asked the Minister for Communications (a) the estimated cost of the reconstruction of Ballast Quay and Welshman's Quay at the port of Drogheda, County Louth; (b) the percentage of the cost of reconstruction to be borne by the State; and (c) when work will commence on the project.
Written Answers. - Drogheda Quays Development.
17.
The consulting engineers appointed by Drogheda Harbour Commissioners to examine Ballast and Welshman's Quays have now furnished a preliminary report. The preliminary report outlines various options, ranging in price from an estimated £475,650 in respect of short term holding solutions on both quays to an estimated £1,934,250 in respect of the restoration of both quays to full long term working use. The estimates quoted are inclusive of consultants' fees and supervisory work but exclusive of VAT.
On receipt of the consulting engineers' final report — which report is expected in January 1987 — the exact scale of work to be undertaken will be decided upon by my Department in consultation with its technical advisers. The financial package for the project, which will include a contribution from the Harbour Commissioners, will be subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance.
I am hopeful that work on the project will commence towards the middle of 1987.