The development of Kilmore Quay Harbour, Co. Wexford, was included in the Department of the Marine's Fishery Harbour Development Programme for the period 1989 through to 1993. Implementation of this programme attracts EC Structural Funding at a rate of 50 per cent under the Operational Programme for Rural Development.
The planned development of this harbour, which involved dredging and the improvement of the land facilities, is expected to cost in the region of £2 million. Design work is at a preliminary stage and discussions are continuing with local fishery interests. Subject to design work progressing satisfactorily and all necessary sanctions being finalised, it is intended to commence physical works in the latter part of this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, under a long standing policy the maximum grant aid provided to non-State owned harbours for development works in the fisheries interest has been 50 per cent or 75 per cent, depending on geographic location. All development projects undertaken to the east of a line drawn from Lough Foyle to the Old Head of Kinsale receive a maximum of 50 per cent grant aid and those to the west receive 75 per cent grant aid.
In recent years difficulties have been encountered in the carrying out of development projects identified by the Department of the Marine, as the relevant local authorities have had problems in funding their contributions to the cost of development projects. This is particularly so in the areas where the maximum grant aid is 50 per cent. In view of the difficulties being encountered in relation to local contribution levels, the Department of the Marine intends reviewing the level of contribution that will be sought from local authorities in respect of a new Fishery Harbour Development Plan, which is currently being finalised.
