Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 10

Written Answers. - Fishing Boat Facilities.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

92 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will investigate the reason Howth based fishermen were refused ice and other facilites at Dunmore East Harbour, County Waterford, by the BIM representatives and harbour authorities during recent months, and in particular during early April 1990 while fishing the grounds off the south coast next to Dunmore East; if he will ensure that for the future all boats fishing legally within our waters will be fully accommodated and facilitated in all our harbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

I will certainly have this matter looked into. It is the policy of my Department and BIM to treat all fishermen and boats in an even-handed and balanced manner.

I am aware that demand for ice has in the recent past exceeded supply at Dunmore East. I am pleased to say, however, that a large ice plant of modern design with sufficient capacity to service the needs of local and visiting vessels for the foreseeable future is in the course of construction at present. It is scheduled to come into operation at the end of this month.