asked the Minister for the Marine the secondary harbours which are unable to meet the demands of the local fishermen; the plans which are in place in each case for development in terms of fish landings; the secondary harbours which are the most important economically; and the money which is available from the EC for secondary harbour development.
Written Answers. - Secondary Harbour Development.
113.
The basic thrust of policy in relation to fishery harbours is to ensure that the major fishery harbours have adequate facilities to cater for the larger vessels now in use and their catches while at the same time providing a network of piers around the coastline to cater for the needs of fishing communities.
It is not possible to identify all the harbours which do not meet the demands of local fishermen, nor would it be possible within available budgetary allocations to carry out all development works requested by fishermen. The development of the smaller fishery harbours-piers is being carried out on the basis of an on-going programme and, over the last ten years, projects at about 100 smaller harbours have been undertaken with generous grant assistance from my Department. Developments at a number of other harbours are in progress and proposals are under consideration in other cases.
A list of principal harbours in order of priority in relation to the value of landings of seafish is as follows. Harbour development projects with an investment in excess of £38,500 are eligible for up to 55 per cent grant from the European Regional Development Fund provided national assistance is first committed.
PORTS
1. Killybegs.
2. Castletownbere.
3. Greencastle.
4. Howth.
5. Dunmore East.
6. Clogherhead.
7. Rossaveel.
8. Burtonport.
9. Valentia.
10. Kilmore Quay.
11. Skerries.
12. Dingle.
13. Cobh.
14. Cromane.
15. Achill.
16. Helvick.
17. Bantry.
18. Balbriggan.
19. Rathmullan.
20. Fenit.
21. Killala-Kilcummin.
22. Arklow.
23. Union Hall.
24. Belmullet-Blacksod.
25. Malin Head.
26. Rosslare.
27. Clifden-Cleggan.
28. Castlegregory.
29. Carna-Cill Chiarain.
30. Wexford.
31. Baltimore.
32. Urris.
33. Kinsale.