Austin Deasy
Ceist:38 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to construct a new harbour with the aid of Structural Funds at Ardmore, County Waterford for fishery and recreational purposes.
Written Answers. - Ardmore (Waterford) Harbour.
Under the national development plan a sum of £12 million is being made available by the Government towards the improvement of facilities, including the ice plant network, at fishery harbours. In order to optimise the benefits of harbour investment projects, the Department is formulating a fishery harbour development plan to be implemented over the next six years. Given the total costs of the projects submitted to the Department for consideration and possible inclusion in the plan far exceed the money available, only the projects considered most strategically or economically benefical will be included in the final plan. No development works will be undertaken unless the costs can be justified by reference to the economic benefits arising.
Until the plan is finalised and agreed with the Commission of the European Communities, who are subventing its implementation, I am not in a position to say what works can be undertaken at Ardmore in the future.
The Deputy might be interested to know that the Ardmore Fishermen's Association were in contact with the Department late last year, requesting among other things, advice on the development of the harbour. On 24 February, 1994, one of the Department's engineers met with a number of local interests in Ardmore and advised on the types of studies that would be required in advance of any development works. The engineer further advised that local interests should liaise and consult closely with Waterford County Council who are responsible for the harbour.
It is desirable that any development which might be undertaken in the fishery interest be co-ordinated with other developments, such as recreational facilities, to ensure compatibility and to maximise the gain from carrying them out together.