, transport policy generally and the availability of public funds.
The Central Development Committee, a body located in my Department with overall responsibility for the affairs of inhabited non-Gaeltacht islands, has been asked to consider whether expenditure on the harbour at Inisturk would be justified. It must be said, however, that the present state of the public finances will not allow funds to be made available for work at Inisturk in the immediate future.
393.
asked the Minister for Finance if funds will be made available for the commencement of work on Roonagh harbour, County Mayo, during 1984.
Having regard to the level of expenditure required to enable ongoing new works projects, funded from Vote 9, to continue during 1984, I cannot at this stage give a commitment that funds will be available in 1984 for this scheme.