Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 7

Written Answers. - Clogherhead (Louth) Harbour.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

168 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine the situation in relation to the harbour at Clogherhead, County Louth; when he will give sanction to the first stage of the project; when it is likely to commence; the approximate cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I have recently approved the 1994 Programme of Works to be undertaken by the Department of the Marine at Fishery Harbours. No provision could be made for the development of Clogherhead this year.

Under the National Development Plan a sum of £12 million has been made available for the development of harbour facilities. This sum includes an allocation of £3 million for the development/ renewal of the ice plant network. The total cost of the development proposals submitted by the various local authorities for consideration and possible inclusion in the Fishery Harbour Development Plan 1994-99 (FHDP) far exceeds the funding available. The proposals submitted by Louth County Council alone amounted to £8 million. In view of this and the need for continued investment at the State owned Fishery Harbour Centres, only the most strategically or economically beneficial projects will be included in the 1994-99 Plan. No project will be undertaken unless the costs can be justified by reference to the economic benefits arising.

The projects to be included in the subsequent years of the FHDP have yet to be decided on. Further consultation with coastal local authorities will be necessary before a final decision is reached. The projects to be included must also be agreed with the Commission of European Communities, who are subventing the Plan's implementation. Until these exercises are complete it is not possible for me to outline what plans, if any, I have for Clogherhead.