asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when it is intended to have improvement works carried out to the port pier, Inver, County Donegal; the cost of the proposed work; the percentage of the cost being borne by the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Inver (Donegal) Pier Improvement Works.
14.
Mr. Coughlan
In general, a development scheme for a fishery harbour must be justified on the basis of its economic assessment. As the cost of the improvement scheme proposed for port pier, Inver, was difficult to justify on economic grounds in present circumstances, my Department are currently reappraising the whole project with a view to drawing up a modified scheme that will be economically justifiable and meet the needs of the fishermen. Up to 75 per cent of the cost of such a scheme would be met by my Department.
I am arranging for officers of my Department to meet with representatives of the local fishermen to discuss the problem.
If the Department of the Environment decide after reappraising the situation that it would not, in their terms, be economically viable, although it is even at the moment economically viable for small fishermen, where do the fishermen obtain a grant to carry out the very necessary repairs?
The Deputy is assuming that my Department will say that it is not economically viable. I doubt if that will happen. I understand that a couple of schemes are prepared and they were asked to reduce the cost of one which they did. I have no reason to believe that my Department will turn it down.
I take it that the Minister is confident. When does the Minister expect that all the reassesments will be carried out and can he give a commitment to the House about it?
I cannot give a commitment but I have asked the officials to meet the fishermen concerned in that harbour. There will be no delay in respect of my Department. Once discussions take place, assessments will be made and a scheme will be put forward for approval by the Department of Finance.