Seán Ryan
Ceist:13 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Marine if an application has been received to assist in the improvement of Rush Harbour, County Dublin; and if he will approve the application.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rush (Dublin) Harbour.
The maintenance and improvement of Rush Harbour, County Dublin, is a matter for Dublin County Council who have responsibility for the harbour. My Department have not received any application from the council in respect of Rush Harbour.
I note the Minister's comments in relation to Dublin County Council. It is my understanding that an application from the council is in transit to the Department. Given that the harbour in question has been severely undermined and fishermen's livelihood put at risk by the storm damage, will the Minister give the House a commitment that he will look favourably on their application once received? In addition, may I ask him what is the extent of grant aid available from his Department for such work; for example, would it amount to a 100 per cent grant for approved work?
We are having separate questions now.
It relates to the amount of grant aid available for harbour improvements.
That is worthy of a separate question.
As the Deputy has said, there is something in transit from Dublin County Council with regard to this problem at Rush Harbour. I had better wait until I get this as I have not got anything as of now. I had the matter checked out again this morning but my Department had not received any request for State aid from Dublin County Council in relation to Rush Harbour.
Question No. 15 please.
May I ask a final supplementary?
A very brief question, Deputy. I have given you some latitude on this question.
Would the Minister not agree, having regard to the constraints on local authority finances, that the local authority will find it virtually impossible to carry out the work required? The Department have requested Dublin County Council to provide between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of the cost. They will find it impossible to do so and therefore I regret to say that the work referred to will not be carried out.
I invited the council to submit proposals for funding. I received £3 million from the Government for this purpose. This is a limited sum but no reply has yet been received from the council. I cannot deal in speculation or fuss.
Question No. 15.
The council will not be able to comply with the requirements laid down by the Department.
Order, please, Question No. 15 has been called and will be answered.