Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 5

Written Answers. - Harbour Management.

John O'Leary

Ceist:

47 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the conditions of secondary harbours throughout the country; his views on whether county councils do not have the finances to maintain harbours to the required standards of safety for fishermen and boats; and the plans, if any, he has to take them over from such councils. [3958/95]

Minister for Marine (Mr. Coveney)

I have no plans to take over the management of secondary harbours from county councils.

The majority of such harbours are owned by local authorities and they are responsible for the maintenance of those harbours. It is a matter for each local authority to decide within the funding available to it, the priority to be accorded to the maintenance of local harbour infrastructure.

Safety issues at such harbours are also the primary responsibility of the relevant local authority. The services of the Department of the Marine are, of course, available to assist local authorities in safety matters.

I should also mention that subject to funding constraints, grants of up to 75 per cent may be made from the Marine Vote towards the development of secondary harbours in the fisheries interest. However, the total funding available at present is extremely limited.