asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the considerable concern expressed in the context of the redevelopment of Howth harbour with regard to the scale`, clearance and location of the Howth Yacht Club which has been built; the process whereby the site was chosen; the method of design selection for the completed building; the direct amount of public moneys which were made available to the yacht club to acquire the site and construct the building; the conditions, if any, which the Office of Public Works set out with regards to access to the club by members of the public and/or alternatively limitations on membership fees in order to ensure a wide range of public membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Howth Yacht Club.
I am aware of comment which appeared in the newspapers some time ago concerning the new Howth Yacht Club building.
The site for the new clubhouse was chosen following consultation between the Department of the Marine, who sponsored the development scheme, the Office of Public Works, Howth Yacht Club and the Planning Authority. The choice of design of the building was a matter for the yacht club subject to the requirements of the Planning Authority. The site has been leased by the Office of Public Works to the Yacht Club at a rent which takes fully into account the cost of the site and which is subject to periodic review; no public moneys have been made available for the construction of the premises. In these circumstances, questions relative to access to the club and membership fees did not arise.