Edward Nealon
Ceist:16 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received a submission from Sligo Harbour Commissioners for a major development of the port; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Harbour Development.
(Limerick West): Last January I received from Sligo Harbour Commissioners a copy of their development plan for Sligo port.
Following a meeting between officials from my Department and a number of the harbour commissioners on 30 May last the commissioners are reconsidering their development proposals.
The Minister will be aware that something in the region of £1 million was spent on the dredging of Sligo Harbour during my time as Minister of State at the Department of Com-munications——
Fair dues to the Deputy.
——with very good results as far as deepening the channel was concerned.Is the Minister now aware that, because of the absence of a deep sea jetty, all this expenditure may be negatived?In view of that, would he favourably consider immediately granting finance for the construction of a deep sea jetty and recommend acceptance of the entire plan by the harbour commissioners?
(Limerick West): Officials of my Department had a meeting with the Sligo Harbour Commissioners at which suggestions were made. The harbour commissioners are re-examining their proposals. No doubt the points raised by the Deputy will be considered in conjunction with those proposals.
The Minister will be aware that this is the only commercial harbour between Galway and Derry and, on that account, will be of great importance to the entire hinterland in the conditions that will prevail after 1992. Is he aware that the harbour commissioners have proposed or lined up major commercial operations, including the arrival of tankers there, with oil into an oil storage tank farm, which is being prevented by the absence of a suitable jetty? Would the Minister request his Department to give favourable consideration to the application of the Sligo Harbour Commissioners?
(Limerick West): All of the points the Deputy has made will be taken into account before the plans are finally approved.