Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:23 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine when he will provide 100 per cent funding for the development of Crosshaven Pier, Cork. [1950/95]
Written Answers. - Crosshaven (Cork) Pier.
Micheál Martin
Ceist:36 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Marine if he will allocate funding towards the development of Crosshaven Pier to relieve congestion and facilitate fishermen and anglers using the pier. [3882/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 36 together.
The Department of the Marine is not in a position to provide grant-aid in excess of 75 per cent for any fishery harbour development project. A 25 per cent contribution is required from the relevant local authority, whether that be a county council or harbour commissioners.
The landing facilities at Crosshaven Pier are part owned by Cork County Council and part owned by Cork Harbour Commissioners. These bodies are responsible for the repair, maintenance and operation of their respective parts and finance these functions from their own resources including fees charged for the use of the facilities. Provision of grant aid for any development works at Crosshaven will be subject to the council and the commissioners reaching agreement on future responsibility for and maintenance of any development works undertaken.
I should mention that the Crosshaven Marine Development Committee has submitted development proposals to the Department of the Marine for consideration.In order to progress this matter I have requested the Departments's Engineering Division to visit Crosshaven to assess the situation and discuss the matter with representatives of the Crosshaven Marine Development Committee.
It will also be necessary to secure the agreement of Cork County Council and the Cork Harbour Commissioners to the location and construction of a new road system in Crosshaven before the siting of the new pier can be agreed. Representatives from my Department will be in contact with both bodies shortly.
On foot of this exercise and subject to discussion with Cork County Council and Cork Harbour Commissioners, the Department of the Marine will be in a better position to evaluate what development works may be feasible having regard to available funding. I am hopeful of commencing the construction of this project in 1996.