Vol. 434 No. 10
74 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine if provision has been made in the National Development Plan 1994-1999 for a new pier at Clogherhead, County Louth; the current position of his Department in relation to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As recently announced the National Development Plan 1994-1999 provides for a total investment of £137 million in the sea fisheries sector, which includes the development of fishery harbours.
The Department of the Marine is currently preparing the operational programme for the sea fisheries sector and a total investment of £12 million over the six year period is envisaged towards the provision of adequate infrastructure at fishery harbours.
This Programme will be finalised without delay, taking into account the views and ideas of the users and relevant local interests. Until such time as the programme is adopted I am not in a position to say what works will be undertaken or which harbours will benefit under the new plan.
The proposals received from Louth County Council if adopted would involve a total cost of at least £8 million. It is clear that funds will not be available on this scale. However, I will be examining carefully what works can be funded at this harbour having regard to the size of the fishing industry in that region.
