Vol. 408 No. 6
10 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the preparations which are currently under way in his Department to (a) secure the breakwater and the head of Ballycotton Pier, County Cork (b) provide more berthage and mooring spaces (c) improve access to the pier and (d) provide a slipway, winch and dry dock.
My Department have made £157,500 available to Cork County Council towards the cost of repairing the damage to Ballycotton Pier. One of the conditions attaching to this grant-aid is that the council are responsible for carrying out the repairs. I understand that a site investigation has been completed and that the council expect to begin the repairs during the summer.
On the question of the further development of the harbour, the position is that the Fishery Harbours Development Programme which covers the period up to the end of 1993 does not include provision for developments at Ballycotton. The possibility of developing Ballycotton Harbour will however be considered post-1993.
Has the Minister any idea when these works will be completed? Is he aware of the extraordinary congestion in Ballycotton at present due to the lack of facilities there and that some boats are forced to go back into Cork Harbour for shelter at certain times of the year?
It is difficult to assess when such works will be completed. Tenders are due in by the end of this month and work should commence in June.
